How long does SIA licence last? If you’re interested in working in the private security industry, it’s a question you may have wondered before. Today, Vertex Academy is here to deliver this crucial information. But first, let’s start with the basics.

How Long Does SIA Licence Last: What Is SIA Licence?

If you want to work in any private security role in the UK, such as a security officer (security guard) or a door supervisor in places and events that serve alcohol, you must have an SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence. This is a legal requirement under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, and you can be prosecuted if you work without one.

SIA licences show that the holder is a suitable and trustworthy person, has completed the required training course approved by the government, and has the necessary skills and qualifications to perform all the duties of their security position.

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How Do You Apply For A SIA Licence?

Before you can get a licence in the UK, you must complete an SIA-approved training linked to the licence you want. More information about these courses is on the UK government website here.

Completing a training course does not mean you automatically get a licence. Still, it is a necessary step you have to take if you want to be a registered security professional in the UK.

After you finish your training course, you can apply for your licence on the UK government website by creating an online account and filling out an application form. Now, let’s talk about how long does SIA licence last.

How Long Does SIA Licence Last?

An SIA licence is a legal requirement for anyone working in a private security role in the UK. An SIA licence lasts three years and must be renewed before expiration. You can apply to renew your licence four months before your current licence expires. The application fee is £190 per licence.

How To Renew My SIA Licence?

To work in a private security role in the UK, you must have a valid SIA licence. You should renew your SIA licence before it expires to avoid any interruption in your work. The best time to renew your SIA licence is when you have about four months left out of the three years of validity. This will give you enough time to receive your new licence before your current one expires.

The SIA reminds you when you have four months left on your licence. If you renew your licence within those four months, your new licence will start from when your previous licence expires.

What Are The Eligibility Requirements For SIA Licence?

Now that you know how long does SIA licence last, you need to meet some requirements besides passing an SIA licence course. Here are some of the things you need to do:

● Get a criminal records check – You need to prove that you have a clean criminal record or disclose any convictions or cautions you have. You can do this by applying for a basic disclosure certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or Disclosure Scotland.

● Provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK – You need to show that you have the right to work in the UK by providing documents such as your passport, birth certificate, immigration status document, or biometric residence permit.

● Provide proof of identity – You need to submit one form of photo ID, such as your passport or driving licence, and two official documents, such as your council tax bill, mortgage statement, utility bill or bank statement, along with a recent passport-style photograph of yourself. You must send the original documents by post or visit a Post Office to have them checked, photographed, and paid for. If you don’t, your licence won’t be issued, and you may lose your application fee.

How Long Does The Licence Take To Arrive To Your Address?

This is a good question for everyone who needs to know how long does SIA licence last. If you want to know how long it will take for your licence to be issued, you can use the government’s decision timescale indicator to get an estimate. You can find it on the UK government website here.

You can also check the status of your application by logging in to your SIA account on the government website and going to “my applications”.

The time it takes for your SIA application to be processed depends on several factors, such as how fast you send back your identification documents and how many licences you are applying for.

If you have a criminal record, a pending trial, or have lived outside of the UK for six months or more in a row (within five years of applying for your SIA licence), this can also affect how quickly your licence is granted.

Is It Possible To Start Working While Your Application Is In Progress?

Working in a security role without a valid SIA licence is a crime under the Private Security Act 2001, and this remains true until you get your licence (or at least proof it has been granted). There is, however, an exception to this rule – you can legally work for an SIA Approved Contractor (ACS company) on a Licence Dispensation Notice (LDN) once your application reaches ‘Checks in Progress’.

This can give you some time, whereby you can start working in a security role while the application is still ongoing. There are many reasons to choose an SIA ACS company, such as Venture Security, as your employer. The main one is that you will be paid correctly and on time.

Try Vertex Academy For The Best SIA Licence Courses!

Vertex Academy offers a variety of security courses in the UK, including Functional Skills in English and Math, Emergency First Aid at Work Level 3, Door Supervisor Course, Door Supervisor Top-Up Course, CCTV Course, Topographical Test Preparation by TfL, and SERU by TfL. Our courses are 100% SIA-approved and up-to-date with market standards.

Contact us today to learn more about our courses!