SIA Licence Renewal 2026: Costs, Timeline & How to Renew

Your SIA licence is valid for three years. When that expiry date starts approaching, you need to act quickly — if your licence lapses, you cannot legally work in any licensable security role until the new one is issued. This guide walks you through the entire renewal process for 2026, including costs, training and the timeline you need to follow.

When Should You Start the Renewal Process?

The SIA recommends that you begin your renewal at least 16 weeks before your licence expires. This gives enough time to:

• Complete your top-up training course
• Submit your renewal application
• Allow the SIA to process your application and criminal record check
• Receive your new licence card in the post

Do not wait until the last minute. Processing times can stretch beyond six weeks during busy periods, and any delay in your top-up training or paperwork could leave you without a valid licence.

You can check your licence expiry date on the SIA website by entering your licence number, or on the front of your physical licence card.

What Top-Up Training Do You Need?

To renew your SIA licence, you must complete an approved top-up training course. This is shorter than the original qualification you completed when you first applied.

Door Supervisor Renewal

• Course: Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors — Top-Up
• Duration: Typically 2 days
• Content: Updated legislation, refreshed conflict management techniques, first aid refresher, physical intervention refresher
• Cost: £100 to £200 depending on the training provider

Security Guard Renewal

• Course: Level 2 Award for Security Officers — Top-Up
• Duration: Typically 1 to 2 days
• Content: Updated working practices, refreshed conflict management, communication skills
• Cost: £80 to £150

CCTV Operator Renewal

• Course: Level 2 Award for CCTV Operators — Top-Up
• Duration: Typically 1 day
• Content: Updated CCTV legislation, GDPR refresher, operating procedures
• Cost: £80 to £150

Close Protection Renewal

• Course: Level 3 Certificate for Close Protection — Top-Up
• Duration: Typically 3 to 5 days
• Content: Updated threat assessment, protective skills refresher, first aid, surveillance detection
• Cost: £800 to £1,500

Important: You must complete the top-up course that matches the licence type you are renewing. If you hold a Door Supervisor licence, you need the Door Supervisor top-up, not the Security Guard one.

Step-by-Step Renewal Process

Step 1: Book Your Top-Up Training

Find an SIA-approved training provider and book your top-up course. Do this as early as possible — popular providers get booked up quickly, especially in spring and autumn when many licences are due for renewal.

Make sure the provider is listed on the SIA's register of approved training centres. Training from a non-approved provider will not be accepted.

Step 2: Complete the Top-Up Course and Pass

Attend the course, complete all assessments, and receive your certificate. Keep this certificate safe — you will need it for your application.

Step 3: Apply Online Through the SIA Portal

Log in to the SIA licensing portal (or create an account if you do not have one) and submit your renewal application. You will need:

• Your current SIA licence number
• Your top-up training certificate details
• Proof of identity (passport or driving licence)
• Proof of address (from the last 3 months)
• A passport-style photograph
• Payment of the £210 renewal fee

Step 4: Criminal Record Check

The SIA will conduct a fresh criminal record check as part of every renewal. If you have acquired any new convictions since your last application, these will be assessed. Minor offences do not automatically disqualify you, but serious or relevant convictions could result in your renewal being refused.

Step 5: Wait for Your New Licence

Processing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, though this can vary. Your new licence card will be posted to you. The new licence runs for another 3 years from the date of issue.

How Much Does SIA Licence Renewal Cost in 2026?

Here is a breakdown of the total renewal costs:

• SIA licence renewal fee: £210
• Top-up training course: £80 to £200 (standard licences) or £800 to £1,500 (close protection)
• Total cost for standard licences: approximately £290 to £410
• Total cost for close protection: approximately £1,010 to £1,710

Some employers will cover the cost of renewal for existing staff. If you are currently employed in security, check with your employer before paying out of pocket.

What Happens If Your Licence Expires Before the Renewal Comes Through?

If your licence expires while your renewal is being processed, you cannot legally work in any SIA-licensable role until you receive your new licence. This is why the SIA stresses the 16-week lead time.

However, if you applied before your licence expired and the SIA is still processing it, you may be able to show your employer proof that your renewal is in progress. Whether your employer is willing to keep you on shift during this period is their decision — some will, some will not. Legally, the responsibility falls on the employer not to deploy unlicensed staff.

Can Your Renewal Be Refused?

Yes. The SIA can refuse a renewal on several grounds:

• Criminal convictions acquired since your last application, particularly for violence, dishonesty or drugs offences
• Failure to complete valid top-up training from an approved provider
• Providing false information on your application
• Outstanding sanctions from the SIA for previous breaches

If your renewal is refused, you have the right to appeal the decision. The SIA will provide details of the appeals process in their refusal letter.

Tips for a Smooth Renewal

• Set a calendar reminder for 20 weeks before your expiry date — this gives you buffer time
• Book your top-up training early to avoid course availability issues
• Keep your documents up to date — an expired passport or old address can cause delays
• Use the same email address as your original application to speed up the process
• Pay by card online — this is faster than postal applications
• Tell your employer when your renewal is submitted so they can plan ahead

Stay Licensed, Stay Working

Your SIA licence is your livelihood. Letting it lapse means lost shifts, lost income and the hassle of reapplying from scratch. Start the renewal process early, get your top-up training booked, and keep working without interruption.

Browse the latest SIA-licensed security jobs on Security Jobs UK while you wait for your renewal to come through.