SIA Licence Renewal: Don't Let It Expire
When to Start Your Renewal
Your SIA licence is valid for 3 years from the date of issue. The SIA allows you to apply for renewal up to 16 weeks (4 months) before your expiry date.
Set a reminder now. Open your phone calendar and set an alert for 4 months before your licence expires. This gives you maximum time to complete the renewal without any gap in your ability to work.
If you leave it too late and your licence expires before the new one arrives, you cannot legally work in any SIA-regulated role. That means no shifts, no income, and potentially losing your position to someone else.
How Much Does Renewal Cost?
The renewal fee is the same as a new licence: £184 for another 3-year period. This has not changed in recent years.
You do not need to retrain or resit any qualifications for renewal, provided your original training qualification is still valid. However, some employers may require you to attend refresher training independently.
Step-by-Step Renewal Process
Step 1: Check Your Expiry Date
Look at your physical SIA licence card. The expiry date is printed on the front. You can also check it online via the SIA licence checker.
Step 2: Start Your Application Early
Log in to the SIA licensing portal and begin your renewal application. Choose "Renew an existing licence."
Step 3: Complete the Form
The renewal form requires:
- Your current licence details
- Updated personal information (if anything has changed)
- A new passport-style photograph
- Declaration of any new criminal convictions since your last application
- Your address history for the last 5 years
Step 4: Pay the Fee
Pay £184 by debit or credit card. The fee is non-refundable.
Step 5: Criminal Record Check
The SIA runs a fresh enhanced DBS check as part of every renewal. If you have had any new convictions or cautions since your last application, these will be assessed.
Step 6: Wait for Your New Licence
Processing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods or if additional checks are required.
What Happens If Your Licence Expires?
This is the critical information that many security workers do not fully understand:
You Cannot Work
The moment your licence expires, you are legally prohibited from working in any SIA-regulated role. This includes door supervision, security guarding, CCTV operation, and close protection. Working without a valid licence is a criminal offence that can result in:
- A fine of up to £5,000
- A criminal record
- Difficulty obtaining future SIA licences
Your Employer Must Remove You
Employers who allow unlicensed staff to work face their own penalties. Most will immediately remove you from the rota if your licence has expired, regardless of your renewal application status.
No Grace Period
There is no grace period. The SIA does not allow you to continue working while a renewal application is being processed if your current licence has already expired. This is why starting early is so important.
You May Need to Retrain
If your licence has been expired for an extended period (typically more than 12 months), the SIA may require you to retrain and obtain fresh qualifications before issuing a new licence. This adds significant cost and delay.
Common Renewal Pitfalls
Leaving It Too Late
The single most common problem. If you apply 2 weeks before expiry and processing takes 6 weeks, you have a 4-week gap where you cannot work. Apply 16 weeks early.
Forgetting to Update Your Address
If you have moved since your last application, make sure your address history is complete. Gaps or inaccuracies can delay processing while the SIA investigates.
New Convictions
If you have received any convictions, cautions, or reprimands since your last application, you must declare them. The SIA will discover them through the DBS check anyway — failing to declare them looks worse than the conviction itself.
Poor Photograph
Just like the initial application, the SIA rejects many renewal applications due to poor-quality photographs. Use a proper passport photo service or photo booth. Requirements:
- White background
- No glasses
- No head coverings (unless for religious reasons)
- Face clearly visible, looking directly at the camera
- Taken within the last month
Assuming Your Employer Will Remind You
Some employers track licence expiry dates. Many do not. Your licence is your responsibility. Never assume someone else will remind you.
Linking Your Licence to Your Online Profile
If you have a profile on Security Jobs UK, you can add your SIA licence details including the expiry date. This makes it easy for employers to verify your credentials and shows that your licence is current.
What If You Want to Change Licence Type?
Renewal is for the same licence type you currently hold. If you want to add a different licence (e.g., you have a security guard licence and want to add a door supervisor licence), you need to:
Quick Reference: Renewal Timeline
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| 16 weeks before expiry | Start your renewal application |
| 12 weeks before expiry | Latest comfortable date to apply |
| 6 weeks before expiry | Urgent — apply immediately, processing may not complete in time |
| Expiry date | Licence invalid — you cannot work |
| 1 to 12 months after expiry | Apply as normal, but you have a gap in your working ability |
| 12+ months after expiry | May need to retrain before the SIA will issue a new licence |
Do not let your career stall over a missed renewal date. Set that reminder today, and apply as soon as the renewal window opens.
Keep your career on track — browse security jobs on Security Jobs UK.