Applying for or Renewing a Licence

Renewing Your Licence

If you already hold an SIA licence you will need to apply for a new one before your current one expires. Don't wait until after it expires: you need a valid licence to work legally and there's no grace period between licences.

Learn more about renewals

Applying for a Licence

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE APPLYING:

Your application will be assessed against various licensing criteria; before applying for an SIA licence, it is your responsibility to ensure that you satisfy all of these criteria - you will not be granted a licence unless you do so. The SIA will not be liable for any costs (for example, the cost of training) incurred during the application process.

As well as the application form we will need supporting documentation (for example, proof of identity), a personal photograph and the application fee. All documentation will be returned to you but please don't send anything you might need in the near future.

How to Apply

Fill in your application form online

Our e-Fill service lets you fill in your application form online and then print it yourself or request that we print it and post it to you.

Read more about e-Fill

Register for e-Fill / login- this link opens in a new window

Request a blank application form

You can request an application pack by filling in our online form or calling 0844 892 1025 (lines open 8am until 8pm Mon-Fri).

Request an application pack- this link opens in a new window

Please note: clicking the links to our online form or the e-fill service will transfer you to our secure server, which will open in a new window. You must be using Internet Explorer 6 (service pack 1) or above, or Netscape 7.02 for the new site to display properly. You can return to this site by closing the new window.

How long will it take?

Image illustrating the licence application process

We aim to process a minimum of 80% of all correctly completed applications within 25 working days.

This time starts from the day your application is entered onto our system and ends on the day we make our decision. The clock is stopped if your application fails validation - that is, if we have to send it back to you because you have not filled it in correctly or you have not provided the required supporting documentation. The clock is reset when you send your application back to us.

Complex applications (for example, applications subject to additional criminality or qualification enquiries and those requiring overseas criminality checks) may take longer than 25 working days.