SUMMARY
- Renewal cost has changed. From 1 April 2026, the SIA licence renewal fee is £204 after the temporary £20 rebate ended.
- Start early. You can renew up to 4 months before expiry. Starting early gives the SIA time to process your application and avoids being unlicensed and unable to work.
- Top-up training may be required. Door supervisors and security guards who qualified before April 2021 must complete a refresher course and hold a valid Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate before renewing.
- New licensing criteria apply. From 1 December 2025, the SIA strengthened its licensing rules, including expanded relevant offences, new refusal categories, and extended overseas checks (10 years).
- Plan 4–6 weeks ahead. The full process, training, awarding body results, and SIA processing can take 4–6 weeks. Don’t leave it until the last minute.
Your SIA licence expires next week. You’ve been working back-to-back shifts and haven’t thought about renewal. You check the SIA portal and realise. You need Top-Up training and a new first aid certificate before you can even apply. Panic sets in. Your employer needs you on site Monday. You now face a gap in work, lost income, and a frantic scramble to book courses that are already fully booked.
This scenario plays out across the UK security industry every month. And from April 2026, there’s an added twist: the licence fee has changed.
From 1 April 2026, the cost to renew your SIA licence is £204, the £20 rebate that has been in place since 2020 has now ended. The good news? The statutory fee hasn’t increased; it’s simply reverting to its full amount after temporary reserves were exhausted. At £204, the fee remains cheaper in real terms than when SIA licensing began in 2004 (£190 then would be £347 today).
Whether you’re a door supervisor, security guard, CCTV operator, or close protection officer, this guide walks you through every step of the SIA security licence renewal process.
When Can You Renew Your SIA Licence?
You can apply to renew your SIA licence up to 4 months before your current licence expires. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the single most important step you can take to avoid being unable to work.
Key points to remember:
- Your licence is valid for 3 years from the date it was granted.
- Your new licence starts the day after your current one expires—you don’t lose any time by renewing early.
- Your licence will not renew automatically—you must submit an application.
- If your licence has already expired, you cannot renew it; you must apply for a new licence from scratch.
- Start early. Applying up to 4 months before expiry reduces the risk of being unlicensed and unable to work.
The SIA recommends submitting your application as soon as possible. Applying early gives them more time to process your application, which “reduces the risk of you being unlicensed and unable to work”.
How Much Does an SIA Licence Renewal Cost?
The standard SIA licence renewal cost in 2026 is £204.
This applies to both first-time applications and renewals. Here’s what you need to know:
Item | Cost | Notes |
Standard renewal fee | £204 | Valid for 3 years (same as new applications) |
Additional sector licence | £102 (50% discount) | If you already hold a licence and apply for another sector on the same application |
Door Supervisor/Security Guard Top-Up Training | £70–£150 | Required if you qualified before the 2021 changes |
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) | £60–£120 | Must be valid before you can take Top-Up training |
Important: The £20 rebate that reduced the fee to £184 ended on 31 March 2026. If you applied before 1 April 2026, you paid the reduced fee. Any applications submitted on or after 1 April 2026 will be charged the full £204.
50% Discount on Additional Licences
If you apply for more than one licence as part of the same application, you’ll receive a 50% discount on the additional licences. For example, if you hold a Security Guard licence and apply for a Door Supervisor licence on the same application, the second licence costs £102 instead of £204.
Important: This discount only applies when you apply for multiple licences on the same application. The rules changed on 1 June 2026; you can no longer get the discount by applying for additional licences later.
Who Usually Pays?
Check with your employer before you renew. Many security companies pay the renewal fee on behalf of their staff or even submit the application for you. To do this, your employer will send you a request to link your SIA online account with theirs.
Do You Need Top-Up Training to Renew?
It depends on your licence type and when you qualified.
The SIA introduced updated qualifications in 2021 for door supervisors and security guards. If you qualified before April 2021, you are likely required to complete Top-Up Refresher Training before you can renew.
Licence Type | Top-Up Required? | Additional Requirements |
Door Supervisor (pre-Apr 2021) | Yes | DS Top-Up including Physical Intervention refresher + valid EFAW |
Security Guard (pre-Apr 2021) | Yes | SG Top-Up including terror threat awareness & personal risk + valid EFAW |
CCTV (PSS) | No | Top-Up not normally required; first aid not mandatory |
Close Protection | Yes (top-up) | Must complete top-up training before renewal |
New Requirement from April 2025: The SIA introduced a mandatory refresher qualification for door supervisors and security guards renewing their licences. You must also hold a valid Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) qualification before you can take the refresher training.
Switching Licences
If you hold one licence and want to switch to another:
- Door Supervisor → Security Guard: Take security guard refresher training.
- Close Protection → Door Supervisor: Take door supervisor refresher training.
How to Renew Your SIA Licence Online – Step by Step
The renewal process is straightforward if you prepare in advance. Check your expiry date, complete any required Top-Up training, and gather your documents before starting your online application. Follow these six steps to renew your SIA licence without delays or last-minute stress.
Step 1: Check Your Expiry Date
Log in to your SIA online account and check when your current licence expires. You can apply up to 4 months before this date.
Step 2: Complete Required Training
If you need Top-Up Refresher training, book it before you start your application. Allow 1–3 days for training, plus time for the awarding body to process your results.
Key requirement: You must have a valid EFAW certificate before you can book the refresher course.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Before starting your application, have ready:
- Your training certificates (Top-Up, EFAW)
- Identity documents (passport, driving licence)
- Right-to-work evidence
- Any documents required for overseas criminal record checks (see below)
- Proof of your current SIA licence (keep your badge number handy – you’ll need it for the online form)
Remember: The SIA will carry out identity checks every time you apply—even though you already hold a licence. You may need to visit a Post Office to verify your identity as part of the renewal process.
Step 4: Apply Online
- Sign in to your SIA online account on GOV.UK.
- Select “Renew Licence”.
- Complete the application form and upload your documents.
- Pay the fee (£204 from 1 April 2026).
- Submit your application and track its progress in your account.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Most renewals are processed within 1–3 weeks, but this can take longer if additional checks are required. The SIA carries out the same checks on renewals as they do on new applications.
The full process, from training to receiving your new licence, can take 4–6 weeks. Plan accordingly.
Step 6: Receive Your Licence
Once approved, your physical badge is posted to you. Keep a copy of your confirmation email for your employer as proof that you have applied.
What Happens If Your Licence Expires?
You cannot work legally if your SIA licence has expired.
- There is no grace period. Once your licence expires, you must stop working immediately.
- You cannot renew an expired licence. If it expires, you must apply for a new licence (not a renewal).
- A new licence application may take longer and involves the same checks as a first-time application.
Bottom line: Start your renewal process at least 4–6 weeks before expiry to avoid any break in work.
Updated Licensing Criteria You Need to Know
On 1 December 2025, the SIA introduced new licensing criteria that affect both new applications and renewals. These changes mean:
Expanded “Relevant Offences”
The SIA has added more offences to the list they consider when assessing applications, including:
- Human trafficking and modern slavery
- Revenge pornography
- Female genital mutilation (FGM)
- Domestic abuse
- Immigration offences
- Public order offences
- Tax evasion offences
- Company law offences
New Refusal Categories
Two new refusal categories were introduced:
Absolute Refusal
- You will fall into this category if you are on a sex offenders register or subject to a sexual harm prevention order.
- Appeals are only accepted if the decision is based on incorrect information.
Intention to Refuse
- Applies to convictions for sexual offences or child abuse (where absolute refusal doesn’t apply) or custodial sentences exceeding 48 months.
- Appeals can be accepted if you can demonstrate you are not a risk to the public.
Extended Overseas Checks
The overseas criminal record check requirement has been extended from 5 years to 10 years. If you have lived outside the UK for a continuous period of 6 months or more in the last 10 years, you must provide evidence of criminal record checks from those countries.
Expanded “Other Information” Criteria
The SIA now explicitly considers additional factors when assessing fitness to hold a licence, including:
- Disciplinary proceedings or restrictions imposed by professional bodies
- Evidence of predatory or abusive sexual behaviour
- Domestic violence or abuse
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake | Why It’s a Problem | How to Avoid It |
Leaving it until the last week | If your licence expires, you cannot work until renewal is approved | Start the process 4–6 weeks before expiry |
Forgetting Top-Up training | You cannot renew without completing required refresher training | Book training as soon as you receive your renewal reminder |
Letting your first aid expire | You must have valid EFAW before you can take Top-Up training | Check your first aid expiry date and renew if needed |
Assuming your employer will renew it | Many employers do—but not all | Check with your employer before submitting your application |
Not linking your account with your employer | They can’t submit or pay for your application without this | Accept the linking request from your employer if they offer to submit on your behalf |
Incorrect documents | Any errors delay processing | Double-check all documents match previous records—use your full legal name |
Conclusion
Renewing your SIA licence doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is planning.
Your renewal checklist:
- Check your expiry date. You can renew up to 4 months early
- Check if you need top-up training. Door supervisors and security guards who qualified before April 2021 almost certainly do
- Make sure your first aid is valid. You need it before you can take the refresher course
- Apply online through your SIA account
- Pay the fee: £204 from 1 April 2026
- Track your application and keep your confirmation email
The new licensing criteria introduced in December 2025 mean the SIA is taking a tougher line on offences, overseas checks, and fitness to hold a licence. If you have any concerns about how the new rules might affect your renewal, check the SIA’s updated licensing criteria or seek advice from a reputable training provider before you apply.
Your SIA licence is your ticket to work. Don’t let it expire. Start your renewal process today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does SIA licence renewal cost in 2026?
£204 for a 3-year licence. From 1 April 2026, the £20 rebate ended, and the fee reverted to the statutory amount. Additional sector licences cost £102 (50% discount) if applied for on the same application.
Do I need Top-Up training to renew?
It depends on your licence type and when you qualified. Door Supervisors and Security Guards who qualified before April 2021 need Top-Up training and a valid EFAW certificate before renewing. CCTV licence holders do not normally need Top-Up training.
How early can I renew my SIA licence?
You can apply to renew up to 4 months before your current licence expires. You will not lose time on your new licence—it starts the day after your current one expires.
Can I work while my renewal is processing?
Only if your current licence is still valid. Once it expires, you cannot legally work until the renewal is granted. There is no grace period.
How long will my new licence last?
3 years from the day after your current licence expires.
What happens if I let my licence expire?
If your licence has expired, you cannot renew it. You must apply for a new licence from scratch. You cannot work until the new licence is granted.
Can I renew my SIA licence online?
Yes, all renewals are submitted through your SIA online account on the GOV.UK website. You’ll need to upload documents, verify your identity (possibly at a Post Office), and pay the fee.
Does the SIA carry out checks on renewals?
Yes, the SIA carries out the same checks on renewals as they do on new applications. This includes criminal record checks, identity verification, and, from 1 December 2025, extended overseas checks for 10 years.
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