If you work on the door of a pub, bar, club or event, you need a door supervisor licence from the SIA. This guide explains what it covers and what you need to get and keep one.
The short version: you need the Level 2 Award for Working as a Door Supervisor in the Private Security Industry and a valid first aid qualification. The licence costs £204 and lasts 3 years.
What the licence covers
A door supervisor licence is required to guard licensed premises against damage, theft, unauthorised access or disorderly behaviour. "Licensed premises" means a venue licensed to sell alcohol on-site or provide regulated entertainment. The role includes searching people and their belongings.
Training you need
First-time applicants need the Level 2 Award for Working as a Door Supervisor in the Private Security Industry, gained within the last 3 years from an approved provider. In Scotland the equivalent is the Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry (Scotland) at SCQF Level 6.
You also need an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification (or equivalent) before the course, and it must be valid for at least another 12 months. BIIAB qualifications are not accepted on or after 11 August 2026, and the old "top-up" qualifications were removed on 1 April 2026.
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Cost and how long it lasts
The licence fee is £204 and the licence lasts three years. If you also want a security guard licence, apply for both together and the second is £102. See the cost guide.
Renewing
You can apply to renew 4 months before expiry. You need the Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry (Refresher), plus a first aid qualification valid for at least another 12 months. Read our renewal guide. You can also take the security guard refresher and switch to a security guard licence, but that no longer lets you work on the door.
Licence conditions
You must wear your licence where it can be seen whenever you are working, and show it to a police officer or SIA officer if asked. Tell the SIA within 2 days about any conviction, caution or charge for a relevant offence, and within 7 days about a change of name or address. Breaking the conditions can lead to a warning, suspension, revocation or prosecution.
Quick questions
Do I need first aid to get a door supervisor licence?
Yes. You need an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification (or equivalent) valid for at least another 12 months before taking the course.
Does a door supervisor licence let me work as a security guard?
The security guard licence is a separate licence. You can apply for both on one application and get 50% off the second.
How do I check a door supervisor's licence?
Use the SIA register of licence holders. You can search by their 16-digit licence number.
Is it different in Scotland?
The licence rules are the same, but the training is the Scottish SCQF Level 6 award.
Keep your licence in one place
Add your licence and qualifications to your free Praesova Career Passport. We check your licence on the official register and email you from 4 months before it expires.
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