Your SIA licence is what lets you work. If it lapses you cannot work in a licensable role until a new one is granted. This guide explains when to renew, what it costs, what training you need first, and what to do if your licence has already expired.
The short version: you can apply to renew 4 months before your licence expires, and any time you have left is added onto the new licence, so applying early costs you nothing. The renewal fee is £204. Door supervisors, security guards and close protection operatives need a refresher qualification first.
When can you renew?
You can apply to renew up to 4 months before your current licence expires. The SIA adds any time left on your current licence onto your new one, and the new licence runs from the day it is granted. So there is no reason to wait until the last minute. Applying early gives the SIA more time to process your application and lowers the risk of being unlicensed.
The SIA does not give a fixed processing time for renewals, so do not assume it will be quick.
How much does it cost?
The renewal fee is £204, the same as a new licence. The £20 rebate that applied before ended on 1 April 2026, which is why the fee is £204. If one application covers more than one licence, the additional licences get a 50% discount, but since 1 June 2026 that applies only to licences on the same application.
Your employer may pay the fee or submit the application for you, but only if you link your SIA online account with theirs. You can decline the link.
What training do you need before you renew?
Some licences need refresher training before the SIA will renew them:
- Door supervisors: the Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry (Refresher), plus an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification (or equivalent) that is valid for at least another 12 months.
- Security guards: the Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry (Refresher), with the same first aid requirement.
- Close protection operatives: the Level 2 Award for Close Protection Operatives in the Private Security Industry (Refresher), plus a level 3 first aid qualification (FAW or equivalent) valid for at least 12 months. Refresher training became mandatory for close protection renewals on 1 April 2026.
The GOV.UK renewal page does not cover the CCTV, key holder, vehicle immobiliser and cash and valuables in transit licences, so check the SIA website for those.
Notice the first aid rule: the qualification must still have at least 12 months left. A first aid certificate that is about to expire may not be enough, so check its date at the same time as your licence.
Can you switch licence type when you renew?
- Door supervisor holders can renew with the door supervisor refresher, or take the security guard refresher and switch to a security guard licence.
- Close protection holders can renew with the close protection refresher, or take the door supervisor refresher and switch.
Switching changes what you are allowed to do. A security guard licence does not cover door supervision, so only switch if you are happy to stop working in the old role.
What if your licence has already expired?
Renewal is not automatic, and you cannot renew a licence that has expired. If your licence has run out, you have to apply for a new licence instead. Do not work in a licensable role until you hold a valid licence.
What do you need to apply?
You must prove your identity with every application, including renewals. The same checks apply as for a new licence, and you may be asked to visit a UK Post Office. Check that the branch handles SIA applications before you go.
A simple renewal checklist
- Find your licence expiry date and put a reminder in about 5 months before it.
- Check your first aid certificate has more than 12 months left at the time of the refresher.
- Book your refresher course early. Popular dates fill up.
- Apply on GOV.UK once you are within 4 months of expiry.
- Keep your new licence details and update your records.
Looking for a refresher? Compare providers side by side on the Praesova training marketplace.
Quick questions
Can I renew my SIA licence early?
Yes. You can apply up to 4 months before it expires, and any time you have left is added to the new licence, so you do not lose anything by applying early.
How much is an SIA licence renewal?
£204 for one licence, the same as a new licence (checked on GOV.UK on 8 October 2026). Extra licences on the same application cost 50% less.
Do I need refresher training to renew?
Door supervisors, security guards and close protection operatives do. You also need a first aid qualification that is valid for at least another 12 months.
What if my SIA licence has expired?
You cannot renew an expired licence. You would need to apply for a new one, and you must not work in a licensable role until it is granted.
How can I check my licence is still valid?
Search the official SIA register of licence holders using your 16-digit licence number.
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