Getting an SIA licence is not the end of the paperwork. Every licence comes with conditions, and the reporting deadlines are short. They were tightened on 1 December 2025.
The short version: report a relevant conviction, caution, warning or charge, an investigation, a lost or stolen licence or a change to your right to work within 2 days. Report a change of name or address within 7 days. Do it through your SIA online account.
Conditions for every licence holder
- Tell the SIA and the police if your licence is lost or stolen.
- Return your licence to the SIA if asked.
- Tell the SIA about any conviction, caution, warning or charge for a relevant offence, in the UK or abroad.
- Tell the SIA if a public body is investigating you for a relevant offence.
- Tell the SIA about changes to your name or address.
- Show your licence to a police officer, an SIA member or employee, or another authorised person who asks to inspect it.
- Do not deface or alter your licence. If it is damaged, tell the SIA and ask for a replacement.
- Tell the SIA about any change to your right to remain or work in the UK.
- If your licence was based on a qualification or licence gained outside the UK, tell the SIA about changes to its validity and any disciplinary action taken or proposed.
The deadlines
Within 2 days
- relevant convictions, cautions, warnings or charges
- open investigations by a public or professional body into a relevant offence or misconduct
- a lost or stolen licence
- a change to your right to work or remain in the UK
- changes to an overseas qualification or licence, or related disciplinary action
Within 7 days
- a change of name or address
These used to be 21 days and 42 days. If you are in police custody or on remand, report as soon as possible and explain why you could not report sooner. Report changes through your SIA online account. "Relevant offences" are the ones listed in Annex A of the SIA's Get Licensed document.
Extra conditions for front line licences
You must wear your licence where it can be seen at all times while doing licensable activity, unless it has been reported lost or stolen, is with the SIA, or covert work means you must not be identifiable. Never wear a defaced or altered licence.
The covert exception covers work such as store detectives or close protection operatives guarding a principal covertly. You must still carry the licence and show it on request. It does not apply to vehicle immobilisers.
Vehicle immobiliser licences (Northern Ireland)
Do not clamp, block or tow a vehicle displaying a valid disabled badge, or an emergency service vehicle in use as one. If you collect a release fee you must give a receipt showing the location, your name and signature, your licence number and the date.
What happens if you break a condition
The SIA can issue a written warning (which may count against you later), suspend or revoke the licence, or prosecute. Breaching a licence condition is a criminal offence under section 9 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.
Tips
- Put your expiry date in your diary, and report changes as soon as they happen.
- If you are unsure whether something is a "relevant" offence, check Annex A of Get Licensed or ask the SIA rather than wait.
- Employers can check your licence on the public register, so keep your details current.
Quick questions
How long do I have to report a conviction to the SIA?
2 days, for a relevant conviction, caution, warning or charge.
How long do I have to tell the SIA I have moved?
7 days.
Do I have to wear my SIA licence?
Front line licence holders must wear it where it can be seen while working, with exceptions such as covert work. You must still carry it and show it on request.
What if my licence is lost or stolen?
Tell the SIA and the police within 2 days and ask for a replacement.
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