If you are doing security work or running a business that supplies security staff, it matters whether a licence is legally required. This guide explains the rule, the exemptions, and what the law says about getting it wrong.
The short version: engaging in licensable conduct without a licence is a criminal offence under section 3 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. On conviction in a magistrates' court the maximum is six months in prison, a fine, or both. Some activities are exempt, and in-house work often does not need a licence.
The rule
Section 3(1) of the Act says it is an offence for a person to engage in any licensable conduct except under and in accordance with a licence. The licensable activities are the ones in our guides, such as security guarding, door supervision and public space surveillance. GOV.UK puts it more gently, saying that working in the private security industry without a licence "may" break the law, so check the find out if you need a licence page for your case.
Supplying staff
The offence is not limited to the person on the door. Section 3(2) treats certain people who arrange or direct the work as engaged in licensable conduct too, for example a person who must make sure designated activities are carried out under a services contract, or who directs workers supplied to others. If you run a security business, see non-front line licences.
Penalty
Section 3(6) sets the maximum on summary conviction (in a magistrates' court) at six months' imprisonment or a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or both. We have not covered penalties in the Crown Court. Separately, the SIA can prosecute and publishes cases. For example it prosecuted a man in 2026 for providing forged references to support a licence application.
Exempt activities
GOV.UK lists some work that does not need a licence:
- volunteers with no payment or reward agreed
- people checking tickets or invitations, but not refusing entry or removing people
- stewards directing people to seats, toilets or first aid
- staff responding to a sudden or unexpected event
- airport staff covered by the aviation security exemption
- in-house staff at a certified sports ground in England or Wales
In-house work
In-house security work usually does not need a licence. The exceptions are door supervision at licensed premises and vehicle immobilising in Northern Ireland, where a licence is needed even in-house.
If you are unsure
Do not guess. Read the official page above, ask the SIA, and if you are an employer remember that the register lets you check a licence before someone starts. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Quick questions
Is it illegal to work as a door supervisor without a licence?
Engaging in licensable conduct without a licence is an offence under section 3 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Door supervision at licensed premises needs a licence even for in-house staff.
What is the penalty for working without an SIA licence?
On summary conviction, up to six months in prison, a fine, or both.
Do volunteers need a licence?
Not if no payment or reward is agreed.
Does checking tickets need a licence?
Not if you are only checking tickets or invitations and not refusing entry or removing people.
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.
Build my free Career PassportRelated guides
- Non-front line SIA licence explained
- SIA licence conditions: what you must report
- How to check an SIA licence