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Check the SIA register before you hire
GOV.UK says you must check that someone has the correct security licence before hiring them for private security work. Search the SIA register of licence holders using their 16-digit SIA licence number, or their surname and other details such as date of birth and security role.
Check that the licence is for the work they will do. The register covers security guarding, door supervision, close protection, public space surveillance (CCTV), key holding and cash and valuables in transit, plus vehicle immobilisation in Northern Ireland.
- Search the register, not just the physical licence card
- Confirm the licence sector matches the role
- Note the expiry date shown on the register
- Check again at renewal and whenever the role changes
Why it matters
GOV.UK warns that you could be fined or sent to prison if you pay someone to work in security without the right SIA licence. If they do not have one, they need to complete the training and get licensed before they work.
Clients often ask contractors to show that every officer on their site is licensed, so a clear, dated record of each check saves time as well as risk.
What to record when you check a licence
Keep a record of the check itself, not just a photo of the card. It should show what you looked at, when, who checked it and what the register said.
- The officer's name, licence number and licence sector
- The expiry date on the register
- The date you checked the register and who checked it
- The result, and any follow-up needed
- The sites or contracts the officer works on
Plan renewals early
SIA licences do not renew automatically. The SIA says a licence holder can apply to renew 4 months before their current licence expires, and that any time left on the old licence is added to the new one, so renewing early loses nothing.
Some renewals also need refresher training, and licensing criteria change over time. Remind officers well before the 4-month point so training and the application are done before the licence runs out.
How SkillProof helps
SkillProof keeps each officer's SIA licence as a tracked requirement with the licence number, sector, expiry date, evidence and the date your team checked the SIA register. Reminders go out before the licence expires, and the editable security and cleaning starter setup includes SIA licence records. SkillProof does not check the register or verify licences itself.
Licences sit with site inductions, DBS checks and training, so a supervisor can see who is cleared for each site.
Official guidance used for this guide
Checked
GOV.UK and SIA guidance used for this article. Check it for the latest licensing rules.
Questions this guide answers
How do I check if someone has an SIA licence?
Search the SIA register of licence holders on GOV.UK with their 16-digit licence number, or their surname and details such as date of birth and security role. Check the licence sector matches the work.
When can an SIA licence be renewed?
From 4 months before the current licence expires. Licences do not renew automatically, and any time left on the old licence is added to the new one.
Can an employer renew a licence for an officer?
The SIA says employers may pay the fee or submit the renewal for the officer once the officer links their SIA online account to the employer's.
Does SkillProof check the SIA register?
No. SkillProof records the licence, its expiry date and the date your team checked the register, then reminds you before it expires.