The licence costs £220 and is payable to the SIA. Please note this is not included in your course costs.
For individuals
The only way to apply for a new licence will be to fill in your application online at the SIA website; you will then be told which identity and other documents to take to one of over 750 post offices around the country to complete your application.
The Post Office will complete licence applications by:
- Checking and returning the applicants documents,
- Taking a digital photograph and an electronic signature, and
- Taking payment of the application fee.
Your photograph and signature are sent to SIA electronically by the Post Office. Who will then add them to the application information already received and continue with their checks.
Fill in your application online
Renewing your licence will only be possible using the telephone renewals service.
Call 0844 892 1025 – lines are open 8am until 8pm Monday-Friday. The SIA will confirm your details over the telephone, ask you to make a declaration and take your card payment. The whole process should take around 15 minutes. They will then complete their standard checks, including requesting a criminal record check, before making a decision on your licence application.Please note:
- You will need to pay the licence fee by debit or credit card. Other methods of payment cannot be accepted through this service.
- You must have supplied a photographic group A document in support of your previous licence application(s).
- The details you provide must match the ones that the SIA have on file. If they do not (for example, if you have changed your name or address and have not told us) then they will not be able to proceed with your renewal.
Your application will have a unique number on it which you will need to keep safe and you can check your application status online.
The SIA aim to process a minimum of 80% of all correctly completed applications within 25 working days. This time starts from the day your application is entered onto the system and ends on the day they make their decision. The clock is stopped if your application fails validation and you are required to provide supporting documentation. The clock is reset when you send your application is received back by the SIA.
Complex applications (for example, applications subject to additional criminality or qualification enquiries and those requiring overseas criminality checks) may take longer than 25 working days.
- Incorrect qualification
- Insufficient or incorrect identification documents
- Gaps in 5 year address history( Not relevant online as will not allow you to proceed if it detects a gap.)
- Criminal record check reveals unacceptable history
- Overseas criminal record check not included
- Card payment rejected by bank or cheque unpaid