- GOV.UK lists eight licence types, and a licence only covers its own activity.
- Most licences last three years; the vehicle immobiliser licence lasts one year and is always £204.
- A single licence costs £204 and the fee is not refundable; extra licences in the same application are £102 each.
- Key holding and non-front line licences need no licence-linked qualification.
The eight types and what each needs
| Licence | Current qualification | First aid | Awarding bodies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door supervision | Level 2 Award for Working as a Door Supervisor | Required | Highfield, Laser Learning Awards, NOCN, Pearson, QNUK, SFJ Awards |
| Security guarding | Level 2 Award for Working as a Security Officer | Required | Same six |
| Public space surveillance (CCTV) | Level 2 Award for Working as a CCTV Operator (Public Space Surveillance) | Not mentioned | Same six |
| Close protection | Level 3 Certificate for Close Protection Operatives | Required | Highfield, NOCN, Pearson, QNUK, SFJ Awards |
| Cash and valuables in transit | Level 2 Award for Working as a Cash and Valuables in Transit Operative | Not mentioned | Laser Learning Awards, NOCN |
| Vehicle immobilisation (Northern Ireland only) | Level 2 Award in Vehicle Immobilisation | Not mentioned | Pearson only |
| Key holding | None needed | No | Not applicable |
| Non-front line | None needed | No | Not applicable |
Titles are shortened; the GOV.UK page gives them in full. Where a qualification applies, it must have been gained within three years before the application, and BIIAB qualifications granted on or after 11 August 2026 are not accepted.
Which activity a licence covers
GOV.UK's find-out page describes the activities in plain terms. Manned guarding is protecting premises, property or people from theft, damage, assault or unauthorised access. Door supervision is guarding licensed premises against damage, theft, unauthorised access or disorderly behaviour. Close protection is bodyguard work protecting people from physical harm. Public space surveillance is monitoring to identify people or prevent disorder or assault. Key holding is keeping or controlling access to keys or lock-operating devices. Vehicle immobilisation, wheel clamping and removal, is a Northern Ireland activity.
Applying for more than one
A person who works in more than one role can apply for several licences in the same application. GOV.UK says the first costs £204 and each further one £102, a 50% reduction, and that the payment is not refundable if the application fails. The vehicle immobiliser licence is always £204.
Choosing the right licence
- Write down what you will actually do on shift, not what the job title says.
- Match it to one of the eight activities above.
- Complete the licence-linked qualification for that activity, with first aid first where it is required.
- Apply, paying the fee through GOV.UK, and expect no guaranteed turnaround.
Why the type matters to buyers
A door supervisor licence does not make someone a CCTV operator, and using someone for work their licence does not cover is still using an unlicensed operative: see employing unlicensed security staff. The checking routine is in how to check an SIA licence.
Frequently asked questions
How many types of SIA licence are there?
GOV.UK lists eight: cash and valuables in transit, close protection, door supervision, key holding, public space surveillance (CCTV), security guarding, vehicle immobilisation (Northern Ireland only) and non-front line. Each covers its own activity.
Do key holders need a qualification?
No. GOV.UK says key holding and non-front line licences do not need a licence-linked qualification. Every other licence type needs the qualification for its activity, gained within the three years before the application.
Is the vehicle immobiliser licence available in England?
GOV.UK lists vehicle immobilisation as Northern Ireland only. Its qualification is awarded by Pearson only, the licence lasts one year rather than three, and the fee is always £204 even if you apply for several licences.
How much do two licences cost?
GOV.UK gives £204 for the first licence and £102 for each additional licence in the same application, with vehicle immobiliser always £204. The payment is not refundable, so check eligibility before you apply.
Does a door supervisor licence let me work as a security guard?
No. A licence covers its own activity. Working as a guard needs the security guarding licence and its Level 2 Award for Working as a Security Officer, and using someone outside their licence is still using an unlicensed operative.