Obtaining Your SIA License
A Step By Step Guide
6 SIMPLE STEPS TO APPLY FOR A SIA LICENCE
1
REGISTER
2
LOGIN
3
APPLY
4
NEXT
STEPS
5
CHECKS IN
PROGRESS
6
DECISION
Register for a personal online account
1. Enter personal details and email address
2. Choose username and password
3. You will receive an activation email. Click the link in the email to activate your account
If you dont recieve the activation email please check your trash / junk folders
In our self service website
1. Enter username and password
2. Enter requested information on the
'match your details' page
3. If you held a licence in the past this will match your new account with existing licence information we hold
Your login credentials from the old SIA site will no longer work
When logged into your online account
1. Click 'Start a New
Application'
2. Complete sections 1-9
3. Review and submit your application
You will receive a notification in your online account and an email to explain your next steps
1. When instructed, visit a post office to have your ID documents checked, photograph taken and to pay for your application
2. You may receive an email asking you to send additional documents to us
A record of your qualifications should be present, if not you will need to contact your training provider
SIA needs to complete and approve all ID checks and have received payment for your licence before you move on to the next steps
We check your criminal record, right to work and photographs
We may email you asking you to send additional
documents related to these checks
Make sure you respond promptly to requests for further information to help speed up the proccess
You can check the status of your licence application at anytime on your SIA online account
You will receive a decision notification in your online account and via email
Decision to grant: you will receive a granted letter and your licence card will follow within 14 davs
If we propose to refuse your licence application we will write to you to explain why; you will have 21 days from the date on our decision letter to provide a response
As soon as you can receive confirmation that your Licence has been granted, you can start working even before your Licence comes through the post, as long as you print your Licence Number as it appears on the register of Licence Holders and keep this on your person with a photo ID
SIA Video's:
Video: How to submit and online SIA Licence application
Video: The key stages involved in processing your application
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO DO THE SIA COURSE & GET AN SIA LICENCE?
You need to be at least 18 years old to participate in the course & apply for your SIA licence.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE LICENCE?
To apply for your SIA licence, visit the SIA website (www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk) and sign up for their e-Fill system. This lets you fill in your application online and then complete the process at your nearest participating Post Office. You can start your SIA licence application as soon as you receive confirmation of passing your exams from us. You don't need the physical certificates; just the name of the Awarding Body and the month you finished the course (for example, 08/2021) will suffice.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET THE LICENCE?
As long as the application form is correctly filled out, complete, and accompanied by the proper identification documents, the SIA aims to process it within 25 working days. Remember: As soon as you receive confirmation that your Licence has been granted, you can start working even before your Licence comes through the post, as long as you print your Licence Number as it appears on the register of Licence Holders and keep this on your person with a photo ID.
WHAT IF I'VE GOT A CRIMINAL CONVICTION?
Eligibility for an SIA licence depends on the severity of any offence committed and the time elapsed since. If you're uncertain about your eligibility, check the Criminal Record Indicator on the SIA website. You can also use the SIA criminal record indicator tool, this tool will ask you questions about you and your criminal record. It will then use your answers to estimate whether you will pass our criminality checks.
SIA Criminal Record Indicator Tool:
https://www.services.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/licensing-cri.aspx
I HAVEN’T LIVED IN THE UK FOR LONG. IS THIS GOING TO AFFECT MY SIA APPLICATION?
When filling out the SIA application form, you're required to list your addresses from the last five years, including those outside the UK. If you've lived abroad for six months or more during this period, you need to submit a criminal record certificate from each country you resided in. If these certificates aren't in English, they must be accompanied by an approved translation. Your application will only be processed after these criminality certificates are provided.
WHAT IS THE COST OF THE LICENCE?
The cost of the SIA licence is currently £184.00.