If you work in the UK security industry, your SIA licence is your passport to a rewarding career. But like any passport, it has an expiry date. With the rules around renewals changing, it’s more important than ever to know exactly what you need to do to stay licensed and legal. This guide will walk you through the entire SIA licence renewal process for 2026, with a special focus on the new mandatory refresher training and the updated licence fee. For a complete overview of SIA licensing, from your first application to the latest industry updates, our main SIA Licensing Guide is a great place to start.
Key Takeaways
- Mandatory Refresher Training: As of 2025, all SIA licence renewals require the completion of a mandatory refresher course.
- Renewal Window: You can start your renewal process up to four months before your current licence expires.
- Online Application: The entire renewal process is completed through your personal SIA online account.
- Expired Licences: If your licence has expired, you can still renew it, but you cannot work until your new licence is granted.
- Cost: The renewal fee is now £204, following the end of the SIA’s rebate scheme.
- Plan Ahead: Don’t leave your renewal to the last minute. Start the process early to avoid any gaps in your employment.
Key Changes for 2026: Refresher Training and New Licence Fee
Two major changes are affecting SIA licence renewals in 2026. First, there’s the ongoing requirement for mandatory refresher training, which is a full-blown training course designed to bring your skills up to date with the latest industry standards. The course covers critical topics like counter-terrorism awareness, first aid, and new legislation, ensuring that every licensed security professional is equipped to handle the challenges of the modern world.
Second, and importantly, the SIA’s temporary £20 rebate scheme has come to an end as of 1 April 2026. This means the renewal fee has increased from £184 to £204. The SIA had been using historical reserves to provide this rebate since 2020, but those reserves are now exhausted. The £204 fee is the statutory fee set by the SIA and applies to both first-time applications and renewals. While the fee has increased, it’s worth noting that it remains considerably lower in real terms than when SIA licensing was first introduced over two decades ago.
Why the change? The SIA recognised that the security industry is constantly evolving. Threats change, best practices improve, and new laws come into force. By requiring refresher training, the SIA ensures that every licensed professional is not just maintaining their licence, but actively developing their skills and knowledge. This benefits you as a professional, your employer, and most importantly, the public you’re protecting.
What’s covered in the refresher training? The course typically includes counter-terrorism awareness, which is increasingly important given the threat landscape in the UK. You’ll also cover first aid, conflict management, and any new legislation that has come into force since your last training. The exact content may vary slightly depending on your role, whether you’re a door supervisor, security guard, or close protection officer.
This new requirement applies to everyone renewing their licence, regardless of how long you’ve been in the industry. The old “top-up” training is no longer sufficient. You must complete the new, SIA-approved refresher training to be eligible for renewal. Train4Security offers both SIA Security Guard Refresher and SIA Door Supervisor Refresher courses to help you meet this new requirement. These courses are designed to be flexible, with options for online learning and in-person training, so you can fit them around your work schedule.
When Should I Renew My SIA Licence?
The SIA allows you to start your renewal application up to four months before your current licence expires. It’s a good idea to take advantage of this window and start the process as early as possible. This will give you plenty of time to complete your refresher training, gather your documents, and submit your application without rushing. The last thing you want is to be out of work because you left your renewal to the last minute.
The SIA Renewal Process: Step-by-Step
Renewing your SIA licence is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully to avoid any delays. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do:
- Book Your Refresher Training: The first step is to book and complete your mandatory refresher training. You’ll need your training certificate before you can submit your renewal application.
- Log in to Your SIA Account: All renewals are done online through the SIA’s official renewal page. If you don’t already have an account, you’ll need to create one.
- Complete the Application Form: The online application form will ask you to confirm your personal details, upload a new photograph, and provide information about your right to work in the UK.
- Pay the Fee: The renewal fee is now £204. This change came into effect on 1 April 2026, after the SIA’s temporary £20 rebate scheme ended. You can pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
- Identity Checks: You may need to visit a Post Office to have your identity documents checked.
- Wait for Your New Licence: Once your application has been approved, your new licence will be sent to you in the post.
Common Renewal Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
There are several mistakes that people make when renewing their SIA licence, and many of them can be easily avoided with a bit of planning and attention to detail.
Leaving it too late: The most common mistake is not starting the renewal process early enough. If you wait until the last month of your licence, you risk running out of time to complete the refresher training and submit your application. Give yourself at least three months to complete all the steps. This gives you a buffer in case anything goes wrong.
Forgetting the refresher training: This is a critical mistake. You cannot renew your licence without completing the mandatory refresher training. If you forget to do this, your renewal application will be rejected. Make sure you book your training well in advance and get your certificate before you submit your renewal application.
Incorrect personal details: Make sure all your personal information is up to date on your SIA account. If your name, address, or date of birth is wrong, it can cause delays or even rejection of your application. Double-check everything before you submit.
Poor quality photograph: Your photograph must meet the SIA’s strict guidelines. It must be a recent, clear, colour photograph with a plain white background. Your face must be clearly visible and take up at least 70% of the photograph. If your photo doesn’t meet these requirements, your application will be rejected.
Not checking your right to work: If you’re not a UK citizen, you’ll need to provide proof of your right to work in the UK. Make sure you have the correct documents before you start your renewal application.
What If My Licence Has Already Expired?
If your licence has already expired, don’t panic. You can still renew it. The process is the same as a standard renewal, but there are some important things you need to know. First, you will not be able to work in any licensable security role until your new licence has been granted. It is a criminal offence to work as a door supervisor, security guard, or in any other licensable role without a valid SIA licence. This means that if you let your licence expire, you could face serious legal consequences, including fines and even imprisonment.
Second, if your licence has been expired for more than a few months, you may need to provide additional documentation or explanations to the SIA. The longer your licence has been expired, the more scrutiny your application may receive. This is why it’s so important to renew your licence before it expires.
If you’re currently working without a valid licence, you should stop immediately and contact your employer to explain the situation. Your employer could also face legal consequences for employing someone without a valid licence. The best course of action is to start your renewal application as soon as possible and complete your refresher training. Once your new licence has been granted, you can return to work.
Conclusion: Don’t Risk Your Career, Renew on Time
Renewing your SIA licence is a vital part of maintaining your career in the security industry. With the introduction of mandatory refresher training, it’s more important than ever to be organised and plan ahead. By starting the process early and following the steps carefully, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free renewal. Don’t risk your career by letting your licence expire. Book your refresher course today and stay on the right side of the law.
