Last reviewed: 18 October 2026. This guide is not legal advice; check the official sources linked below before acting.
Keep SIA renewals on track
An SIA licence renewal checklist for security companies should give the workforce team a clear view of licence expiries, who owns each action and what the officer still needs to complete. A renewal is not automatic. The licence holder must apply if they want to keep working in the same role when their current licence expires.
This guide reflects the official SIA position reviewed on 18 October 2026. Check the current SIA renewal guidance before relying on a date, fee or training requirement. It is an operational preparation guide, not legal advice or a substitute for the SIA's own decision.
Start within the official renewal window
The SIA says a licence holder can apply to renew up to four months before the current licence expires. Applying early does not remove time from the new licence. The SIA adds the remaining time on the current licence to the new licence when it is granted. If a licence has already expired, the holder cannot renew it and must make a new application instead.
That makes a four-month review window a practical starting point for an employer. It creates time to check the officer's plans, identify missing evidence and resolve any action before the licence reaches expiry. It does not guarantee an outcome or a particular processing time.
Confirm the current application requirements
As of 18 October 2026, the application fee for a renewal is £204, the same as a first-time application. The SIA can apply a 50% discount to additional licences when more than one licence is included in the same application. Employers and licence holders should confirm the current fee and discount rules on the official SIA guidance before submitting an application.
The SIA carries out the same checks for renewals as for new applications. The applicant must still prove their identity and may need to complete the required next steps before the application reaches the checks-in-progress stage. The SIA also says that door supervisors, security guards and close protection operatives need the applicable refresher qualification and first-aid qualification before renewal training. Requirements differ by licence type, so the officer should check the current official guidance for their role.
Turn the renewal window into a controlled workflow
Start with a complete record for each licensed officer: licence number, sector, expiry date, accountable manager and the next review action. Review the list at a defined interval, then separate licences that are approaching the renewal window from those that need immediate attention.
Give the officer a clear action list. It may include confirming whether they plan to renew, reviewing the current SIA training requirements, linking their SIA account to the employer where appropriate and completing the application through their personal online account. Keep a record of the action requested, the date, the response and any follow-up. That is more reliable than relying on an inbox or an undated spreadsheet.
Use WFC Verify to organise the evidence
WFC Verify can help a workforce team record SIA licence details, review upcoming expiry dates and keep related workforce evidence in one place. Reports can make it easier to see the records that need attention and to follow up with the appropriate officer or manager. This supports an organised internal process alongside the official SIA renewal route.
WFC Verify does not submit an SIA renewal application, make an SIA licensing decision or guarantee that a licence will be renewed. The officer and employer remain responsible for the application, the information provided and checking the current official requirements.
Practical SIA licence renewal checklist for security companies
- Record the licence number, sector, expiry date and accountable manager.
- Review the record before the four-month renewal window begins.
- Ask the officer to confirm their renewal intention and any likely blockers.
- Check the current SIA fee, identity, training and first-aid requirements for that licence type.
- Track the application and any outstanding next steps without assuming a completion date.
- Record the final licence status and use the current evidence when making operational assignment decisions.