What is the cost of the SIA Door Supervisor Licence?

The SIA Door Supervisor Licence costs a non-refundable £184. This is paid directly to the SIA, who are the licensing authority for the security industry.

How long is my SIA Licence valid for?

Your SIA Door Supervisor Licence is valid for 3 years. Once it expires, you can take a refresher course and re-apply.

Am I eligible for the SIA Door Supervisor Licence?

To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old, legally allowed to live and work in the UK, and pass the SIA's criminal background check. You also need to complete and pass the Door Supervisor Course.

What is the Door Supervisor Course and how long does it take?

The course runs for 6 days and introduces you to the basics of working in the security industry. Upon completion, you earn the Level 2 Award for working as a Door Supervisor in the Private Security Industry.

What does the SIA check when applying for a Door Supervisor licence?

The SIA performs a DBS criminal background check and also verifies your identity.

Will having a criminal record affect my SIA application?

Not necessarily. It depends on the nature of the offence. The SIA reviews each case individually. The £184 fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome.

How long does it take SIA to process a licence application?

The SIA typically takes 25 working days to process applications, though it may take up to 6 weeks in some cases due to additional checks.

What kind of work can I do with the SIA Door Supervisor Licence?

With this licence, you can work in the private security industry at locations such as pubs, bars, retail shops, malls, and office buildings.

Can I work in the security industry without an SIA Licence?

No. It is illegal unless your employer has an exemption under Section 4(4) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

What is the difference between the SIA Door Supervisor Licence and Security Guarding Licence?

The Guarding Licence restricts you from working in licensed premises that serve alcohol. The Door Supervisor Licence does not have this restriction and provides broader job opportunities. It's also easier to renew after 3 years.

What is Licence Integration?

Licence Integration means a licence issued for one licensable activity (like Close Protection) can also cover related roles (like Door Supervision), depending on the duties involved.

What is the cost of the SIA Door Supervisor Licence?

The SIA Door Supervisor Licence costs a non-refundable £190. This is paid directly to SIA, who are the licensing authority for the security industry.

How long is my SIA Licence valid for?

Your SIA Door Supervisor Licence is valid for 3 years. Once it expires, you can simply take a refresher course and re-apply for it.

Am I eligible for the SIA Door Supervisor Licence?

To be eligible for the SIA Door Supervisor Licence, you need to pass the Door Supervisor Course, be at least 18 years old and have the right to live and work in the UK. You also have to pass SIA’s criminal background check. You can check using our SIA Criminal Record Tool.

What is the Door Supervisor Course and how long does it take?

The Door Supervisor Course introduces you to the fundamentals of working in the security industry. It runs over 6 days and is a requirement for obtaining the SIA Door Supervisor Licence. By the end of the course you will achieve the Level 2 Award for working as a Door Supervisor within the Private Security Industry.

What does the SIA check when applying for a Door Supervisor licence?

The SIA checks the criminal background of applicants through a DBS check, as well as verifying their identity.

Will having a criminal record affect my SIA application?

Having a criminal record does not prevent you from obtaining an SIA Licence, but this does depend on the type of offence and SIA. It is best to contact the SIA directly if you are considering applying for a licence. It is worth noting that the £190 licence application fee is non-refundable.

How long does it take SIA to process a licence application?

According to the SIA website, it takes 25 working days to process a licence application. In some cases, this can take up to 6 weeks due to additional security checks.

What kind of work can I do with the SIA Door Supervisor Licence?

The SIA Door Supervisor Licence enables you to work in the private security industry. Places you can work include pubs, bars, shops, malls and office buildings.

Can I work in the security industry without an SIA Licence?

It is illegal to work in the security industry without an SIA Licence. However, some employers can qualify for exemptions under Section 4(4) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

What is the difference between the SIA Door Supervisor Licence and Security Guarding Licence?

Although very similar, the SIA Guarding Licence restricts you from working in certain environments such as at licensed premises where alcohol is served. The SIA Door Supervisor Licence, on the other hand, does not have this type of restriction and gives you greater access to employment opportunities. Moreover, it is also easier to renew your SIA Licence as a Door Supervisor once it expires after 3 years. To give you the best chance with your career, Get Licensed recommends the Door Supervisor Licence.

What is Licence Integration?

Licence Integration is where an SIA licence that is for one licensable activity can be used for another licensable area. For example, if you have a Close Protection Licence, the SIA allows you to use your licence to work as a Door Supervisor. To read our full list of FAQ's, click here.

Door Supervisor Licence

The SIA Door Supervisor Licence allows the holder to legally work as a Door Supervisor or Security Guard in the United Kingdom. It is illegal to work in front-line roles without an SIA Licence.

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Clear: Step-by-step support

Trusted: 450,000+ trained

Proven: 95% pass rate

Authority

Security Industry Authority (SIA)

Duration

4 weeks

Cost

£190

Valid For

3 years

Qualification Needed

Level 2 Door Supervisor Training Course

Find Your Nearest Course

Pass the Door Supervisor Course

6 days
4 Multiple Choice Exams and Practical Assessments

Application form on SIA Website

Cost: £190

Identity Checks

SIA to complete Criminal Checks

Receive Licence in post!

Get Licensed

Fast: Same-day results

Clear: Step-by-step support

Trusted: 450,000+ trained

Proven: 95% pass rate

How to apply for your licence

Follow these steps to get your SIA licence and start your security career

Book and pass your SIA training courses

Enroll in an SIA-approved course, which typically takes around 6 days to complete.
The course includes exams and practical assessments. Once you pass, you’ll
receive a certificate required for your licence application.

~ Estimated time 6 days

Complete licence application on the SIA website

With your training certificate, complete the online licence application on the official
SIA website. The application fee is £184.

~ Estimated time 1 day

Complete identity checks

You will need to verify your identity to satisfy parts of your SIA application, namely
your photo ID. The easiest way to do this is at your local Post Office.

~ Estimated time 1 day

Await application processing

After submitting your application and completing identity verification, the SIA will
process your application. This includes background checks and can take up to
4-6 weeks.

~ Estimated time 4-6 weeks

Receive your 3 year licence in the post

Once approved, your licence will be mailed to you and will be valid for 3 years.

*Result times may vary depending on the course plan you purchase.

The Door Supervisor Licence allows holders to work in the private security industry in a variety of roles.

The licence is issued by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and is valid for 3 years. With the SIA Door Supervisor Licence individuals can work in pubs, bars, shops, malls, office buildings and more. Primary responsibilities include keeping the public safe from harm and protecting private property.

Do I need an SIA Door Supervisor Licence?

If you are conducting the licensable activities of a Door Supervisor, such as protecting private property or members of the public, then by law you require an SIA Licence. In certain circumstances, however, your employer may have been given an exemption under Section 4(4) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

⚠️ WARNING: Working in the private security industry without the appropriate SIA Licence is a legal offence with severe penalties.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an SIA Door Supervisor Licence, you must be 18 years of age, have the right to work in the UK and have passed the Door Supervisor Course. You will also have to pass identity and criminal background checks conducted by the SIA.

SIA Criminal Record tool

How to apply for the SIA Door Supervisor Licence

Getting your SIA Door Supervisor Licence may seem complicated, but it’s actually quite easy! All you need to do is follow the simple steps:

✅ Pass the Door Supervisor Course

The Door Supervisor Course takes 6 days to complete. The training course is assessed by 4 multiple choice exams and a practical assessment.

✅Complete the licence application on the SIA website

The cost of starting a licence application is £184. The SIA will get back to you within 25 working days. In rare cases, this can take up to 6 weeks.

✅ Complete identity checks

You will need to verify your identity to satisfy parts of your SIA application, namely your photo ID. The easiest way to do this is at the Post Office. You can also have someone with a British passport, who is not related to you, to sign the back of your photo ID.

✅ Submit application to the SIA

The SIA will verify your identity and run a background check on your criminal record. If you have lived abroad for 6 months or more, you may be required to provide some supporting evidence.

✅ Receive your 3 year licence in the post

You are finally licensed! Your SIA Door Supervisor Licence is valid for 3 years.

For further information about how the application process works, follow our detailed guide SIA Licence Application Process

Cost of the Door Supervisor Licence

The SIA Door Supervisor Licence costs £184 and the licence is valid for three years. The fee covers the cost of processing your application and is non-refundable. For further information, please refer to the Official SIA Website.

This video will take you step-by-step on how to apply for an SIA Licence. From setting up your SIA online account to the checks you will need to complete when applying for an SIA Licence.

SIA Licence Renewal

If you're looking to renew your SIA Door Supervisor Licence, completing the SIA Top-Up Refresher Training for Door Supervisors is essential.

This essential course ensures that you remain compliant with the latest SIA standards, equipping you with the updated skills and knowledge needed for today’s security challenges.

The Top-Up Refresher Training for Door Supervisors includes modules on critical areas such as terror threat awareness, advanced physical intervention skills, and vulnerability awareness. By completing this top up refresher course, you'll stay fully prepared to handle the demands of your role and keep your licence valid.

When to Renew

Finally, you can start renewing your current SIA Door Supervisor Licence 4 months before it is due to expire. The new licence will commence only after your current licence has expired. The application cost is a non-refundable £184.

Licensing Integration

For some licences, the SIA permits individuals who meet one licensing criterion to carry out related licensable activities. For example, if you have a Close Protection Licence, the SIA allows you to use your licence to work as a Door Supervisor.

In the same way, individuals who have a Door Supervisor Licence can work as Security Guards and key holders.

Learn more about SIA licensing integration.

SIA Door Supervisor Training

To apply for the Door Supervisor Licence, the SIA requires you to complete formal training and pass the assessment.

The Door Supervisor training course runs over 6 days and contains the following 4 units:

Unit 1: Working in the Private Security Industry

Unit 2: Working as a Door Supervisor

Unit 3: Conflict Management

Unit 4: Physical Intervention

Door Supervisor Examination

The course is assesed by 4 multiple choice exams and a practical exam. These will be held on the last day and will test your knowledge of the content taught during the course.