The SIA Door Supervisor Licence allows you to legally work as a Door Supervisor anywhere in the United Kingdom. It is valid for 3 years.
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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.
The SIA has to verify your identity before they'll issue your licence, and missing paperwork is the most common reason applications stall. Gather these before you start and check the full list of accepted SIA licence documents if you're not sure what counts.
One primary photo ID — such as a valid passport or UK driving licence. Two supporting identity documents — to confirm your identity. One document showing your current address — this can be one of your two supporting documents. Identity verification at the Post Office — staff will check your documents and take your photo for your SIA application.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.
Plan for ~4 weeks end to end. The biggest factor is how quickly you complete your identity verification and application steps.
If you have lived abroad for 6 months or more in the last 10 years, you may be required to provide evidence of overseas criminal record checks, which can add time. The SIA's decision timescale indicator gives you a personal estimate.
If you're serious about the work, the requirements won't be what stops you. And a past conviction doesn't automatically rule you out. The SIA looks at each case individually, so check before you count yourself out.
Check with our SIA Criminal Record tool Be 18 years of age or older Have the right to work in the UK Pass the Door Supervisor Course Pass the SIA's identity and criminal background checksThe SIA Door Supervisor Licence costs £204, paid to the SIA when you apply.
£204 application fee, valid for 3 years The fee covers processing your application and is non-refundable Applying for more than one licence in the same application? First licence £204, each additional licence half price at £102For further information, see the official SIA website. This video will take you step-by-step on how to apply for an SIA Licence.
If you're looking to renew your SIA Door Supervisor Licence, completing the SIA Top-Up Refresher Training for Door Supervisors is essential. It keeps you compliant with the latest SIA standards and fully prepared for today's security challenges.
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 £204.
Book the Top-Up Refresher training › Terror threat awareness Advanced physical intervention skills Vulnerability awarenessUpdated skills and knowledge that keep you ready for the demands of the role, and keep your licence valid.
The SIA calls this licensing integration: one licence covering licensable activity in another sector. The Door Supervisor Licence is the broadest of the front-line door and guarding licences, which is why most people start here: one licence, three types of work, no extra fees.
Door supervision at pubs, bars, clubs and events. Your licence's core work Security guard work on sites, in retail and in corporate settings. Covered, no second licence needed Key holding and alarm response work. Covered, no second licence neededTo 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 4 units:
The law, your powers and your responsibilities. When something goes wrong, you are the one who knows what to do.
Licensing law, search procedures and drugs awareness. A venue runs safe because the person on the door knows this.
Reading a room, stepping in early and talking trouble down. Most nights, your voice is the only tool you need.
Safe, legal restraint and disengagement, trained on your feet. For the rare moments when talking is not enough, you are ready.
Multiple-choice exams with results the same day. You walk out qualified, with the licence application ready to go.
Reading a room, defusing conflict and staying calm under pressure. The course trains you for the door, but these follow you everywhere.
The course is assessed 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.
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You earn the licence-linked qualification by completing the six-day Door Supervisor course, then apply to the SIA and complete its identity, right-to-work and criminal-record checks.
That wider coverage is why many people choose it as their first licence. Read the Security career page to compare Door Supervisor work with Security Guard and CCTV roles, or explore the Door Supervisor career guide for a closer look at the role.
The full SIA licence guide explains the documents, application steps and expected timeline.
The Door Supervisor training page shows the current course price and available dates. The total cost is the training fee plus the SIA application fee and any required First Aid training.
The renewal route is shorter than the initial qualification: take the Door Supervisor Top-Up Refresher, then submit the SIA renewal application.
You do not need previous security experience or formal qualifications to start the course. You do need EFAW or an accepted equivalent with at least 12 months remaining before the Door Supervisor training begins, so book Emergency First Aid at Work first if you do not already have one.
Prepare your documents before applying and make sure names, dates and addresses match. The SIA licence guide provides a broader application checklist.
Be honest in your application and check your position before paying for training. If you are unsure, use the SIA criminal record checker and read the current SIA guidance before booking.
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