There are a number of checks we must make when processing your licence application. We will check your identity, your age (you must be over 18 to hold an SIA licence), your criminal record (if you have one) and whether you have completed the required level of training.

Criminal Records Check

When we process your licence application we will check to see if you have a criminal record. If you have a criminal record it does not necessarily mean that you will not get a licence. However, if you do have any convictions, warnings, cautions or charges awaiting trial, we will look into:

• How relevant the offences are to the licence being applied for
• How serious the offences were, and
• How recent they were

More information on the SIA's criminality criteria > >

Qualifications Check

If you are applying for a front-line licence you will need to show that you are trained to the right level.

More information on the training required > >

Additional Checks

As well as checking your identity, training, and criminal record, we may also look at three other types of information.

• Mental Health: We will take into account any recent mental health problems where you have had to be detained in the five years prior to your application. We will not seek out information about any mental health problems which have not resulted in detention.
• The right to work: We may seek information to confirm that you have the right to remain and to work in this country. This does not replace the statutory responsibility of employers to ensure their employees have the right to work in this country. Employers should not accept the possession of an SIA licence as proof of this right.
• Other information: We will not normally seek out information about you that may be held by organisations we work with - such as the police and local authorities - which has not been tested in the courts. However, if such information is offered to us we will consider it. In this context 'information' will normally mean compelling evidence of relevant criminal activity, anti-social behaviour or criminal association. If we do not grant you a licence on the basis of this information then we will tell you, and you can, if you wish, challenge the decision and the information on which it was based.

Documentation Required

When you send us your licence application form you will also need to send supporting documentation (for example, proof of identity) and a personal photograph, together with the application fee.

More information on the documents we need > >