SIA Identification Rules

British passport

There are new rules around the Identity Documents you require when becoming SIA Licensed.

SIA licensing ensures that private security operatives are ‘fit and proper’ persons who are properly trained and qualified to do their job.

Whether or not an individual requires a licence is determined by the role that is performed and the activity that is undertaken. These are described fully in Section 3 and Schedule 2 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 (as amended).

You can read more about the roles that are licensable here.

The activities defined as licensable by the Act are:

– Manned guarding, which includes:

– Cash and Valuables in Transit

– Close Protection

– Door Supervision

– Public Space Surveillance (CCTV)

– Security Guard

– Immobilisation, restriction and removal of vehicles

– Key Holding

These new SIA Identification rules came into effect on 15 February 2019.

What are the changes?

Until now, people renewing their licence or applying for a licence in an additional sector have only been asked to submit identity documents in certain circumstances – for example, if they have changed their address since their previous application. From 15 February 2019 our full document requirements will apply to everyone, regardless of whether they are applying for a new licence, renewing their existing licence or applying for a licence in an additional sector.

This will mean that some people who previously would not have been asked to complete their application at the post office will now be required to do so.

What identity documents will we ask for?

We will ask applicants to present one ‘Group A’ document and two ‘Group B’ documents in support of their application. At least one of the documents must show their date of birth and any address shown on these documents must match the address they gave us in their application.

One of the ‘Group A’ documents must have the applicant’s picture on.

The documents must be originals, not copies, so applicants should plan ahead as they may need to contact banks, utility companies or local authorities in order to get these.

Please note that their application will not move to ‘Checks in Progress’ until they have been to a post office with the correct identity documents. 

If applicants have not completed the actions that we ask of them in their Next Steps message, you may find that you are no longer able to deploy them.

A full list of ‘Group A’ and ‘Group B’ documents is available at sia.homeoffice.gov.uk