How to Spot a Fake SIA Licence Card?

With over 378,000 active SIA licence holders in the UK, an increasing number of individuals are found holding a fake SIA licence. Such individuals put the public at risk due to a lack of security training and qualifications. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) takes forged SIA licences seriously and penalises fake SIA licence card holders.

In this blog post, I'll discuss spotting a fake SIA licence and other relevant queries.

How to Spot a Fake SIA Licence Card?

Below, you can check the latest SIA licence that will help you identify a fake SIA licence. Any discrepancies or differences from the latest official version can indicate that the licence is fake or counterfeit.

Over the years, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) has changed designs for SIA licences. This could be one of the reasons it's hard to spot the difference between a fake SIA licence and a real one.

From 2007 to now, SIA has made minor yet noticeable changes in the licence design. Below, I've shared all the SIA licences since 2007.

How to Check If an SIA Licence Is Fake?

After issuing an SIA licence to an individual, SIA registers it on the official Register of Licence Holders Database, which is publicly accessible. Under section 12 of the Private Security Industry Act, it's mandatory to establish and maintain a register. To check if an SIA licence is fake or real, you can simply enter the licence number.

For any reason, if the SIA licence does not appear in the register, you must report to SIA.

Can I Use a Fake SIA Licence?

No, you cannot use a fake SIA licence, as it's an offence under the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981. If individuals are caught using counterfeit SIA licences, they can face legal penalties. SIA regularly conducts spot checks throughout the UK to identify individuals using fake documents to get security jobs.

Moreover, employers and business owners in the security industry also use an SIA Licence Checker to check if you have a valid and real SIA licence. During employment checks, fake SIA licences are identified, which means individuals are unlikely to get a security job with a forged SIA licence.

Penalties for Using a Fake SIA Licence

SIA takes serious action when it comes to fake licences or working fraudulently in the security industry. Anyone caught with a fake SIA licence will face prosecution, and if found guilty, they will be subject to penalties and legal consequences.

Using a fake SIA licence can result in a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a potential fine of £5,000.

In 2019, a man from Chester, working as a Door Supervisor, was convicted of working with a forged SIA licence. SIA took action against him, and he was persecuted at Chester Magistrates Court. He received a 12-month community order with 170 hours of unpaid work. Also, he was penalised £882, along with a victim surcharge of £85.

Can I Work in Security without an SIA Licence?

You cannot work in the security industry without a valid SIA licence. In the UK, individuals engaged in licensable activities in the security industry are required to hold a valid SIA licence.

An SIA licence shows they have undergone the necessary training and background checks. Working without the required SIA license for such activities is illegal and can result in penalties.

How to Get an SIA Licence?

Getting an SIA licence is a 3-step process. Once you complete these steps, you will receive your SIA licence through mail. If you want to learn this in detail, read our blog, A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting an SIA Licence.

Step 1: Complete the Relevant Accredited Licence-Linked SIA Training

Depending on your desired job role and the SIA licence you wish to get, choose the relevant training course.

• APLH Personal Licence Course

• SIA Security Guard Training Course

• SIA Door Supervisor Training Course

• SIA CCTV Operator Training Course

• SIA Refresher Training For Door Supervisors

• First Aid at Work Training

• Emergency First Aid at Work Course

Step 2: Complete the Licence Application

To apply for your SIA licence, please go to the SIA website and complete an online application form. Fill in all the required information, including personal details, qualifications, and employment history. SIA will contact you within 25 working days.

Step 3: Visit the Nearest Post Office

You must visit the nearest Post Office to complete your identity checks. Please take along your original copies of your documents and the SIA application reference number.

Common SIA Licences

SIA issues numerous SIA Licences for different security jobs, including:

• SIA Security Guard Licence

• SIA Door Supervisor Licence

• APLH Personal Licence

• Close Protection Licence

• CCTV Operators Licence

• Key Holding Licence