Security Industry Authority to stop paper based applications from January

Door staff and licensees will have to apply for a new licence online at the SIA website.  Individuals will then be told which identity and other documents to take to one of over 750 post offices around the country to complete their application.

The Post Office will complete licence applications by:

• Checking and returning the applicants documents,
• Taking a digital photograph and an electronic signature, and
• Taking payment of the application fee.

The applicant’s photograph and signature are sent to the SIA electronically by the Post Office. The SIA will then add them to the application information already received and continue with its checks.

For anyone renewing their licence they can use the SIA’s telephone renewals service.

Charlotte Jennings, deputy director operations, said:  “The SIA is committed to providing an easier, cheaper and quicker service to all its applicants. The move away from paper-based applications is a crucial step in achieving that.

“The face to face element of the new service will reduce errors, which can cause applications to be rejected, and will help to discourage fraud.”