The Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence fee rebate, which provided a temporary £20 discount on licence applications, ended on 1 April 2026. This is a significant change for anyone working in the UK private security industry.

If you are planning to apply for a new SIA licence or renew an existing one, here is what you need to know about the fee update and how it impacts you.

What Was the SIA Licence Fee Rebate?

Since April 2020, the SIA—the UK’s private security regulator, had been applying a temporary £20 rebate to the cost of licence applications and renewals.

Normally, the statutory fee for an SIA licence is £204 for a three-year term. However, the rebate reduced the out-of-pocket cost for applicants to £184. The discount was automatically applied at the point of payment and was available across all security sectors, including Door Supervisors, Security Guards, and CCTV Operators.

Why Did the Rebate End?

The SIA is a self-funded regulator, meaning it relies on licence fees to cover its operating costs rather than relying on government funding. The £20 rebate was funded by historical financial reserves that the SIA had built up prior to April 2020. The scheme was originally approved by HM Treasury to run for a maximum of two licensing cycles (six years), with the explicit goal of utilizing those excess reserves so the SIA did not hold unnecessary funds. As of April 2026, those financial reserves were fully exhausted. Because the SIA has a responsibility to cover the full cost of its services, including background checks, application processing, and maintaining the register of licensed individuals, it had to end the rebate and revert to the standard statutory fee.

What Does This Mean for Security Officers?

The end of the rebate means that you will now pay more when applying for or renewing your credentials.

• The New Cost: As of 1 April 2026, the cost for both first-time applications and renewals is £204.
• No Actual Price Hike: It is important to note that the official statutory fee of £204 has not actually increased; the fee has remained at £204 since April 2023. The change simply reflects the removal of the £20 discount.
• Inflation Considerations: The SIA has pointed out that the licence fee remains considerably lower in real terms than when licensing was first introduced in 2004. Back then, a licence cost £190; adjusted for inflation, that would be £347 today.

A Note on Additional Licences

There was another notable change implemented shortly after the rebate ended. Starting 1 June 2026, the rules regarding discounts for additional licences changed.

If you want to apply for a second licence in a different sector (e.g., adding a CCTV licence to an existing Door Supervisor licence), you can still receive a 50% discount on the second application. However, this discount now only applies if the additional application is made on the same day and on the same application form as the first.

While the opportunity to secure a licence at the rebated £184 rate has passed, you can still manage your costs and career effectively by planning ahead:

• Check Your Expiry Date: Know exactly when your current licence expires so you can budget for the £204 renewal fee.
• Renew Early: You can apply to renew your licence up to four months before your current one expires. You will not lose any time, as the remaining time is added to your new licence. This gives you plenty of time to save for the fee and complete any necessary refresher training.
• Plan Multiple Applications: If you intend to expand your skills and apply for a second licence type, ensure you submit both applications simultaneously on the same form to qualify for the 50% discount (paying £102 for the second licence instead of £204).

For the most up-to-date and official information regarding licensing requirements, regulations, and the application process, please visit the official Security Industry Authority (SIA) page on the GOV.UK website.

If you are interested in joining a company that values integrity, professional development, and delivers vital services across the region, Northern Security Ltd is actively recruiting. They are currently looking to fill several roles in Carlisle and the surrounding areas, including Security Officers, Mobile Response and Control Room Operators, and Mobile Patrol & Response Drivers. Northern Security strives to provide rewarding workplace experiences, supports the living wage wherever possible, and invests in the continuous training of its staff.

To explore their latest vacancies and begin your career with an industry leader, visit the careers section on their website or contact their recruitment team today.