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By London Security College
How to replace your SIA Card
Is Your Licence Near to Expire?
SIA Refresher Training + First Aid– Keep Your Licence Active! Only £199
How to replace your SIA Card: Lost, Stolen, or Damaged SIA Licence Card?
Your SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence card is your gateway to employment if you work in the UK security industry. Whether you’re a security officer, door supervisor, CCTV operator, keyholder, or close protection officer, you must legally hold a valid SIA licence to work in regulated roles.
However, losing, damaging, or having your SIA card stolen can put your job at risk. Many security professionals panic in such situations, but the SIA has a straightforward process for obtaining a replacement licence card.
This guide will cover everything you need to know, including:
✅ How to report and replace your SIA licence card
✅ What happens if someone misuses your lost or stolen licence
✅ Statistics on lost and stolen ID cards
✅ Best practices for keeping your licence secure
By the end of this blog, you’ll clearly understand how to resolve the issue quickly and minimise any disruptions to your work.
Why Is Your SIA Licence Card Important?
The SIA licence card is an official document issued by the Security Industry Authority, confirming that you have met the necessary legal, training, and background check requirements to work in the security industry.
Key reasons why your SIA licence card matters:
✔ Legal Requirement – Working in a regulated security role without a valid SIA licence is illegal and can result in prosecution.
✔ Employer Compliance – Most employers require a valid SIA card before legally employing you.
✔ Verification of Identity – Your SIA card ensures that security staff can be easily identified by employers, clients, and law enforcement agencies.
✔ Trust & Professionalism – A SIA licence proves you have undergone proper vetting, including criminal background checks and training certification.
What Happens If You Lose Your SIA Licence Card?
Losing your SIA licence can be problematic for several reasons:
🚫 You may not be able to work until a replacement is issued
🚫 You could be fined or dismissed if an employer discovers you don’t have it
🚫 If stolen, someone may misuse your card for illegal activities
The sooner you report and replace it, the better.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your SIA Licence Card
If your SIA licence card is lost, stolen, or damaged, follow these steps to request a replacement:
Step 1: Report a Stolen SIA Licence Card
If your card was stolen, you must report it to the police immediately.
Contact your local police station and obtain a Crime Reference Number (CRN). This will help in case someone misuses your licence.
Why is this important?
Criminals can use a lost or stolen SIA card to:
❌ Gain unauthorised access to restricted areas
❌ Impersonate a licensed security officer
❌ Commit fraud or illegal activities in your name
Step 2: Log in to Your SIA Online Account
The SIA has a dedicated online portal to request a replacement card.
Go to the official SIA website:
www.services.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk
🔹 Sign in using your registered email and password
🔹 Click on “Replace a licence.”
🔹 Select the reason for replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged)
🔹 If stolen, enter your Crime Reference Number
Step 3: Pay the Replacement Fee
✅ The cost of replacing your SIA licence card is £36
✅ Payments are made online via debit or credit card
✅ Once payment is confirmed, the application is processed
Note: The SIA does not issue refunds once a request has been processed, so ensure all details are correct before submitting.
Step 4: Wait for Processing & Delivery
The SIA aims to deliver your replacement card within 14 working days. However, it may take longer in some cases due to additional checks.
Tip: Keep a digital or printed copy of your SIA licence number and confirmation email as proof while waiting for your replacement.
What Happens If Someone Misuses Your Lost or Stolen SIA Licence?
Your lost or stolen SIA licence card is not just a piece of plastic—it’s a legally recognised document that proves your authority to work in security. If it falls into the wrong hands, it can be misused for illegal activities.
Examples of Licence Misuse:
Fraudulent Security Work – Criminals may use your card to work under a false identity.
Accessing Restricted Areas – Some facilities require security officers to show an SIA badge for entry.
Impersonation & Identity Theft – Someone could impersonate you and commit crimes while posing as a licensed officer.
How to Protect Yourself:
✔️ Report the theft to the police immediately and get a crime reference number.
✔️ Notify the SIA immediately to deactivate your lost/stolen licence.
✔️ Monitor your emails for any suspicious activity related to your licence.
If you suspect someone is fraudulently using your lost SIA licence, contact the SIA enforcement team at [email protected].
How Common Are Lost or Stolen SIA Licence Cards?
While the SIA does not publicly release statistics on lost or stolen licences, general UK crime data provides insight:
UK Crime Statistics (2023):
🔹 4.1 million theft-related crimes were reported
🔹 Personal ID theft increased by 32% over the last three years
🔹 Security staff are often targeted for uniform theft and ID fraud
Given that the UK has over 360,000 active SIA licences, even a small percentage of thefts could result in thousands of stolen or lost security licences annually.
Best Practices to Prevent Losing Your SIA Licence Card
Security Tips to Keep Your Licence Safe
🔹 Use a Secure Card Holder – Protect your card from wear and tear.
🔹 Never Leave It Unattended – Keep it on your person or in a safe place when unused.
🔹 Separate It from Your Wallet—If your wallet is lost or stolen, your SIA card will not be with it.
🔹 Double-Check Before Leaving Work – Always check for your phone, wallet, keys, and SIA card before leaving a site.
🔹 Be Cautious in Crowded Areas – Pickpockets often target security personnel.
Losing or damaging your SIA licence card can be frustrating, but acting quickly can minimise disruption.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Report lost or stolen cards immediately
✔ Request a replacement via the SIA online portal
✔ Keep your card secure to prevent theft or damage
✔ Be aware of potential fraud risks
Start Your Replacement Process Here:www.services.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk
If you found this guide helpful, share it with your colleagues in the security industry to help them stay prepared! 🚨🔐
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