Important update from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) relating to the Licence Application Service.
Paper-Based Licence Applications to Stop On 24 March. The SIA stopped issuing paper-based licence applications and from 7th April, they will no longer accept the paper-based applications.
This will have an impact on how you can apply or renew an SIA licence.
The new licence application service with the Post Office is faster and easier; reduces errors and discourages …fraud; and also saves the applicant having to spend money on photographs and postage.
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 SIA says the service is already a success and has become the most popular way to apply for a licence, so from 7 April that will be the way for an individual to apply for an SIA licence – any old-style paper applications they receive after 7 April will be returned to the applicant.
Individuals
The only way to apply for a new licence will be to fill in your application online at the SIA website; (*Please note the SIA along with ‘Captain Caveman’ are still using Internet Explorer 6, SO, if you have any browser that is not compatible the SIA answer will be YOU will need to turn your computer back to IE6!) you will then be told which identity and other documents to take to one of over 750 post offices around the country to complete your application.
Licence renewals:
Individuals renewing their licence can use their telephone renewals service, as now.
Fill in your application online or read more about telephone renewals by clicking here:
https://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/licensing-applicants.aspx
* Note: New licence applicants residing in Northern Ireland or overseas can complete a licence application online at the SIA website as usual. They may then accept an option to contact the SIA to arrange for the application to be sent to the SIA.