SIA to STOP PAPER APPLICATIONS in JANUARY 2014

In January 2014 the Security Industry Authority will stop issuing paper-based licence applications.

For individuals, the only way to apply for a new licence will be to fill in their application online at the SIA website; they 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, just as it does today.

The service with the Post Office makes applying for a new SIA licence easier and cheaper; most applicants will no longer need to post valuable documents and supply a photograph, which can be costly and inconvenient.

Individuals renewing their licence can use the SIA’s telephone renewals service, as now.

For businesses, the SIA will continue to offer the bulk application service – a service used by companies to manage the completion and submission of new applications on behalf of their employees. However, to use this facility the registered company sponsor will be expected to apply for an exemption.

The SIA’s Business Support team will be contacting registered company sponsors to discuss the exemption process with them.

The SIA’s e-Renewals service – which allows companies to renew SIA licences, or apply for additional licences, on behalf of their staff – will continue and company sponsors for this service will continue to be accepted by the SIA.

https://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/about-news.aspx?newsID=459&ArtTypeID=12