Can You Get an SIA Licence with a Criminal Record?

Starting a new career in the security industry can feel life-changing. For many people, training as a Door Supervisor, Security Guard, CCTV Operator, or taking First Aid Training opens the door to stable, well-paid employment and new opportunities. But for applicants with a criminal record, there’s often one big question:

“Will my criminal record stop me getting an SIA licence?”

The honest answer is: Not always.

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) looks at each case individually, and a criminal record does not automatically mean rejection.

This detailed guide explains exactly how the SIA assesses criminal records, how to check your own eligibility, and the information you must provide as part of the criminality checks during your licence application. All information is based on official UK Government guidance.

Understanding How the SIA Looks at Criminal Records

The SIA's job is to ensure that anyone working in the private security industry is safe, responsible, and suitable for a position of trust. When assessing applicants with criminal records, the SIA considers:

The type of offence
The seriousness of the offence
How long ago it happened
Whether the offence is spent or unspent
Whether there is a clear pattern of offending
Evidence of rehabilitation
Whether the individual now poses a risk to the public

They do not make decisions based on opinion or assumptions. The assessment process is structured, consistent, and based on transparent rules.

Spent vs Unspent Convictions: What’s the Difference?

The SIA follows the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Unspent Convictions

These convictions must be declared on your application. The SIA will check them anyway, so it is crucial to be honest.

Spent Convictions

Most spent convictions do not need to be declared.
However, the SIA may still consider certain spent convictions if they appear on your Enhanced DBS check.

The length of time before a conviction becomes spent depends on the sentence, not the offence. For example:

Absolute discharge: spent immediately
Conditional discharge: spent after 1 year
Fine: spent after 1 year
Community order: spent after 1 year
Prison sentence (6 months or less): spent after 2 years
Prison sentence (6–30 months): spent after 4 years
Prison sentence over 48 months: never spent

If your conviction is never spent, the SIA will always take it into account.

What Information the SIA Looks At

When you apply for an SIA licence, you give consent for the SIA to request your records. The SIA checks your:

Criminal record history
Cautions
Convictions
Warnings and reprimands
Fixed penalty notices (in some cases)
Recent behaviour or patterns that suggest risk

The SIA aims to be fair while still protecting the public.

How the SIA Decides Whether to Grant Your Licence

The SIA uses a score-based system when looking at offences. Offences are assigned a number of points depending on:

The seriousness of the offence
How recent was it

If the total number of points is above a certain threshold, the SIA may refuse your licence.
If the points fall below the threshold, your application may be approved.

General Rule of Thumb

If you have no unspent convictions, you will usually pass the criminality checks.

If you have unspent convictions, your eligibility depends on:

Whether the offence carries a high number of SIA “penalty points”
Whether you have multiple convictions
Whether the offence was violent, sexual, drug-related, financial, or involved dishonesty
How much time has passed

Serious Offences (high risk)

Certain offences are more likely to result in refusal:

Violent offences
Sexual offences
Offences involving weapons
Terrorism offences
Drug trafficking
Fraud or dishonesty
Firearms offences

However—even serious offences may be considered if enough time has passed and the applicant shows clear rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation: The SIA WILL Consider It

The SIA recognises that people can change. They actively look for signs of:

Stable employment
Maintaining a clean record
Positive lifestyle changes
References or evidence of good character
Completion of relevant training (e.g., First Aid, Door Supervisor course, etc.)

Your behaviour after your conviction matters just as much as your behaviour during it.

How to Check If Your Criminal Record Will Affect Your Application

Instead of guessing, you should:

Step 1: Read the Official Guidance

This is the Government’s official guide to SIA licensing and criminal records:
www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-can-get-an-sia-licence-with-a-criminal-record

Step 2: Request Your Own Criminal Record

You can request a Basic DBS Check, which will show your unspent convictions.

Step 3: Compare Your Convictions to the SIA Guidelines

The guidance explains:

How the point system works
How long must certain offences be “clear” before you can apply
What is considered “serious” vs “less serious”

Step 4: Be Honest in Your Application

If you lie on your form and the SIA discovers it, your licence will be refused immediately.

What to Include When Declaring Your Convictions

If you have unspent convictions, the SIA may ask for additional information, including:

Court documents
Sentencing information
Evidence of completed rehabilitation programmes
Personal statement explaining your progress since the conviction
Employer references (if relevant)

Providing clear and honest information improves your chances of approval.

Can You Reapply If Refused?

Yes. If the SIA refuses your licence due to your criminal record:

You can appeal the decision
You can reapply at a later date
You may become eligible once more time passes and offences become spent

A refusal is not a lifelong ban.

Why the SIA Takes Criminality Checks Seriously

Security operatives hold positions of significant responsibility:

Protecting people in crowded venues
Monitoring CCTV systems
Managing conflict
Safeguarding public spaces
Preventing crime and disorder

The SIA must ensure that all licence holders are trustworthy, capable, and safe.

Final Thoughts: A Criminal Record Doesn’t Have to End Your Career Ambitions

Many people with past mistakes go on to build full, successful careers in the security industry. The SIA’s system is designed to be fair, transparent, and rehabilitation-focused.

If you’re unsure, check the guidelines, get your DBS record, and apply with confidence.

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