CCTV licence: what public space surveillance work needs
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 22 August 2026 · Facts checked against SIA and GOV.UK guidance on the date above
A "CCTV licence" is the common name for the SIA's Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence - it covers using CCTV to identify people or monitor their activity, either to guard premises against disorder and damage, or to guard people against being injured or assaulted through others' unlawful conduct (GOV.UK, verified 22 August 2026).
Like door supervision or security guarding, it's a front-line SIA licence: it costs £204, needs SIA-approved training before you apply, and, once granted, lasts 3 years.
This guide explains exactly what the licence covers, who needs one, what training you need first, what it costs, and how to apply and renew.
This is general information, not professional or legal advice. For anything specific to your circumstances, go to the SIA directly.
What does a CCTV (public space surveillance) licence actually cover?
It covers using CCTV specifically to identify people or monitor activity for one of two purposes: guarding premises against disorder or damage, or guarding people against injury or assault from others' unlawful conduct.
GOV.UK's own definition is precise: you need this licence if you use "closed circuit video surveillance to identify people or monitor their activities" for either of those two purposes, and that includes using CCTV "to stop these things from happening" and "to provide information about them if they do happen, including by viewing recorded footage" (GOV.UK, verified 22 August 2026).
That's a narrower activity than it sounds - it's what separates this licence from a plain security guarding licence, which covers guarding premises or property against damage, theft or unauthorised access without that specific CCTV-for-disorder element.
Who needs a CCTV licence?
Anyone whose job is operating CCTV to identify people or monitor activity for those disorder or injury-prevention purposes - typically control-room operators, town-centre monitoring staff, and some retail or venue security roles.
Not every job that involves looking at a screen counts, and not everyone in security needs this specific class rather than another one - if you're not certain, our SIA licence class picker asks a few questions and tells you which class actually fits your role.
What training do you need before you apply?
Yes - you must hold an SIA-approved, licence-linked qualification before you can apply for a front-line public space surveillance licence; there's no route to this licence without it.
GOV.UK is explicit: "To apply for a front line public space surveillance licence, you must hold one of the current qualifications we list below," and that training must come from a provider approved by an SIA-recognised awarding organisation (GOV.UK, verified 22 August 2026).
The SIA doesn't deliver the training itself and doesn't take a cut of course fees, so pricing and course length vary by provider - our SIA training courses guide compares approved providers by licence class, including CCTV.
How much does a CCTV licence cost?
The statutory SIA fee is £204 for your first licence, and £102 for each additional licence class applied for in the same application - useful if you also need, say, a security guarding licence.
You don't have to use our service - most applicants apply directly for just £204. The free official route on GOV.UK →
✓ Fee verified against GOV.UK, 22 August 2026
On top of the SIA's own fee, you'll also pay your licence-linked training provider separately - the SIA doesn't set or take a share of that price, so check current course costs through our SIA training courses guide rather than assuming a figure.
How do you apply for a CCTV licence, step by step?
You apply entirely online, yourself or through your employer, via your own SIA account - there is no paper application form.
- Confirm CCTV is the right class for your role, using the licence class picker if you're not sure.
- Complete an SIA-approved public space surveillance training course - see our training courses guide.
- Gather your ID documents - one Group A document and two Group B documents showing your current address.
- Check your right-to-work status so you can evidence it in the application.
- Create your SIA online account and start the application.
- Pay the fee - £204 for your first licence class, or £102 for each further class in the same application.
- Go through the SIA's criminal record check, providing overseas evidence if you've lived abroad for 6+ months in the last 10 years.
- Track your application in your SIA account.
- If you're approved, you'll get a "licence granted" letter, then a physical badge within 14 days - see our SIA badge guide for what to do once it arrives, or if it's later lost or damaged.
Do you have to display your CCTV licence badge while working?
In almost all cases, yes - as a front-line licence, you must wear your CCTV badge where it can be seen at all times while doing that work.
The one general exception is genuinely covert work; otherwise the display rule applies the same way it does to door supervisors and security guards. See our SIA badge guide for the full rules, plus what to do if your badge is ever lost, stolen or damaged.
Renewing your CCTV licence
Your CCTV licence doesn't renew automatically - you have to apply for renewal yourself, and you can start up to 4 months before it expires.
Renewal uses the same fee as a new application (£204 for one licence), and you won't usually need to retake training you've already completed, though the SIA can ask for additional training in some circumstances (GOV.UK, verified 22 August 2026). See our SIA licence guide for the full renewal process, or use our pre-application checklist to get your documents ready first.
Frequently asked questions
Is a CCTV licence the same as a security guarding licence?
No - they're separate licence classes. Public space surveillance (CCTV) covers using CCTV to identify people or monitor activity for disorder or injury-prevention purposes; security guarding covers guarding premises or property without that CCTV element.
Do town-centre or retail CCTV operators need a licence?
Generally yes, if the job involves using CCTV to identify people or monitor activity to prevent disorder, damage or assault - check with the SIA or use our licence class picker if your role is borderline.
How much does CCTV licence training cost, separately from the SIA fee?
It varies by provider and course length, since the SIA doesn't deliver training itself or set course prices - see our SIA training courses guide for current provider options.
Can I hold both a CCTV licence and a door supervisor licence?
Possibly, and in some cases one qualification can cover more than one class - the current position can change, so check the SIA's up-to-date licence-linked qualification guidance, or use our class picker for a plain-English steer.
Do I have to display my CCTV badge if my work is covert?
No - genuinely covert roles, such as a store detective, are exempt from the display requirement while working undercover. Outside that exception, front-line badges must be worn where they can be seen.
How long does a CCTV licence last, and when can I renew?
It lasts 3 years, and you can apply to renew from 4 months before it expires.
apply for licence is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the SIA, GOV.UK or any government body. This page is general information, not legal or professional advice - for anything specific to your situation, contact the SIA directly.