Door supervisor licence: what it covers, cost and how to apply

A door supervisor licence costs £204, needs an SIA-approved training course completed first, and, once granted, lasts 3 years.
It's the SIA licence class for anyone protecting licensed premises - pubs, bars, clubs and other venues that sell alcohol or provide entertainment - from disorder, theft or unauthorised access.

This guide covers what the door supervisor class actually covers, the training you'll need, what the whole thing costs, how to apply, and how renewal works.

This is general information, not professional or legal advice. For anything specific to your circumstances, including eligibility questions or a refused application, go to the SIA directly or speak to a licensing solicitor.

What does a door supervisor licence cover?

A door supervisor licence covers guarding licensed premises against damage, theft, unauthorised access or disorderly behaviour, including searching people and their belongings on entry.

It's a front-line licence, so it's issued as a physical card that you must display while you're working, not just held in a drawer somewhere.

If you're not certain door supervision is the right class for your role, our licence class picker walks through all 8 SIA licence classes and helps you confirm.

Does a door supervisor licence cover other security work too?

Generally, yes - a door supervisor licence is understood to also cover general security-guarding-type duties, so you likely don't need a separate security guarding licence as well.

The SIA has revised its licence-linked qualification structures before, so treat this as a helpful starting steer rather than a guarantee, and check the current integration rules directly with the SIA if your job also involves CCTV, close protection or cash-in-transit work, which each need their own separate licence.

Training: the door supervisor course

You need to complete a licence-linked door supervisor training course with an SIA-approved provider before you can apply for the licence itself - there's no way to apply without it.

The course is typically run over around 6 days and generally costs £250-£400 through an SIA-approved provider (Get Licensed / OTS News, 2026), paid to the training provider directly and separately from the SIA's own fee.

Some door supervisors also need an in-date first aid qualification alongside the core course - check with your chosen provider whether it's bundled in or booked separately, since that affects your total cost.

Our SIA training courses guide covers how to choose a provider and compares the course landscape across all SIA licence classes.

What you need before you apply

Beyond your completed training, you need identity documents, proof you can work in the UK, and you'll go through the SIA's own criminal record check as part of the application.

Requirement	What it means
Completed door supervisor course	Evidence of completion from your SIA-approved training provider, uploaded as part of your application.
Identity documents	One "Group A" document (passport, DVLA photocard licence, birth certificate) plus two "Group B" documents proving your current address.
Right to work	In most cases you must show your right to work in the UK as part of the application.
Criminal record check	The SIA runs this itself. If you've spent 6 months or more outside the UK in the last 10 years, you'll also need overseas criminal record evidence.

You must also be 18 or over to hold an SIA licence.

How to apply for a door supervisor licence, step by step

You apply entirely online, through your own SIA account - there is no paper application form for any SIA licence class.

1. Confirm door supervision is the right class using our licence class picker if you're not certain.
2. Book and complete your door supervisor course with an SIA-approved provider - see our training courses guide.
3. Gather your ID documents - one Group A document and two Group B documents showing your current address.
4. Check your right-to-work status so you can evidence it in the application.
5. Create your SIA online account and start the 9-section application form.
6. Upload your course completion evidence as part of the licence-linked qualification section.
7. Pay the fee - £204 for a single door supervisor licence, or £102 if you're applying for it as an additional class alongside another licence in the same application.
8. Go through the SIA's criminal record check, which runs as part of your application.
9. If you're approved, you'll get a "licence granted" letter and a physical licence card within 14 days - you can start work with the letter and photo ID before the card itself arrives.

What does a door supervisor licence cost?

The statutory SIA fee is £204, and your training course is a separate cost paid directly to the provider, typically £250-£400.

✓ Statutory fee verified against GOV.UK, 22 August 2026

Renewing your door supervisor licence

Your door supervisor licence does not renew automatically - you have to apply for renewal yourself if you want to keep working once it expires.

You can start the renewal process up to 4 months before your current licence expires, and the same fee structure applies (£204, or £102 if renewed alongside another licence at the same time).

Door supervisor renewal specifically requires refresher training and an in-date first aid qualification, so check your provider's refresher course dates well ahead of your expiry rather than leaving it until the last minute.

For the general renewal process and timings that apply across all SIA licence classes, see our main SIA licence guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need first aid training to be a door supervisor?

Many door supervisor course routes include or require an in-date first aid qualification - check with your specific SIA-approved training provider whether it's bundled into the course fee or booked separately.

Can I work as a door supervisor while my application is being processed?

In almost all cases, no - you shouldn't carry out licensable door supervision work until your licence is actually granted.

Does a door supervisor licence let me do CCTV or close protection work?

No - those are separate licence classes with their own courses and applications; a door supervisor licence is generally understood to cover general security-guarding-type duties, not CCTV, close protection or cash-in-transit work.

How much does the door supervisor course cost?

Typically £250-£400 through an SIA-approved provider (Get Licensed / OTS News, 2026), on top of and separate from the SIA's own £204 licence fee.

Does my door supervisor licence renew automatically?

No - you must actively apply to renew before your 3-year licence expires, and door supervisor renewal specifically requires refresher training and an in-date first aid qualification.

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, including a refused application or an appeal, contact the SIA directly or a licensing solicitor.