SIA badge: what it is, wearing it, and replacing a lost one
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 22 August 2026 · Facts checked against SIA and GOV.UK guidance on the date above
An SIA badge is the plastic photocard the Security Industry Authority (SIA) issues once your SIA licence application is approved - getting "a badge" and getting an SIA licence are the same thing, not two separate steps.
If you work in most front-line security roles - door supervision, CCTV monitoring, security guarding, close protection, or cash and valuables in transit - you must wear it, where it can be seen, for as long as you're doing that work (SIA licence conditions, GOV.UK, verified 22 August 2026).
This guide explains what the badge actually is, which roles have to display one, how you get one in the first place, and - the question that brings most people here - what to do, and what it costs, if you've lost yours, had it stolen, or damaged it.
This is general information, not professional or legal advice. For anything specific to your circumstances, go to the SIA directly.
What is an SIA badge, exactly?
An SIA badge is simply the everyday name for the plastic licence photocard the SIA sends out once it grants your licence - there's no separate "badge scheme" that sits alongside the licence itself.
For most front-line licence classes - door supervision, security guarding, public space surveillance (CCTV), close protection, and cash and valuables in transit - your licence comes in this plastic photocard form, and you must wear it, visibly, at all times while you're doing that licensable work (GOV.UK, verified 22 August 2026).
There are two exceptions worth knowing. Key holding is the one front-line licence class issued as a letter rather than a card (GOV.UK, verified 22 August 2026), and anyone doing genuinely covert work, such as a store detective, doesn't have to display their licence while working undercover.
If you hold a non-front-line licence - because you manage, supervise or direct people doing the work above, rather than doing it yourself - your licence is also issued as a letter, and there's nothing to wear. If you're not sure which of these applies to you, our licence class picker will tell you.
Is getting a badge different from applying for an SIA licence?
No - there's one application, for one licence, and the badge is simply what most people end up holding once that application is approved.
You don't apply for "a badge" separately from a licence; you apply for an SIA licence in a particular class, and if that class is approved and comes as a physical card, that card is your badge. For the full step-by-step application process - training, ID documents, the online form, and the fee - see our SIA licence guide, or use our pre-application checklist to get your documents in order first.
Which roles actually have to wear their SIA badge?
It depends on your licence class: most front-line roles must display it at all times while working, but a few classes and situations are the exception.
| Licence type | Badge requirement |
|---|---|
| Front-line (door supervisor, CCTV, security guarding, close protection, cash & valuables in transit) | Must wear it, visible, at all times while doing that work. |
| Key holding | Issued as a letter, not a card - nothing to display. |
| Non-front-line (manager, supervisor, director) | Issued as a letter, not a card - nothing to display. |
| Covert roles (e.g. a store detective) | Exempt from the display requirement while working undercover. |
Source: SIA licence conditions and GOV.UK licence-class guidance, verified 22 August 2026.
How do you get an SIA badge in the first place?
You get one the same way as any SIA licence - by completing the right training, gathering your ID, applying online, and passing the SIA's checks; there's no separate badge order to place.
- Complete your licence-linked training course if your class requires one - most front-line classes do.
- Apply online through your own SIA account - there's no paper form.
- Pay the statutory fee: £204 for your first licence, or £102 for each further class applied for in the same application (SIA, verified 22 August 2026).
- Go through the SIA's identity and criminal record checks.
Once you're approved, the SIA posts you a "licence granted" letter first, and your physical badge follows within 14 days - you can start working with the letter and photo ID before the card itself arrives (GOV.UK, verified 22 August 2026). For the full walk-through, read our SIA licence guide.
What happens if you lose your SIA badge, or it's stolen or damaged?
You tell the SIA - and the police, if it's lost or stolen - then request and pay for a replacement card; you don't need to reapply for the licence itself.
Your replacement card is issued with a different licence number to the one on your original badge, so update any records that reference the old number (SIA, verified 22 August 2026). Request a replacement directly through your SIA account - the free official route on GOV.UK →
✓ Fee verified against GOV.UK, 22 August 2026
If your badge is lost or stolen rather than damaged, report it to the police as well as the SIA before you request a replacement (SIA licence conditions, verified 22 August 2026).
Can you keep working if your badge is lost, stolen or being replaced?
The SIA's own licence conditions list a lost or stolen card as a recognised exception to the "must display" rule, but that's not automatically a green light to keep working without checking with your employer first.
In practice, most employers will want some proof that your licence is still live and in good standing before letting you continue front-line work without a card, so tell your employer as soon as something happens to your badge, not just the SIA. If you're waiting on your very first badge rather than a replacement, remember you can already work using your "licence granted" letter and photo ID (GOV.UK, verified 22 August 2026).
How is replacing a badge different from renewing one?
Replacing is for a badge that's lost, stolen or damaged partway through your licence; renewing is for when the 3-year licence itself is due to expire.
| When | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Replacing | Badge lost, stolen or damaged - licence itself is still valid | £7 |
| Renewing | Licence approaching its 3-year expiry - apply up to 4 months before | £204 |
Source: SIA and GOV.UK, verified 22 August 2026.
You can start a renewal up to 4 months before your current licence expires, the fee is the same 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 extra training in some circumstances (GOV.UK, verified 22 August 2026). See our SIA licence guide for the full renewal picture, or start with our pre-application checklist if you're gathering documents.
Frequently asked questions
Is an SIA badge the same thing as an SIA licence?
Yes. "Badge" is just the common name for the plastic photocard your SIA licence comes as - there's no separate document or application.
How much does a replacement SIA badge cost?
£7, paid directly to the SIA, whether your original badge was lost, stolen or damaged (verified against GOV.UK, 22 August 2026).
Do I need to tell the police if my SIA badge is stolen?
Yes - SIA licence conditions require you to tell both the police and the SIA if your badge is lost or stolen, before you request a replacement.
Can I keep working while I wait for my SIA badge?
If it's your first licence, yes - you can work with your "licence granted" letter and photo ID for up to 14 days while the card is posted. If a badge you already had is lost, stolen or being replaced, check with your employer, since most will want proof your licence is still live.
Do all SIA licence holders get a plastic badge?
No - key holding licence holders and non-front-line licence holders (managers, supervisors, directors) get a letter instead of a card, and don't need to display anything.
Does a replacement badge keep the same licence number?
No - GOV.UK confirms a replacement licence card is issued with a different licence number to your original, so update any records that reference the old one.
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.