What ID Documents Do You Need for an SIA Licence-Linked Qualification?
Starting an SIA course is an exciting step towards a career in professional security. Whether you are booking SIA Door Supervisor training, security guarding, CCTV or another licence-linked qualification, getting your documents ready early can help your enrolment run smoothly.
At Airsec, our accredited Laser Learning Awards training centre supports learners through the registration and assessment process. However, identity document requirements can change. SIA and awarding-body rules are updated from time to time, so you should always confirm the latest requirements with Airsec and check the official SIA identity document guidance before attending.
Here is a practical guide to the documents you may need.
Start with the right documents…
For many SIA licence-linked qualifications, learners are asked to provide:
- One document from Group A
- Two documents from Group B
- At least one document showing your current address
- A recent passport-style photograph, where requested
- Original documents for identity checks and assessments
The exact process may depend on your qualification, awarding organisation and training provider. Your joining instructions from Airsec should always take priority for your course.
It is also important to understand the difference between enrolling on a qualification and applying for an SIA licence. Completing your training does not automatically issue a licence. Once you have achieved the appropriate qualification, you must still meet the SIA’s licensing requirements and complete the application process.
Group A documents: prove who you are
Group A documents are your primary identity documents. The SIA’s current guidance lists several examples, including:
- A current, valid and signed passport
- A current, valid UK photocard driving licence issued by the DVLA
- A Northern Ireland photocard driving licence and paper counterpart, where applicable
- An original UK birth certificate issued within 12 months of birth
- A UK adoption certificate
- Certain biometric residence permit cards, subject to the SIA’s conditions
- An HM Armed Forces Veteran Card, where accepted under the current rules
A passport or photocard driving licence is often the simplest option because it includes a photograph. If you use a Group A document without a photograph, such as a birth certificate, you may need to provide additional photo identification for identity checks or assessments.
Bring the original physical document wherever possible. A photocopy, screenshot or photograph of an identity document may not be accepted for the relevant check.
Group B documents: confirm your address
Group B documents provide supporting evidence of your identity and address. The current SIA guidance includes examples such as:
- A bank or building society statement issued within the last three months
- A qualifying utility bill issued within the last three months
- A credit card statement issued within the last three months
- A council tax statement from the last 12 months
- A mortgage statement from the last 12 months
- A recent letter from HM Revenue and Customs, the Department for Work and Pensions, Jobcentre Plus or a local authority
- A P45 or P60 tax document from the last 12 months
- A current paper UK driving licence
- A pension, endowment or ISA statement from the last 12 months
- A valid UK firearms licence with photograph
- An HM Armed Forces Veteran Card, where applicable
For the SIA’s current identity process, at least one Group B document must show your current address. Unless specific rules say otherwise, two documents of exactly the same type may not be accepted. For example, two council tax statements would not normally be treated as two different types of evidence.
A previous version of this type of guidance may have said that every Group B document needed to show your address. The current official SIA wording has changed in this area, which is a good example of why you should check the latest information before attending your course.
What counts as a suitable proof of address?
Check that your document:
- Shows your full name
- Shows your current address clearly
- Is within the relevant date limit
- Is an accepted document type
- Is an original document if the checking process requires one
Mobile phone bills are not included in the SIA’s current list of accepted utility bills. Printed online statements, downloaded files and screenshots may also be unsuitable for an official SIA identity check. If you use online banking, ask Airsec what format is acceptable for your course registration and bring any original or posted statements you have available.
Passport-style photographs: be ready for your photo check
You may be asked to provide a recent passport-style photograph when enrolling on an SIA licence-linked qualification. Training centres and awarding organisations may use photographs for learner records, identity checks or centre-issued identification.
Airsec will confirm the number and format required in your course joining instructions. Do not assume that a photograph used for a passport or driving licence will automatically meet every training-centre requirement.
If you are asked to provide a photograph, it should generally be:
- Recent and a true likeness of you
- In colour
- Clear and in focus
- A close-up of your full head and upper shoulders
- Taken against a plain white or cream background
- Free from filters, editing or digital alterations
The SIA also has specific requirements for photographs used during the licence application process. The photograph requested by your training provider and the photograph used for your SIA application may be separate requirements.
Your photo ID may be needed for assessments
Registration documents are not the only identity items to consider. Before an examination or knowledge assessment, you may need to show original photo identification so the centre can confirm that the registered learner is the person taking the assessment.
If your Group A document does not include a photograph, contact Airsec before the course begins. You may need to bring additional photo ID.
This is particularly important for SIA Door Supervisor training, where the qualification includes formal learning, practical requirements and assessments. Arriving without the correct identification could delay your registration or prevent you from taking an assessment on the planned date.
Prepare before your SIA course
A little preparation can save a great deal of stress. Before attending, use the following steps.
1. Read your joining instructions carefully
Your course confirmation should explain which documents Airsec needs, when to provide them and whether you need to bring originals, copies or photographs.
If anything is unclear, contact us before the first training day. It is always better to ask early than discover a problem at registration.
2. Check names and addresses
Make sure your name is consistent across your documents. If you have changed your name, for example after marriage, ask what supporting evidence may be needed.
Check your address carefully too. A missing flat number, old postcode or previous address can create avoidable delays.
3. Check expiry dates and document dates
A passport or driving licence must be current where the rules require it. Bank statements, utility bills and official letters may also need to fall within a particular period, such as three or 12 months.
Do not rely on an old document simply because it contains the correct information.
4. Bring originals, not just phone images
Keep your original documents together in a secure folder. You can also keep photographs or scans as a backup, but a digital copy may not replace the original for an identity or assessment check.
5. Arrange translations early
If a document is not in English, the SIA may require both the original document and an English translation from an approved translator. This can take time, so raise the issue with Airsec as soon as possible.
6. Keep your documents secure
You may need to show personal information during registration. Bring only what has been requested, keep everything together and avoid sending sensitive documents by unsecured email unless you have received clear instructions.
A simple document checklist
Before attending your SIA training course, check that you have:
- One suitable Group A identity document
- Two suitable Group B documents
- At least one document showing your current address
- Original physical documents, where required
- A recent passport-style photograph, if requested
- Additional photo ID if your Group A document has no photograph
- Any required name-change evidence
- Approved translations for documents not written in English
- Your Airsec joining instructions
- Confirmation that your documents meet the latest requirements
Train with confidence at Airsec
The right preparation helps you begin your course with confidence. At Airsec’s accredited Laser Learning Awards training centre, our experienced team provides professional SIA training in a friendly, supportive environment.
Our SIA Door Supervisor training is designed to help learners develop the knowledge, practical skills and professional attitude required for a career in private security. We focus on communication, welfare, conflict management, first aid and responsible decision-making , not just passing an assessment.
Requirements can change, so please check the latest SIA guidance, review the current SIA licence-linked training information, and confirm your personal document list with Airsec before attending.
Ready to get started? Contact Airsec to discuss your SIA training requirements, request course information or check which documents you need for your chosen qualification.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a passport to attend SIA Door Supervisor training?
Not necessarily. A passport is one possible Group A document, but other documents may be accepted under the current SIA and awarding-body rules. Contact Airsec before booking if you do not have a passport.
Can I use a mobile phone bill as proof of address?
Mobile phone bills are not included in the SIA’s current list of accepted utility bills. Ask Airsec about suitable alternatives before attending.
Can I use a printed online bank statement?
The SIA’s current application guidance says that printed online documents may not be accepted for its identity checks. Your training centre may have separate administrative procedures, so confirm the format required before your course.
How many passport photographs do I need?
This can vary by provider and qualification. Airsec will confirm whether a photograph is required and how many you should bring.
Can document requirements change?
Yes. SIA and awarding-body requirements can be updated. Always check the latest official SIA guidance and Airsec’s current joining instructions before attending.