How to Verify an SIA Door Supervisor's Licence Badge
Step-by-step guide to verifying a door supervisor's SIA licence using the public register, what to look for, and how to record verification.
Under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 every door supervisor at licensed premises must hold a current SIA Door Supervisor licence. Knowingly using unlicensed personnel is a serious offence carrying up to 5 years imprisonment, and even unknowing use can trigger a premises licence review. Verifying each badge before each engagement is mandatory and takes under a minute.
6 steps to complete
Ask to see the physical badge
Every SIA-licensed individual is issued a credit-card-sized badge with their photograph, name, registration number, licence type, and expiry date. Ask the door supervisor to produce it before they start work.
Check the licence type is correct
The badge will show one of several SIA licence types. For door work at licensed premises, the licence type must be "Door Supervisor". A "Security Guard" licence does not authorise door work and using a Security Guard for the door is an offence.
Visit the SIA public register
Open services.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/rlr in a browser. The Register of Licence Holders is a free public service.
Search by licence number or name
Enter the badge's licence number (or the holder's name and date of birth). The register returns the holder's name, licence type, and expiry date. Compare with the physical badge.
Verify the expiry date
The badge is valid for three years. Confirm the expiry on the register matches the badge and is in the future. Set an alert 60 days before expiry so renewal does not lapse mid-shift.
Record the verification
Log who verified, when, the licence number, the expiry, and the verification result. This becomes evidence at any licensing review or police follow-up. A digital contractor profile with the badge attached is best practice.
Tips for success
Common mistakes to avoid
Frequently asked questions
What is the SIA public register?
The SIA's Register of Licence Holders is a public service at services.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/rlr where anyone can verify whether an individual holds a current SIA licence by entering the badge number or name and date of birth.
How often should I verify a badge?
At every engagement. For regular contracted door staff, monthly verification at minimum. For casual staff, every shift. Set automated alerts 60 days before expiry.
What do I do if a badge is invalid?
Refuse to engage the individual for door work. Notify the SIA at sia.homeoffice.gov.uk if you suspect fraud. Knowingly using an unlicensed door supervisor is a criminal offence.
Are there offences I can be charged with?
Knowingly using unlicensed security personnel is an offence under section 5 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 carrying up to 5 years imprisonment. Even unknowing use can trigger a premises licence review.
Need hands-on help with this?
Our hospitality consultants work alongside your team to implement food safety systems, prepare for inspections, and improve compliance.
Ready to simplify compliance?
Paddl automates the processes described in this guide. Digital records, automatic alerts, and complete audit trails for your hospitality business.
Full access to all features · Dedicated onboarding support · Cancel anytime