Do Bodyguards Need an SIA Licence in the UK?

Last reviewed: 2026-09-24 · VIP Protection Services Editorial Desk · SIA licensed · BS 7858 vetted · 020 3488 5714

> Short answer: Yes. Anyone providing close protection for reward in the UK must hold a valid SIA Close Protection licence. You can check any officer's licence free on the SIA public register before they start.

The canonical service page for this requirement is Close Protection. This guide sets out what the arrangement involves, what shapes the plan, and how to arrange it confidentially.

What Does This Involve in Practice?

• Working without a licence is a criminal offence
• The licence number is on a card the officer carries
• Check it on the SIA public register online
• Ask the provider for licence numbers before deployment

Who Asks for This?

• Anyone hiring security
• Event organisers
• Family offices

How Is It Arranged?

Confidential consultation. A private conversation with a senior advisor covering the concern, the exposure and the timeframe.

Written risk assessment. Locations, routes, venues, public exposure and timings reviewed and documented before anyone deploys — see Security Risk Assessment.

Agreed written scope. Officer numbers, hours, vehicles, contingencies and communications set out in writing for you to approve.

Deployment and written debrief. SIA-licensed, BS 7858-screened officers deploy, and you receive a written record of what was done.

What Should You Ask Any Provider?

• Is every officer's SIA licence valid today, and on which register can I check it?
• Who carried out the risk assessment, and will I see it in writing?
• Is the quotation itemised — officers, hours, vehicles, travel?
• Who is my point of contact at 3am, and who supervises the officers on the ground?
• What are the written confidentiality terms, and who else sees my details?

If a provider will not answer those five questions in writing, the price is irrelevant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a bodyguard is unlicensed?

Both the individual and the business supplying them may be committing an offence.

Do your officers show their licence?

Yes, on request, and we can provide numbers in advance.

Are the officers used for licensed close protection SIA licensed?

Yes. Every protection officer holds a valid, in-date SIA licence you can check on the SIA public register, and is screened to BS 7858 standards.

How quickly can you arrange cover for licensed close protection?

Enquiries are answered 24/7. Where suitable officers are available, cover can often be arranged the same day, subject to location, requirements and a risk assessment. We do not promise fixed response times.

How much does licensed close protection cost?

We do not publish fixed rates. Cost depends on officer numbers, hours, vehicles, travel and the risk assessment. After a confidential consultation you receive an itemised written quotation, normally the same working day.

Is my enquiry confidential?

Yes. We do not name, confirm or discuss clients, and written confidentiality terms form part of every engagement.

Related Pages

• Close Protection
• Bodyguard London
• Private Security London
• Close Protection London
• UK Service Areas
• Frequently Asked Questions

Speak to a Security Consultant

Every engagement begins the same way: a confidential conversation, a written risk assessment, and a scope you have approved before anyone deploys. We do not name, confirm or discuss our clients.

Call 020 3488 5714, WhatsApp 07460 194129, or request a confidential assessment. Enquiries are answered 24/7. Officers are SIA licensed and screened to BS 7858 standards, and written, itemised quotations are normally issued the same working day.

Return to the main service page: Close Protection.