SIA Licensing

How to Read the SIA Public Register and Verify a Licence

6 min read· Updated 2026-07-07· Free · No signup

The SIA public register is the definitive source for whether a licence is live. Faked badges are a real problem and the register takes ten seconds to check — there is no excuse for skipping it.

Key takeaways

Anyone can search the register — no login required.
Look for status = 'Active' and matching photograph.
Suspended or revoked licences remain searchable with those statuses.
Register lookup is now embedded in most compliance apps.

How the search works

Enter the 16-digit licence number. The result shows role, expiry, and status. Compare the photo on the register with the person and the badge in front of you.

Red flags

Photograph does not match the holder.

Status is 'Suspended', 'Revoked' or expired.

Number returns 'not found' — the licence has never existed.

Employer compliance

Best practice is a documented check at onboarding, every 90 days, and immediately if the guard changes appearance materially.

Quick checklist

Bookmarked the SIA public register
Compared licence photo to the person
Recorded check in the compliance system

Common mistakes

Trusting a laminated card without checking the number.
Never rechecking after onboarding — licences can be revoked mid-contract.

Frequently asked questions

How often should employers recheck?+

Quarterly is common practice; some contracts (Government, high-risk) require monthly.

Can the public do this?+

Yes, the register is publicly searchable at no cost.

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