The Security Industry Authority has launched a new and easier way for individual applicants to apply for their SIA licence.
The new service with the Post Office makes applying for a new SIA licence easier and cheaper; most applicants will no longer need to post valuable documents and supply a photograph, which can be costly and inconvenient.
This is how it will work:
• Applicants fill in their licence application on the SIA website and they are told which identity and other documents to take to a participating UK Post Office to complete their application.
• The Post Office staff check and return the applicant’s documents. They will also take a digital photograph of the applicant, take an electronic version of their signature, and take payment for the application fee.
• The applicant’s photograph and signature are sent to the SIA electronically by the Post Office. The SIA add them to the application information already received and continue with its checks, just as it does today.
The applicant will not be charged by the Post Office for using the service.
The new service will be available alongside existing methods of applying for a licence until early in 2014, when it will replace the paper application form as the way to apply for a new licence.
SIA Director of Service Delivery Stephen McCormick said: “Our new licence application service will make applying for an SIA licence easier and cheaper, reducing the overall cost for the applicant.
“We are really pleased to launch this new service with the Post Office; this is a crucial step as we move away from a paper based system. The face to face element of the new service will reduce errors, which can cause applications to be rejected, and will help to discourage fraud.”
Kevin Seller, Head of Government Services at the Post Office said: “We are excited to be introducing this service at the Post Office. Our involvement will reduce application errors and means less cost and inconvenience for applicants who can now keep their identity documents in their possession by having them checked at the Post Office.
“The Post Office currently provides a broad range of government services such as renewing passports, driving licence applications and biometric facilities. We are very pleased to be providing the face to face element of the SIA’s new online licence application service and supporting the delivery of modern digital services on behalf of government.”