Doorstaff can now apply for Security Industry Authority licence via the Post Office

The service, to be introduced this autumn, will mean SIA licence​ applicants will no longer need to send documents and a photograph by post to be checked. Instead, Post Offices will check online application details against the applicant’s documentation and immediately return the documents to the applicant.

The Post Office will take payment of the application fee, but the applicant will not be charged anything extra for using the service.

The new service will be available alongside existing methods of applying for a licence until early 2014 when it will replace paper application forms as the only way to apply for a new licence.

Stephen McCormick, SIA director of service delivery, 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 delighted to be working with the Post Office. 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.

McCormick added: “We are continuing to make improvements to our licensing processes to deliver a faster and simpler service to our customers.”

Post Office commercial director Martin Moran said: “Our service facility will reduce application errors, reducing cost and inconvenience for applicants who can now keep their identity documents in their possession.

“We look forward to supporting the SIA with these improvements to its licensing process and helping it deliver a better service.”