Check if you need an SIA licence to use a drone
Find out how SIA licensing applies to someone using a drone.
If you are using a drone (unmanned aerial vehicle) to watch or record video for security purposes, then you may need an SIA licence.
This page explains when you will and will not need a licence.
You should seek independent legal advice if you are still not sure whether you need a licence after reading this page.
When you need a front line licence
A drone will usually produce a video feed that is watched live by someone in another location, or is recorded and then watched later.
If you work in a security role and you watch footage captured by a drone as part of your job, then you are likely to need an SIA licence. The specific licence you need will depend on the activities you carry out.
You need a public space surveillance (CCTV) licence if you are working under a contract for services and you use closed circuit video surveillance to identify people or monitor their activities for either or both of the following purposes:
- to guard premises against disorder or damage
- to guard people against being injured or assaulted because of unlawful conduct by others
This includes using closed circuit video surveillance:
- to stop these things from happening
- to provide information about them if they do happen, including by viewing recorded footage
You need a close protection, door supervisor, security guard or public space surveillance (CCTV) licence if you are working under a contract for services and you use closed circuit video surveillance for either or both of the following purposes:
- to guard premises against unauthorised access
- to guard property against damage or theft
You still need an SIA licence even if the CCTV footage you are viewing is from a camera mounted on a drone.
When you need a non-front line licence
You need a non-front line licence if:
- you will not personally be doing the activity described above, but will be managing or supervising people who will
- you are a partner or director in a company using drones for such purposes
‘Director’ includes executive and non-executive directors, shadow directors, parent company directors, and corporate entities holding a directorship.
When you do not need a licence
You do not need an SIA licence if you are using a drone and:
- you do not watch the footage from the drone
- you only watch footage from the drone in order to pilot it
Learn more about drones
For more information and guidance on regulations and the use of drones visit the Civil Aviation Authority website.
Updates to this page
Last updated 4 November 2024 + show all updates
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Updated the 'When you need a front line licence' section to make it clearer.
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Updated the link to the Civil Aviation Authority’s website.
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First published.