Sworn Oath Service For SIA Licence Birmingham - Expert Solicitors & Commissioners for Oaths

Mr Arshad Mahmood is a Solicitor and Commissioner for Oaths at Premium Solicitors Ltd with more than 21 years of Post Qualification Experience (PQE) as a Solicitor and Commissioner for Oaths.

What is an SIA sworn oath?

An SIA sworn oath is a formal statement used in a specific part of the Security Industry Authority’s overseas criminal record checking process. If the SIA has approved an exception because an applicant cannot obtain an official overseas criminal record check, it may ask the applicant to complete its sworn oath form. The applicant makes the statement before a solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths, who witnesses and authenticates the oath.

Does every SIA licence applicant need a sworn oath?

No. A sworn oath is not a routine document for every SIA licence application. The SIA will accept one under its overseas criminality exception process only after it has approved the applicant’s exception request. If the SIA has not approved an exception, arranging an oath will not replace an official criminal record check.

When does the SIA require an overseas criminal record check?

The SIA may require an official check if you live outside the UK or have spent six continuous months or more outside the UK during the 10 years before your application. A check may be needed for each relevant country. The SIA also carries out its own UK criminal record checks as part of the licence application.

What if I cannot obtain an overseas police or criminal record certificate?

Explain the problem to the SIA and request an overseas criminality exception through its application process. The SIA may consider an exception where an official check genuinely cannot be obtained, for example because the issuing authority will not provide one to a non-resident or contacting it would create a safety risk. You must wait for the SIA to approve the exception before submitting a sworn oath and character reference.

Can I use a sworn oath because an overseas certificate is taking too long?

An oath is not an automatic substitute for a delayed certificate. The SIA says it approves an exception only where a check cannot be obtained from an official source. Follow the SIA’s instructions, explain the circumstances and obtain its approval before booking an oath for this purpose.

Do I need to apply for the SIA exception before visiting a solicitor?

Yes. The SIA states that it will not accept a sworn oath or character reference unless it has already approved your overseas criminality exception request. Bring the SIA’s approval and any directions it has sent you to your appointment so the correct form and requirements can be checked.

Which form should I use for the SIA sworn oath?

Use the current SIA sworn oath form supplied or identified by the SIA after your exception is approved. The SIA updated its published forms in September 2026, so an old template or a general statutory declaration may not meet its requirements. Bring the form and the SIA’s instructions to your appointment.

What information will I need for the SIA oath?

Be ready to provide your correct personal details, the country or countries and periods covered by the SIA’s request, and complete, truthful answers to the questions on its current form. Review the wording carefully before swearing it. The solicitor administers and witnesses the oath but does not independently certify that your criminal history is clear.

Who can witness and administer an SIA sworn oath?

The oath must be formally administered and witnessed in accordance with the SIA’s instructions. Premium Solicitors’ practising solicitors and Commissioners for Oaths provide this service by appointment in London and Birmingham. We can also issue the accompanying letter on our headed paper confirming that the oath was administered and is genuine.

Should I sign the SIA sworn oath form before my appointment?

No. Bring the form unsigned so that you can make the oath and sign in the solicitor’s or Commissioner for Oaths’ presence. Bring valid photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence, together with your SIA approval and any other instructions relevant to the form.

Does the SIA require a letter from the solicitor as well as the sworn oath?

Yes. Under the SIA’s overseas criminality exception process, it asks for a letter confirming that the sworn oath is genuine, in addition to the oath itself. Premium Solicitors’ published SIA sworn oath service includes a confirmation letter on the firm’s headed paper.

Do I also need a character reference?

Yes, if the SIA has approved an overseas criminality exception and requested the alternative documents. Its process calls for a sworn oath, a letter confirming the oath and a separate character reference using the SIA’s current form. The character reference must meet the SIA’s requirements; it is not supplied automatically as part of an appointment to administer your oath. Premium Solicitors do not provide character reference service. 

Can the SIA sworn oath replace a DBS check or guarantee a licence?

No. The SIA carries out UK criminal record checks and assesses the other licensing criteria. An approved exception allows the specified oath and character reference to be considered instead of a particular official overseas check; it does not waive the rest of the application process or guarantee that a licence will be granted.

I have refugee status. Can I use the sworn oath procedure?

Possibly. The SIA identifies refugee status as one circumstance in which obtaining a check from an overseas authority may be difficult. You still need to explain why an official check cannot be obtained and receive the SIA’s approval for an exception. It will then tell you which forms and supporting documents to provide.

What if I lived in more than one country outside the UK?

Tell the SIA about all relevant periods abroad. You may need an official criminal record check for each country where you spent six continuous months or more during the relevant 10-year period. If an official check is unavailable for a particular country, obtain the SIA’s instructions about an exception for that country before arranging an oath.

What should I bring to an SIA sworn oath appointment?

Bring valid photo ID, the current SIA sworn oath form, the SIA’s written approval of your overseas criminality exception, and any instructions or reference number it has given you. Bring the dates and countries covered by the request so you can check the statement before signing. 

Where can I book an SIA sworn oath appointment in London or Birmingham?

Premium Solicitors provides the SIA sworn oath service by appointment at its Wimbledon, London and Birmingham city centre offices. You can book an appointment online through our website. Check that the SIA has approved your overseas criminality exception before attending, as an oath prepared prematurely may not be accepted.