How the SIA defines 'applications' in its reports
Published 12 July 2024
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Request
I am doing research using SIA data and would like to know how ‘SIA applications’ are calculated. As far as I understand, they include only new applications and not the renewal of existing ones. Is that correct? More generally, how are new applications computed?
As far as I understand, the ‘SIA application’ refers to applications made by individuals that did not have a licence before, i.e. renewals. Is this correct?
Relatedly, does the difference between the number of this and last year’s active licences provide the number of new applications?
Response
I can confirm that the SIA does hold this information.
When we refer to ‘applications’ in our reporting, this includes all paid applications that were submitted during the period in question. This does include both new and renewal licence applications.
The number of active licences during the previous year would only impact applications the following year in so far as a proportion of those active licences may expire and the licence holder may submit a renewal application. Please be aware that the term of an SIA licence is 3 years for all licence sectors except vehicle immobilisation (Northern Ireland only).
Read more about vehicle immobilisation licences.
[Ref: FOI 0515]