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 watch footage captured by a drone as part of your job then you are likely to fall within the definition of public space surveillance (CCTV) activity.
You need a Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence if all of the following statements are true:
- You use CCTV to watch members of the public or to identify particular individuals.
- You use CCTV to guard against disorder or to protect individuals from assault - this includes the use of CCTV to try to prevent these things from happening, or to provide information about them if they do happen.
- Your services are supplied under contract to a client.
You need a Public Space Surveillance (CCTV), Close Protection, Door Supervision or Security Guard licence if all of the following statements are true:
- You use CCTV to watch members of the public or to identify particular individuals.
- You use CCTV to identify a trespasser or protect property - this includes the use of CCTV to try to prevent these things from happening, or to provide information about them if they do happen.
- Your services are supplied under contract to a client.
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.
Last updated 5 September 2023 + show all updates
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Updated the link to the Civil Aviation Authority’s website.
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First published.