If you already hold SC or DV security clearance and you’re thinking about changing jobs, one of the first questions you might have is whether your clearance can move with you.
Security clearance can open the door to opportunities across defence, government, cyber security and other sectors where access to sensitive information is required. However, transferring clearance between employers isn’t always as straightforward as candidates expect.
If you’re new to the process, our previous article explains how to get SC clearance in the UK, including sponsorship, eligibility and employment opportunities.
So, can you transfer SC or DV clearance to a new employer in the UK? What happens if you’re moving into contracting, changing clearance levels or returning to a cleared role after a career break?
Here’s what you need to know.
Can you transfer SC clearance to another company?
Yes, an existing SC clearance can potentially be transferred to another employer, but the process isn’t automatic.
If you’re moving into a role that requires Security Check (SC) clearance, your new employer may be able to request a transfer rather than starting the vetting process again.
However, several conditions must be met:
- The new role must have a genuine security requirement.
- The receiving organisation must have the appropriate sponsorship arrangements.
- Your existing clearance must meet the relevant transfer criteria.
- Additional checks or a new vetting application may still be required.
Even if you currently hold SC clearance, you shouldn’t assume it will automatically be accepted by another employer.
Can you transfer DV clearance to a new employer?
Developed Vetting (DV) clearance can also potentially be transferred, although the receiving organisation must be authorised and willing to accept responsibility for the clearance.
Not all employers can support DV clearance, and some roles may have additional security requirements.
The receiving organisation will need to establish whether your existing clearance is appropriate for the new position and whether any further checks are necessary.
Holding DV clearance doesn’t automatically guarantee that you can start another DV cleared role without additional assessment.
How do you check your current security clearance status?
Before applying for SC cleared jobs or DV cleared jobs, it’s worth establishing whether your existing clearance is active, expired or lapsed.
The best starting point is your current or previous employer’s Security Vetting Officer or Security Controller. They should be able to advise on your clearance record and the appropriate process for confirming its status.
You can also seek guidance from UK Security Vetting (UKSV), although formal clearance status checks and transfer requests are normally handled through an authorised sponsoring organisation.
When making enquiries, it helps to have the following information available:
- Your current or previous clearance level (SC or DV).
- The organisation that sponsored your clearance.
- Your clearance issue and expiry dates, if known.
- The date you left your previous security cleared role.
- Any relevant vetting reference details you have been provided.
Your prospective employer may also carry out a Vetting Status Information (VSI) check to establish whether your clearance can be transferred.
Can you transfer SC clearance from permanent employment to contracting?
Yes, moving from a permanent role into contracting doesn’t automatically prevent an SC clearance transfer.
However, the new contract must have a genuine requirement for security clearance, and an authorised organisation must be responsible for the sponsorship arrangements.
For contractors, this may involve the organisation responsible for the security requirement rather than the recruitment agency arranging the placement.
It’s also important to understand what happens between contracts.
When a contract ends, the sponsoring organisation may notify UKSV that your clearance is no longer required, causing it to lapse. A future sponsor may be able to request reinstatement or transfer, subject to the relevant criteria.
If you’re considering moving into contracting, establishing who will sponsor your clearance and whether there could be a gap between assignments is an important part of planning your next move.
Can you move between SC and DV clearance levels?
Moving between different clearance levels is possible, but the process depends on the clearance you currently hold and the requirements of the new role.
Moving from DV to SC
If you hold DV clearance and are applying for an SC role, the receiving organisation may be able to request recognition of the SC element of your existing vetting.
However, not every DV clearance record will have an SC element available for transfer. The sponsor may need to request an SC extraction, and this will need to be confirmed through the appropriate vetting channels.
Moving from SC to DV
If you currently hold SC clearance and are applying for a DV position, your existing clearance won’t automatically qualify you for the higher level.
DV involves more extensive vetting, including a detailed assessment of your personal circumstances and a vetting interview.
The new organisation would therefore need to sponsor the appropriate DV vetting process before you could undertake work requiring that level of access.
How long does SC clearance last after leaving a job?
When you leave a security cleared role, your sponsoring organisation is responsible for notifying UKSV that your clearance is no longer required.
A leaver notification causes the clearance to lapse, although reinstatement may be possible if you move into another eligible security cleared position within 12 months.
Under UKSV guidance for existing clearance holders, the general transfer criteria include:
| Clearance level | General age limit for transfer |
| SC clearance | No more than 10 years old |
| DV clearance | No more than 7 years old |
There must also generally be no more than 12 months between leaving one organisation and joining another.
These are not guarantees of transfer. Different departments may apply shorter validity periods, and other conditions can affect eligibility.
For example, an extended period of overseas residency during a break in service may affect whether your clearance can be transferred.
What can delay or prevent a security clearance transfer?
Several factors can affect whether an SC or DV clearance transfer is approved.
These include:
- Changes in personal circumstances: Significant changes involving finances, relationships, immediate family or other relevant circumstances may need to be reported and assessed.
- Overseas residency: Spending extended periods outside the UK can affect transfer eligibility or require further checks.
- Clearance expiry: If your clearance has expired or exceeds the applicable transfer criteria, a new vetting application may be required.
- Different organisational requirements: Some government departments and employers have additional security requirements or may not be able to support certain clearance levels.
- Incomplete records or outstanding checks: Missing information, unresolved vetting matters or additional screening can delay the process.
Being open about relevant changes and checking your clearance status early can help reduce avoidable delays.
How long does a security clearance transfer take?
There isn’t one guaranteed timeframe for transferring SC or DV clearance.
Some transfers can be relatively straightforward where the clearance is current, the records are available and the receiving organisation can accept the existing vetting.
Others may take longer, particularly if additional checks are required, personal circumstances have changed or the new employer needs to arrange different sponsorship.
If a new DV application is required rather than a transfer, the process may be considerably more involved.
For this reason, candidates should avoid assuming that a transfer will be completed before their proposed start date.
What should you consider before resigning from a security cleared role?
If you’re planning to move between security cleared positions, it’s worth confirming the transfer arrangements before handing in your notice.
Even if you already hold the required clearance, your new employer may need time to complete checks, confirm sponsorship or obtain approval for the transfer.
This could affect your notice period, availability and proposed start date.
Where possible, discuss the clearance requirements with your prospective employer or recruitment consultant early in the recruitment process.
At identifi Global, our Candidate Promise outlines our commitment to supporting candidates throughout their recruitment journey.
Don’t assume that holding existing clearance means you can immediately start a new security cleared position.
Security clearance transfer checklist
Before changing jobs, make sure you can answer the following questions:
- What level of clearance do I currently hold?
- Is my clearance active, expired or lapsed?
- When was my clearance issued, and when does it expire?
- Which organisation currently sponsors or holds my clearance?
- What level of clearance does the new role require?
- Can the new employer accept or request a transfer of my clearance?
- Will any additional checks or vetting be necessary?
- Could the transfer process affect my notice period or start date?
Understanding these details early can make the transition between security cleared roles easier to manage.
Frequently asked questions about SC and DV clearance transfers
Can expired SC clearance be reinstated?
Potentially, depending on why the clearance lapsed or expired and how long you’ve been away from security cleared employment. A lapsed clearance may be eligible for reinstatement within 12 months, but an expired clearance may require a new vetting application. Your new sponsor will need to confirm the appropriate route.
Can I transfer my DV clearance to another employer?
Yes, provided the receiving organisation can support the clearance and the transfer meets the relevant security requirements. Additional checks may still be necessary.
Can I transfer SC clearance from a permanent role to a contract?
Yes, provided the contract requires SC clearance and an authorised sponsoring organisation can arrange the transfer. Moving into contracting doesn’t automatically invalidate your existing clearance.
How do I check if my security clearance is still valid?
Contact your current or previous employer’s Security Vetting Officer or Security Controller. Your prospective employer can also arrange an official status check through the appropriate vetting channels.
For further information, visit the UKSV guidance for existing clearance holders.
Looking for your next security cleared role?
Changing jobs when you hold SC or DV clearance doesn’t have to be complicated, but understanding the requirements before making a move can help you avoid unnecessary delays.
At identifi Global, we specialise in recruitment for complex, regulated and security cleared environments, supporting candidates across defence, technology, cyber security and project delivery.
Whether you’re exploring permanent opportunities, considering a move into contracting or looking for your next security cleared position, our team can help you identify roles suited to your experience and clearance background.
Thinking about your next move?
Explore our latest vacancies or register with identifi Global to discuss your next opportunity.
