How long does it take to get DISP membership approved?

TL;DR: DISP membership approvals typically take 3–6 months depending on your readiness, application quality, DISP level, and Defence’s review timelines—though delays are common when documentation is incomplete or security clearances are pending.

As outlined in the 6clicks guide How to Get DISP Membership Fast, the DISP approval process isn’t instantaneous—and timelines can vary significantly depending on how prepared your organisation is.

While Defence doesn’t publish official SLA timeframes, most applicants report a 3- to 6-month timeline for DISP approval from submission to confirmation. However, that window can shorten—or stretch—depending on a few key factors.

What affects your DISP approval timeline?

Things that speed it up

• Submitting complete, well-structured documentation

• Having an appointed, trained Security Officer (SSO)

• Ensuring staff already hold baseline clearances

• Aligning policies to ISM and PSPF requirements

• Using a digital platform to track and link requirements

Things that slow it down

• Missing policies or incomplete self-assessments

• Delayed or pending personnel security clearances

• Poor or disorganised evidence

• Multiple application revisions requested by DS&VS

• Backlog or peak review periods within Defence

Tip: Start clearance applications early

Baseline, NV1, or higher security clearances can take weeks to months. You can’t complete your DISP application without them—so initiate vetting early if your staff don’t already hold them.

6clicks can help reduce approval time

By standardising your documentation, linking DISP requirements to real-time controls, and flagging missing evidence, 6clicks makes it easier to submit a clean, audit-ready application—and avoid costly rework or follow-up queries.

Want expert help speeding up your DISP approval?
Book a demo with 6clicks today to see how we automate readiness tracking, clearance workflows, and evidence gathering for faster success.