Licences and permits
The permissions a business needs before it can trade, each one tied to the law that creates it and to the body that issues it. We point at GOV.UK for fees and forms, and never copy them.
All 426 licences
Choose from all 48 activities
A
Abstract and/or impound water (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to abstract and/or impound water in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Abstract water (England)
If you abstract water or plan to, you may need to apply for an abstraction licence.
Environment Agency · England
Adoption service manager registration (Wales)
It is a legal requirement for adoption service managers in Wales to register with Social Care Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Adoption service registration (Wales)
You need to register to provide an adoption service in Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Adult care home manager registration (Wales)
It is a legal requirement for adult care home managers in Wales to register with Social Care Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Adult care home worker registration (Wales)
It is a legal requirement for adult care home workers in Wales to register with Social Care Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Adult placement manager registration (Wales)
It is a legal requirement for adult placement managers in Wales to register with Social Care Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Adult placement service registration (Wales)
You need to register to provide an adult placement service in Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Adult placement services registration
Different issuer in each nation
Adventure activities licence (England, Wales and Scotland)
Adventure activities licence, when you need it, what outdoor activities you need it for, caving, climbing, trekking, watersports, penalties for not having a licence
UK Government · England, Wales and Scotland
Advocacy service registration (Wales)
You need to register to provide an advocacy service in Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Aerial application certificate for dropping material from an aircraft or drone (agriculture, horticulture, forestry)
You need an aerial application certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to drop articles from an aircraft for agriculture, horticulture or forestry: apply …
CAA · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Aerial application of plant protection products: permission to spray from an aircraft or drone
You must get an aerial spraying permit from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) before you apply a plant protection product from an aircraft, …
HSE · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Agricultural analyst appointment (England, Northern Ireland, Wales)
Agricultural analysts are responsible for performing analyses on feed to ensure businesses are complying with feed safety law.
Welsh Government · England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Air conditioning energy assessor accreditation (Northern Ireland)
Licence to operate as an air conditioning system energy assessor in Northern Ireland and approval to work in England and Wales
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Aircraft maintenance engineering licence - BCAR Section L
Get a BCAR Section L licence for working on UK registered non-Part 21 aircraft.
DfT · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Aircraft maintenance engineering licence - UK Part 66
Get a UK Part 66 aircraft maintenance engineer licence for working on Part 21 aircraft.
DfT · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Alarm noise control: key holder registration (Northern Ireland)
Audible intruder alarms in 'alarm notification areas' must have a 'nominated key holder' the police can contact if it goes off
Your council · Northern Ireland
Alcohol license for conference centres (Northern Ireland)
You need a licensing letter before you apply to sell alcohol in your conference centre in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Alter a wall, fence or drain at the side of a road (Northern Ireland)
You must have consent to alter a wall, fence or drain at the side of a road in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Amusement permit (Northern Ireland)
You need an amusement permit to operate gaming machines in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Animal boarding establishment licence
Different issuer in each nation
Animal by-products approval (Northern Ireland)
How to register for processing, storing, disposing or transporting animal by-products.
Your council · Northern Ireland
Animal products import licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to import animal products into Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Animal transport authorisation (Northern Ireland)
Find out what licences you need to transport cattle, deer, goats, pigs or sheep in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Animal transport vehicle approval (Northern Ireland)
Get vehicle approval for transporting livestock and horses on long journeys
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Application for change of tourist accommodation category (Northern Ireland)
To change your tourist accommodation premises to a different category you must apply to NITB
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Application to register a milk production holding (England and Wales)
Register a milk production facility in England and Wales with the Food Standards Authority (FSA).
Your council · England and Wales
Apply for a gas or electricity licence (England, Scotland and Wales)
You need a licence if you're a gas supplier, transporter, shipper or interconnector in England, Scotland and Wales
DESNZ · England, Wales and Scotland
Apply for a River Thames accommodation licence
Get a licence to build, change or retain a structure on or in the River Thames.
Environment Agency · England · No national statute
Apply for Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) authorisation
To undertake regulated financial activities, you must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
UK Government · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Approval and accreditation of vocational training courses (Scotland)
Approval from the Scottish Qualifications Authority for centres of learning including colleges, employers and private training providers
Scottish Government · Scotland
Approval for a centre to offer qualifications (Scotland)
You must be approved by the SQA to run an education or training establishment and offer courses which lead to qualifications.
Scottish Government · Scotland
Approval of assembly centres (Northern Ireland)
To operate an assembly centre in Northern Ireland where cattle, pigs, sheep or goats are grouped together to be used in the course of …
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Approval of home childcarers (Northern Ireland)
To provide early years childcare, register with the Home Childcarer Approval Scheme through your local Health and Social Care Trust (HSCT)
Your council · Northern Ireland
Approval of initial teacher education programmes (Northern Ireland)
You need approval from the Department of Education to offer initial teacher education programmes
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Approval of operating plants handling or processing meat (Northern Ireland)
Get approval from the FSA or District Council to operate meat handling and processing plants - Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Approval of premises for civil marriage and civil partnership
Your council
Approved driving instructor (ADI) (England, Scotland and Wales)
You must become an approved driving instructor (ADI) if you want to charge people for car driving lessons.
DVSA · England, Wales and Scotland
Aquaculture licence (Northern Ireland)
Fish or shellfish farms in Northern Ireland must have a fish culture licence from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Archaeological excavation licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to carry out archaeological excavation or search for archaeological objects in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Art therapist registration
You need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practise as an art therapist in the UK
UK Government · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Artificial propagation or improvement works on a fishery (Northern Ireland)
You may need an exemption permit if you wish to artificially propagate your fishery or carry out improvements
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Artificial reproduction of animals licence (Northern Ireland)
You must have a licence from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) if you run an organisation involved in the artificial reproduction …
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Asbestos licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence if you or your employees work with asbestos in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Auction premises registration
To sell goods by auction in a stall or other premises you might need to register with your local council
Your council · England · No national statute
Auctioneer's permit for firearms and ammunition (Northern Ireland)
You need an auctioneer's permit from the police to sell firearms or ammunition by auction in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Authorisation for dry cleaning (Scotland)
You need an authorisation if you run a dry cleaning facility that uses solvents in Scotland.
Scottish Government · Scotland
Authorisation to accumulate and dispose of radioactive waste (Scotland)
To accumulate and dispose of radioactive wastes you need an authorisation from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)
Scottish Government · Scotland
Authorisation to advise on or arrange general insurance
You need authorisation from the Financial Conducty Authority (FCA) to advise on, arrange or sell general insurance products
UK Government · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Authorisation to mix special waste (Scotland)
To dispose of, carry, or receive special waste in Scotland, you must comply with the regulations as detailed below.
Scottish Government · Scotland
Authorisation to use university in an institution's title (Scotland)
To use 'university' in an educational body's title, you must get consent from the Privy Council
Scottish Government · Scotland
Authorisations for industrial activities (Scotland)
Your business may need an authorisation if it operates certain types of installations in Scotland that could cause emissions to land, water or air.
Scottish Government · Scotland
Authorisations for petrol vapour recovery (Scotland)
You may need an authorisation to operate an installation for the unloading of petrol into stationary storage tanks or motor vehicle refuelling activities at …
Scottish Government · Scotland
Authorisations to impound water (Scotland)
You must apply for an authorisation from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to build a dam or weir in Scotland.
Scottish Government · Scotland
B
Become a registered auditor
Registered auditor, statutory auditor, how to register, which professional body to register with, requirements, fees and penalties
Your council · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Bingo club licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence from your local magistrates' court to operate a commercial bingo club in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Boat hire licence (Scotland)
Get a boat hire licence to let out a boat or use it to transport up to 12 passengers for a fare - exemptions, …
Your council · Scotland
Boatmasters' licence
Apply for a boatmasters’ licence, once you have completed the necessary training, to operate on certain vessels on inland waters or “limited” coastal operations.
MCA · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Booking office licence (Scotland)
To take bookings for 4 or more taxis and/or private hire cars in Scotland, you need a booking office licence from your local authority
Scottish Government · Scotland
Bookmaker's licence (Northern Ireland)
To operate as a bookmaker and take on-course and off-course bets in Northern Ireland you need a licence from the local magistrates' court
Your council · Northern Ireland
Bookmaker's premises licence (Scotland)
You need a licence in Scotland to operate as a premises based bookmaker from your local authority
Your council · Scotland
Bookmaking office licence (Northern Ireland)
If you use premises to take off-course bets in Northern Ireland you need a licence from the local magistrates' court
Your council · Northern Ireland
Business craft used on inland waterways (Northern Ireland)
To use commercial craft on inland waterways in Northern Ireland you must be registered with Waterways Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Busking licence (England and Wales)
You may need a busking licence or permit from the council before busking in that area. Find out the council's rules on busking and …
Your council · England and Wales · No national statute
C
CAA Operating Licence
You need an operating licence from the Civil Aviation Authority to carry passengers, mail or cargo by air for commercial purposes
DfT · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
CAA Route Licence
You must receive a route licence from the Civil Aviation Authority to operate UK-registered aircraft on commercial passenger or cargo flights outside the European …
DfT · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Camping licence (England and Wales)
What is a campsite licence and applying to get one
Your council · England and Wales
Carbon Reduction Commitment registration (Northern Ireland)
You must register for the CRC energy efficient scheme if your organisation meets the qualification criteria
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Care at home services registration (Scotland)
You need to register with the Care Inspectorate to operate care at home services.
Scottish Government · Scotland
Care home service registration (Wales)
You need to register to provide a care home service for adults or children in Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Carriage of dangerous goods test and certificate (Northern Ireland)
You need a test and certificate for vehicles which will be carrying dangerous goods
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Carry out excavations near a road (Northern Ireland)
You must have permission to carry out excavations near a road in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Carrying abnormal loads by road notification (Northern Ireland)
You must notify Roads Service to transport an abnormal load by road in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
CBT motorcycle instructor (England, Scotland and Wales)
You must become a certified motorcycle instructor or DVSA assessed CBT motorcycle instructor if you want to provide the CBT course for learner riders.
DVSA · England, Wales and Scotland
Certificate of approval for GB air gun holders (Northern Ireland)
You need police approval if you want to possess an air gun in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Certificate of design or construction (Scotland)
You need approval to issue certificates of design or construction in Scotland
Scottish Government · Scotland
Certificate of fitness (Northern Ireland)
You need to apply to your district council for a certificate of fitness if you want to rent out a property.
Your council · Northern Ireland
Child employment licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a permit from your local Education and Library Board to employ a child of compulsory school age in part-time employment
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Child performance licence (Northern Ireland)
You must have a licence for a child to take part in a public performance in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Child work permit (England and Wales)
To employ a child in the UK, you may need to get a work permit from your local authority
Your council · England and Wales
Children and young people advocacy manager registration (Wales)
It is a legal requirement for children and young people advocacy managers in Wales to register with Social Care Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Children's day care provider registration (Wales)
You may need to register to provide day care for children under the age of 12 years outside the child’s home in Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Chiropodist or podiatrist registration
You must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practise as a chiropodist or podiatrist in the UK
UK Government · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Cinema licence (Northern Ireland)
You must be licensed to use premises as a cinema in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Clinical scientist registration
You must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practise as a clinical scientist in the UK
UK Government · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Club gaming permit (Scotland)
You need a club gaming permit if you run a members' club or a miners' welfare institute
Your council · Scotland
Club machine permit (Scotland)
You need to get a permit from your local authority to provide gaming machines eg fruit machines in a club in Scotland
Your council · Scotland
Club premises certificate
Apply for a club premises certificate through your council if you're a social, sporting or political members club and you want to do activities …
Your council · England, Wales and Scotland
Cockle and mussel fishing permit: Traeth Lafan, Traeth Melynog and Red Wharf Bay (Wales)
Apply for a permit to dredge, fish for or take cockles and mussels from specific areas in north Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Cockle fishing licence - Dee Estuary
Cockle licence to fish in the Dee Estuary.
Welsh Government · Wales
Cockle fishing permit: rivers Taf, Tywi and Gwendraeth (Wales)
Apply for a permit to dredge, fish for or take cockles and mussels from the Three Rivers in south Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Collect or produce forest reproductive material licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence if you intend to use or market forest reproductive material that you have collected or produced
Your council · Northern Ireland
Collective worship copyright licence
You need a licence to reproduce the words of hymns or worship songs for collective worship at schools
DCMS · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Collective worship music reproduction licence
You need a licence to photocopy hymns or worship songs for collective worship at your school
DCMS · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Commercial energy assessor accreditation (Scotland)
Commercial assessors in Scotland must be accredited by an organisation approved by the the Scottish government
Scottish Government · Scotland
Commercial Inland Fishing Licence
You need a licence to net for salmon and sea trout or fish for eels using nets, trawls or traps
Environment Agency · England and Wales
Consent for leaflet distribution (Northern Ireland)
You must have permission from your local council to distribute leaflets within designated litter control areas
Your council · Northern Ireland
Consent to carry out excavations in or break up the surface of a road (Northern Ireland)
Excavate in or break up the surface of a road (Northern Ireland)
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Consent to discharge into a watercourse (Northern Ireland)
You must have permission to discharge certain substances into a waterway or water contained in any underground strata in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Construct a bridge over a road (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to construct a bridge over a road in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Construct cellars, vaults, arches or parts of a building under a road (Northern Ireland)
Get permission to construct a cellar, vault, arch or part of a building under a road in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Construction project notification (Northern Ireland)
You may need to notify HSENI if you are a contractor planning a construction project
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Conveyance, storage or supply of gas, or operate a liquid natural gas facility (Northern Ireland)
You must apply for the relevant gas licence from the Utility Regulator to supply, convey or store gas or operate a liquid natural gas …
Your council · Northern Ireland
Conveyancing licence (England and Wales)
To act as a conveyancer in England and Wales, you can register with the Council of Licensed Conveyancers (CLC)
MHCLG · England and Wales
Cooling tower notification
Cooling tower notification for commercial site owners
Your council · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Copyright Licensing Agency licence
Apply for a licence to produce copies of copyright protected material
DCMS · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
D
Day care services registration (Northern Ireland)
You need to register with your local Health and Social Services Board (HSBB) if you operate a children's day care service for children under …
Your council · Northern Ireland
Day care settings registration (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to operate a day care setting in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
DEC assessor accreditation (Northern Ireland)
Accreditation routes to become a display energy certificate (DEC) assessor and how to apply and find approved schemes and make sure you are qualified …
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Derry City Walls event notification (Northern Ireland)
You must get permission from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) to hold an event on Derry City Walls
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Dietitian registration
You must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practise as a dietitian in the UK
UK Government · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Discharging effluent (Scotland)
Get permission to send liquid waste out from factories or places where sewage is dealt with and find how to contact Scottish water suppliers …
Scottish Government · Scotland
Discharging effluent or waste water (England)
You may need an environmental permit to discharge liquid effluent or waste water to surface water or the ground.
Environment Agency · England
Dispensation to allow the display of fireworks late at night (Scotland)
You need to get permission from your council to have a fireworks display between 11pm and 7am.
Your council · Scotland
Dispose of waste in sea (Scotland)
You may need a licence from Marine Scotland if you want to deposit substances or articles within Scottish waters, either in the sea or …
Scottish Government · Scotland
Dive at protected wrecks licence (Wales)
You must have a licence in order to dive designated shipwreck sites.
Welsh Government · Wales
Diving contractor registration (Northern Ireland)
You must be registered to operate as a diving contractor in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Dog breeding establishment licence (Northern Ireland)
You must have a licence for your dog breeding establishment in order to breed dogs in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Domestic energy assessor (existing dwellings) accreditation (Northern Ireland)
You must be a member of an accreditation scheme to operate as a domestic energy assessor (DEA) for existing buildings in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Domestic energy assessor accreditation (Scotland)
Get approved to work as a domestic energy assessor and produce energy performance certificates (EPCs) for houses and other residential properties.
Scottish Government · Scotland
Domiciliary care manager registration (Wales)
It is a legal requirement for domiciliary care managers in Wales to register with Social Care Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Domiciliary care service registration (Northern Ireland)
You need to be registered with the Health and Social Care Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) to operate a domiciliary care service in …
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Domiciliary care worker registration (Wales)
It is a legal requirement for domiciliary care workers in Wales to register with Social Care Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Domiciliary support service registration (Wales)
You need to register to provide a domiciliary support service, including the provision of supported living and extra care housing in Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Drone operational authorisation (Specific category)
You must get an operational authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) before flying a drone in the Specific category, which covers flying that …
CAA · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Drone operator registration (Operator ID)
Before you fly a drone outdoors in the UK that weighs 250g or more, or 100g or more with a camera, the person or …
CAA · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Drone remote pilot competency (Flyer ID, A2 CofC, GVC)
To fly a drone of 100g or more outdoors in the UK you must pass the CAA's free theory test and get a Flyer …
CAA · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
E
Educational Recording Agency Licence
You need a licence to use television or radio broadcast material for non-commercial educational purposes
DCMS · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Entertainment licence (Northern Ireland)
Get an entertainment licence to stage indoor entertainment on a site.
Your council · Northern Ireland
Erect scaffolding or hoardings on a road (Northern Ireland)
You need consent to erect scaffolding, hoardings, etc. on a road in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
European firearms pass (Northern Ireland)
You need a European firearms pass from the PSNI to travel with listed firearms through European countries
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Executry practitioner registration (Scotland)
You need to register with the Law Society of Scotland to act as an executry practitioner in Scotland - fee and eligibility
Scottish Government · Scotland
Explosives in harbours licence (Northern Ireland)
You must have a licence for explosives in harbours in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Explosives manufacturing and storage licence (England, Scotland and Wales)
You need a licence to manufacture or store explosives
UK Government · England, Wales and Scotland
Explosives manufacturing licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to manufacture explosives, including fireworks, in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Extended hours application (Scotland)
You need to apply for an extended hours licence if you want to serve alcohol outside your premises' licence hours
Your council · Scotland
F
Farrier registration (England, Scotland and Wales)
If you work in farriery (shoeing horses or other equine animals) in England, Scotland or Wales, you need to be registered with the Farriers …
DEFRA · England, Wales and Scotland
Feed mills or on-farm mixing of feed containing restricted proteins (Northern Ireland)
You must be authorised to operate a mobile feed mixer that uses restricted proteins for non-ruminant feed production in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Firearm certificate (Northern Ireland)
You need a firearm certificate from the PSNI to own or possess firearms or ammunition in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Firearms club authorisation (Northern Ireland)
You must be authorised by the police to operate a firearms club in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Firearms dealer occasional permit (Northern Ireland)
You need an occasional permit from the police if you are a certified firearms dealer wanting to trade outside your registered premises
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Firearms dealer’s certificate (Northern Ireland)
You need a certificate from the police to operate as a firearms dealer in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Fireworks manufacture and storage (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to manufacture and store fireworks in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Fireworks manufacture, storage and sales licences
You need specific licences to manufacture fireworks, store fireworks, and sell fireworks all year round (except when selling at specific times set out below).
Your council · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Fireworks retailer registration (Northern Ireland)
You need to register with the Department of Justice to sell fireworks in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Fish culture licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a fish culture licence to operate a fish or shell fish farm in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Fish dealer licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to sell or expose for sale, salmon, trout, eels, pike or pollen in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Fish seller and fish buyer registration (Scotland)
You must be registered with Marine Scotland if you sell first sale fish by competitive bidding at a designated auction site in Scotland.
Scottish Government · Scotland
Fishing Licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to fish for salmon, eels or freshwater fish in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Fix or place rails, beams, cables, arches or other items over a road (Northern Ireland)
You need permission fix or place rails, beams, cables, arches or other eitems over a road in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Flood risk activities (England)
You may need an environmental permit to do work in or by a main river, flood defence structure or sea defence, or in a …
Environment Agency · England
Food analyst appointment (England, Northern Ireland, Wales)
Food analysts are responsible for performing chemical analyses on food to ensure businesses are complying with food safety law.
Welsh Government · England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Food examiner appointment (England, Northern Ireland, Wales)
Food examiners are responsible for performing microbiological analyses on food and feed to ensure businesses are complying with food safety law.
Welsh Government · England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Food premises approval (Scotland)
Get a licence for handling meat, fish, egg or dairy products.
Your council · Scotland
Forestry trader registration (Northern Ireland)
If you're a forestry trader and want to produce or import wood or bark, or issue plant passports you must be registered with the …
Your council · Northern Ireland
Fostering service manager registration (Wales)
It is a legal requirement for fostering service managers in Wales to register with Social Care Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Fostering service registration (Wales)
You need to register to provide a fostering service in Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
G
Gaming machine supply and maintenance certificate (Northern Ireland)
To sell, supply or maintain gaming machines in Northern Ireland you need a certificate issued by the local court
Your council · Northern Ireland
General Aviation Report notification (Northern Ireland)
You may need to notify the police if you are operating a flight arriving or departing at an undesignated port in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
GMO release consent for research and development (Scotland)
If you wish to release genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment in Scotland for research and development purposes, you must obtain consent from …
Scottish Government · Scotland
Gold and silver agreement for lease (England and Wales)
You need permission from the crown estate to carry out gold or silver exploration for commercial gain.
HM Treasury · England and Wales
Gold and Silver Mining Option for Lease (Scotland)
You need a lease from the Crown Estate Scotland to explore or mine gold or silver commercially in Scotland
Scottish Government · Scotland
Goods vehicle operator licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to operate goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes to carry goods as part of trade or business
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Goods vehicle operator licences
You need a goods vehicle operator’s licence if your business uses a goods vehicle with either a gross plated weight (the maximum weight that …
Traffic Commissioners · England, Wales and Scotland
Government digital mapping data licence for academic institutions (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to use government digital mapping data in an academic institution
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Government digital mapping data supply and licence (Northern Ireland)
You may need a licence to use government digital mapping data in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Green list waste export (Northern Ireland)
You must inform DAERA before exporting green list waste
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Greenfield soil declaration (Northern Ireland)
You must submit a completed Greenfield Soil Declaration Form to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency If you move clean, greenfield soil within Northern Ireland …
Your council · Northern Ireland
Guard dog kennels registration (Northern Ireland)
You must be registered with your council if you operate a guard dog kennel in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
H
Hackney carriage licence (England, Scotland and Wales)
You need a licence to drive a hackney carriage - taxicabs, England, excluding London, Scotland and Wales
DfT · England, Wales and Scotland
Hazardous waste movement notice (Northern Ireland)
You need to pre-notify the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) 72 hours in advance if you want to move hazardous waste
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Hazardous waste producer registration (Wales)
Register your premises with Natural Resource Wales if you produce or hold hazardous waste in Wales
Welsh Government · Wales
Heather and grass burning licence (Wales)
You need a licence to burn heather, rough grass, bracken, gorse or vaccinium outside the burning season in Wales
Your council · Wales
Holding birds of prey (Northern Ireland)
You need a wildlife licence if you want to keep, breed or exhibit birds of prey in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Holiday resort exemption from Sunday trading (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to get an exemption from Sunday Trading laws in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Horse-drawn hackney carriage licence (England and Wales)
You'll need a hackney vehicle licence if you want to use a horse and carriage for paying customers
Your council · England and Wales
House to house charitable collections licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to promote or make charitable house to house collections in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
House to house collection licence (England and Wales)
Apply for a licence for house-to-house collections of money or goods for charity in England or Wales
Your council · England and Wales
Human fertilisation and embryology licence
You need a licence to undertake the procurement, testing, processing, preservation, storage and distribution of gametes, embryos and/or provide in-vitro fertilisation, or artificial insemination …
UK Government · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Hypnotism permit (England, Scotland and Wales)
You must hold a permit to stage a public performance of hypnotism for entertainment purposes in England, Wales and Scotland - learn how to …
Your council · England, Wales and Scotland
I
Import honey bees (Northern Ireland)
You must notify DAERA if you import honeybees into Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Impound water (England)
If you impound water, or plan to, you may need to apply for an impounding licence.
Environment Agency · England
Indoor sports entertainment licence (Scotland)
You need a licence from your local authority to use a property for public sporting events in Scotland.
Your council · Scotland
International road freight operators licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to carry goods (by vehicle) for payment on international journeys
Your council · Northern Ireland
Itinerant metal dealer's licence (Scotland)
You need an itinerant (travelling) metal dealer's licence to buy and sell scrap metal door-to-door in Scotland
Your council · Scotland
K
Keep dangerous wild animals (Northern Ireland)
You must have a licence to keep a dangerous wild animal in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Knife dealers licence (Scotland)
You need a licence in Scotland if you want to deal in knives, swords or weapons with blades or sharp points
Your council · Scotland
L
Laser or intense pulsed light treatment licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to use laser or intense pulsed light treatment
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Laser or intense pulsed light treatment registration
Different issuer in each nation
Late hours catering licence (Scotland)
You need a late hours catering licence if you want to sell food or drinks between 11pm and 5am in Scotland
Your council · Scotland
Learning support worker registration (Wales)
You must register with the Education Workforce Council to be employed as a learning support worker in Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Left-hand drive stretched limousines PSV licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to operate a left-hand drive (LHD) stretched limousine public service vehicle in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Legal executive registration (England and Wales)
You need a licence to carry out reserved legal activities in England and Wales
UK Government · England and Wales
Licence for loading, unloading, and handling explosives in ports
You need a licence to load, unload, or handle explosives in ports
UK Government · England, Wales and Scotland
Licence for projections over a highway (England & Wales)
You need a licence to build a bridge or alter a bridge above a public highway
Your council · England and Wales
Licence for regulated scientific procedures on protected animals
You need a licence to do experimental or scientific procedures on protected animals
Home Office · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Licence to construct or alter a building over a road (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to construct or alter a building over a road in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Licence to import live crustaceans (Scotland)
You need to tell the Fish Research Services if you import live crustaceans from within the EU
Scottish Government · Scotland
Licence to place festive lighting on roads (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to place festive lighting on, above or over a road in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Licence to possess or sell drug precursor chemicals
You need a licence from the Home Office to possess or sell drug precursor chemicals
Home Office · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Licence to possess specified animal pathogens or carriers (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to have specified animal pathogens or carriers in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Licence to provide ringtones to download
You need a licence to provide ringtones for downloading
DCMS · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Licence to sell alcohol (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to sell alcohol in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Licence to supply electricity (Northern Ireland)
Licence to generate, transmit, distribute or supply electricity in Northern Ireland.
Your council · Northern Ireland
Licence to train racehorses (England, Scotland and Wales)
You need a licence to train racehorses to compete in steeple chases, hurdle races and national hunt flat races.
DEFRA · England, Wales and Scotland
Licence to use music on the radio
You need a licence to broadcast copyright music on the radio
DCMS · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Licence to work with asbestos (England, Wales & Scotland)
You need a licence to work with asbestos in England, Wales and Scotland
UK Government · England, Wales and Scotland
Licences to use music on television
You need a licence to use copyright music in TV programmes
DCMS · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Licences to use music online or on mobile technology
You may need a licence to use copyright music online or on mobiles
IPO · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Licensed premises gaming machine permit (Scotland)
You must have a gaming machine permit to have three or more category C or D gaming machines on your premises
Your council · Scotland
Listed veterinary nurse authorisation (All UK)
To practise as a veterinary nurse and undertake any medical treatment or minor surgery on an animal, you may register with the Royal College …
DEFRA · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Live fish import notification - within EU (England and Wales)
You need to notify the Fish Health Inspectorate if you import live fish into England or Wales from the European Union
DEFRA · England and Wales
Livestock market approval (Northern Ireland)
You need approval from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs if you want to operate a livestock market in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Local authority environmental permits (England and Wales)
Permit to carry out Part A(2) or Part B activities or run a Part A(2) or Part B installation or mobile plant.
Your council · England and Wales
Lottery licence (Northern Ireland)
To promote a lottery you need to register with a local authority in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
M
Marine dredging licence (Northern Ireland)
How to get a licence so you can get rid of waste materials at sea around the coast of Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Marine engine operator licence
Apply for a marine engine operator licence (MEOL) to work in certain engineering roles on merchant vessels.
MCA · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Marine fish fishery licence (Northern Ireland)
You can apply for exclusive rights to cultivate and take fish in an area if you operate a marine fish farm in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Marine operator licence limited to small vessels
Apply for a marine operator licence limited to small vessels (MEOL SV) to work in certain engineering roles on merchant vessels.
MCA · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Marine works consent (Scotland)
You need consent to carry out work that could be detrimental to the navigation of waters
Your council · Scotland
Market operators licence (Scotland)
You need a market operators licence if you run a private market (including car boot sales, craft fairs and fêtes) in Scotland
Your council · Scotland
Market stall licence
To run a market stall as a trader, you need either a temporary ('casual') or permanent licence from the local council.
Your council · England and Wales
Massage and special treatment premises licensing
Contact your council if you run an establishment for massage or other special treatments and need a premises licence
Your council · England and Wales · No national statute
Master certificate for forest reproductive material (Northern Ireland)
You must apply for a master certificate if you intend to market forest reproductive material which you own
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Metal dealer's licence (Scotland)
Contact your council for a licence to deal scrap metal from regular premises in Scotland
Your council · Scotland
Metal recycling site licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to run a metal recycling site in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Mineral mining licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to mine for minerals in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Mineral prospecting licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence from the Department for the Economy to prospect for minerals in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Mixing ammonium nitrate (with fuel oil) licence
You need a manufacturing licence to combine ammonium nitrate and fuel oil to create mixtures for use in certain blasting operations
HSE · England, Wales and Scotland
Move firearms or signalling apparatus to or from a ship, aircraft or aerodrome (Northern Ireland)
You need permission from the police to move firearms to or from a ship, or signalling apparatus, to or from an aircraft or aerodrome …
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Museum firearms licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to possess firearms, weapons and ammunition for museum purposes in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Music licences for physical products
You may need a licence from the Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society (MCPS) if you make copies of music on to any physical product
DCMS · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
N
National road service licence (Northern Ireland)
To drive a vehicle with more than 8 people, you need a road service licence from the Driver and Vehicle Agency in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
New Marina Application (England, Scotland & Wales)
Building a new marina in waters owned or managed by British Waterways
DEFRA · England, Wales and Scotland
Newspaper Licensing Agency (NLA) educational licence
You may need a licence from the Newspaper Licensing Agency (NLA) to make copies of newspaper content for teaching purposes.
DCMS · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
NLA Media Access Limited business licence
You may need a license from the NLA Media Access Limited to make copies of newspaper content for internal use in a business.
DCMS · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
NLA Media Access Limited corporate website republishing licence
You may need a license from the NLA Media Access Limited if you are an organisation hosting NLA represented content on your website(s) and …
DCMS · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
NLA Media Access Limited simplified licence
You may need a license from the NLA Media Access Limited if you're receiving or making internal copies of NLA represented content.
DCMS · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
NLA Media Access Limited web end user licence
You may need a license from the NLA Media Access Limited if you are a public relations organisation making copies of NLA represented content …
DCMS · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Non-domestic energy assessor accreditation (Northern Ireland)
You must be part of an accreditation scheme to operate as a non-domestic energy assessor in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Non-nuclear radioactive substances regulation (England)
Permits for different groups of radioactive substances users known as the ‘non-nuclear sector’.
Environment Agency · England
Notification of imports of live shellfish from within the EU (England & Wales)
You need to give notification to the Fish Health Inspectorate to import live shellfish from within the European Union
DEFRA · England and Wales
Notification of public processions (Northern Ireland)
You must notify the PSNI if you want to hold a public procession or parade in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Notification to process personal data
You must notify the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if your organisation processes personal data in an automated form
UK Government · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Nuclear site radioactive substances regulation (England)
Permits for operators of nuclear sites who are licensees under the Nuclear Installations Act 1965. And for operators who are tenants on nuclear sites.
Environment Agency · England
Nurse agency registration (Scotland)
You must register with the Care Inspectorate to provide nurse agency services in Scotland
Scottish Government · Scotland
Nursing agency registration (Northern Ireland)
If you operate a nursing agency in Northern Ireland you must meet certain minimum standards and be officially registered
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Nursing homes registration (England)
You must register with the Care Quality Commission to run a nursing home in England.
Scottish Government · England
O
Occasional clay pigeon shoot notification (Northern Ireland)
You need permission from the police to hold an occasional clay pigeon shoot in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Occupational therapist registration
You must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practise as a occupational therapist in the UK
UK Government · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
On-construction DEA accreditation (Northern Ireland)
You must be a member of an accreditation scheme to operate as an on-construction domestic energy assessor in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
One-on one-off firearm transaction (Northern Ireland)
You must notify the police of any one-on/one-off firearms transactions in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Operating an A1 installation (England)
You must apply for an environmental permit if you operate a facility which is classed as an ‘A1 installation’.
Environment Agency · England
Operating department practitioner registration
You need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practise as an operating department practitioner.
UK Government · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Operator of approved slaughter house RPA notification (England)
If you become an operator of an approved slaughterhouse you must notify the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) in writing within 28 days of starting …
Your council · England
Orthotist registration
You must register with the Health Care and Professions Council (HCPC) to practice as an orthotist in the UK
UK Government · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
P
Pavement or street display licence (England and Wales)
Get a licence to put an advertising sign on the road or pavement in England and Wales - restrictions, fines, penalties
Your council · England and Wales
PCB holding registration (Scotland)
You need to register annually with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) if you have equipment containing Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs). These are covered under …
Scottish Government · Scotland
Permission to distribute leaflets (England and Wales)
You may need to get permission to distribute free printed material in certain areas controlled by the local council.
Your council · England and Wales
Permission to place tables and chairs in the road (Scotland)
Get permission from your local council to place tables and chairs outside your premises.
Your council · Scotland
Permission to place tables and chairs on the pavement
Get a licence to place furniture on the pavement in England and Wales - how to apply, restrictions, fines, penalties
Your council · England and Wales
Permission to use street or pavement space for displays (Scotland)
You must get written permission to put advertising signs or displays on the road or pavement in Scotland - fines, penalties
Your council · Scotland
Personal licence (Scotland)
You need a licence to sell alcohol from a licensed premises
Your council · Scotland
Personal licence to sell alcohol (England and Wales)
You need a licence to sell alcohol from a licensed premises
Your council · England and Wales
Pesticide approval
You need approval from the Heath and Safety Executive (HSE) Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD) to sell, distribute or store new pesticides in the UK
HSE · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Pet shop licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to run a pet shop in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Photographing wildlife (Northern Ireland)
You may need a wildlife licence to take photographs of wild birds or certain protected animals in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Phytophthora ramorum infected wood movement licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to transport any wood infected with Phytophthora ramorum (sudden oak death) in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Phytophthora ramorum infected wood processing licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to process any wood infected with Phytophthora ramorum (sudden oak death) in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Phytosanitary certificate (Northern Ireland)
You need a phytosanitary certificate to export potatoes to non-EU countries
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Pig holding registration and movement notification (Scotland)
You must register your pigs and the place where they are kept (the holding) with your local Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (RPID) office …
Scottish Government · Scotland
Place a traditional arch over a road (Northern Ireland)
You must have consent to place a traditional arch over a road in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Pleasure permit (Northern Ireland)
You need a permit if you offer amusements with prizes on your premises in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Pollution data reporting (Northern Ireland)
You need to report your business's annual pollution releases in Northern Ireland if it's regulated by a Part A pollution prevention and control permit
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Pollution prevention and control permit Part A and B (Northern Ireland)
If you carry out activities listed in Schedule 1 of the Pollution Prevention and Control (Industrial Emissions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 you need a …
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Pollution Prevention and Control Permit Part C (Northern Ireland)
You need a Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) permit if you operate a plant or installation that emits pollutants to air in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Practising as a costs lawyer (England and Wales)
You must have a practising certificate from the Costs Lawyer Standards Board to work as a costs lawyer in England and Wales.
UK Government · England and Wales
Private hire vehicle or minicab licence (Scotland)
To drive a private hire car (PHC) in Scotland, a private hire car drivers' licence or a taxi drivers' licence must be obtained from …
Your council · Scotland
Private water bailiff authorisation (Northern Ireland)
You need a magistrate to endorse the appointment of a private water bailiff to police a body of water in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Protected species licensing (Scotland)
For activities involving protected species which would otherwise be against the law, you may be able to apply for a licence from Scottish Natural …
Scottish Government · Scotland
Protected wreck site licences (England)
A protected wrecks licence allows you to dive, survey, dig, take away historical objects and anchor near a protected wreck in England
DCMS · England
Protected wrecks licence (Scotland)
A protected wrecks licence allows you to dive, survey, dig, take away historical objects and anchor near a protected wreck in Scotland
Scottish Government · Scotland
Provision of a milk tanker facility on or near a road (Northern Ireland)
You need permission for works to provide a milk tanker facility on or near a road in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
PSV (Public Service Vehicle) operator’s licence
You need a public service vehicle (PSV) operator’s licence to operate a vehicle for hire or reward (payment or payment in kind) that can …
Traffic Commissioners · England, Wales and Scotland
Public analyst appointment (England, Northern Ireland, Wales)
Public analysts perform chemical analyses on food to ensure businesses are complying with food safety law.
Welsh Government · England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Public charitable collection permit (Scotland)
You must apply for a Public Charitable Collection Permit in Scotland if you are collecting money from the public for charity in a public …
Your council · Scotland
Public entertainment licence (Scotland)
Get a public entertainment licence for your site if it's used for public entertainment.
Your council · Scotland
Publish LPS/OSNI intellectual property (Northern Ireland)
You need permission to publish government mapping data in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Publish LPS/OSNI intellectual property as an estate agent (Northern Ireland)
You need permission as an estate agent to publish government mapping data in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Purchase or acquire explosives for purposes other than blasting (Northern Ireland)
You need police permission to purchase or acquire explosives for purposes other than blasting
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Put and take fishery and non-commercial installation registration (Northern Ireland)
You must be registered to run a fishery in Northern Ireland stocking aquatic animals with no intention of placing them on the market
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
R
Racehorse trainer's licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to train racehorses for entry into races anywhere in Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Radioactive substances authorisations (Scotland)
You need an authorisation from Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) if you keep or use radioactive substances.
Scottish Government · Scotland
Radioactive substances certificate of registration (Northern Ireland)
You need a certificate of registration to keep or store radioactive material at your premises in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Radioactive substances waste certificate of authorisation (Northern Ireland)
You need permission to accumulate and dispose of radioactive waste in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Radiographer registration
As a radiographer you need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
UK Government · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Railway network licence
You need a licence from the Office of Rail Regulation to operate a railway network
DfT · England, Wales and Scotland
Raised structure approval (Scotland)
You need approval from your local authority to use a raised structure to provide seating or standing accommodation in Scotland
Your council · Scotland
Recognition of natural mineral water (Northern Ireland)
If you want to market natural mineral water in Northern Ireland, you must apply for recognition from the local district council
Your council · Northern Ireland
Register a hairdressing business (Wales)
You may have to register a hairdressing or barbers business with your local council in Wales so that they can check you're following health …
Your council · Wales · No national statute
Register an expression of interest in mining (Northern Ireland)
You can register an expression of interest over ground you are considering prospecting for minerals in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Register as a chiropractor
You must register with the General Chiropractic Council to practice as a chiropractor in the UK
UK Government · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Register as a firearms dealer
You must register with the police if you manufacture, sell or transfer shotguns, firearms or ammunition or are involved in the repairing, testing or …
Home Office · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Register as a number plate supplier
You need to register with DVLA if you want to sell or make number plates
Your council · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Register as a paramedic
You must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practice as a paramedic in the UK
UK Government · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Register as a physiotherapist
You must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practice as a physiotherapist or physical therapist in the UK
UK Government · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Register as a prosthetist
You must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practice as a prosthetist in the UK
UK Government · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Register as a speech and language therapist
You must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practice as a speech and language therapist in the UK
UK Government · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Register as an architect
Register with the Architects Registration Board before working as an architect in the UK - temporary register, fines, penalties, qualifications
MHCLG · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Register as an orthoptist
You must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practice as an orthoptist in the UK
UK Government · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Register cattle (Northern Ireland)
You must register all your cattle individually with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Register to carry out gas work
You need to be registered on the Gas Safe Register to work on gas fittings or gas storage vessels in the UK
UK Government · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Register to practise as a veterinarian
You must register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to practise as a veterinarian in the UK
DEFRA · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Registration for private landlords (Scotland)
Register with the Landlord Registration central online system for Scotland as a private landlord.
Scottish Government · Scotland
Registration of aquaculture businesses (Scotland)
All new fish and shellfish farms are required to apply for authorisation before any development takes place.
Scottish Government · Scotland
Registration of bulk transport of straight (unmixed) prohibited or restricted animal proteins (Northern Ireland)
You need to be registered with DAERA to transport unmixed restricted or prohibited animal proteins in bulk in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Registration of domiciliary care agencies (England)
You need to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to operate a domiciliary care agency in England in order to provide care in …
Scottish Government · England
Registration of goat holdings (Northern Ireland)
You need to register your goat holding with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Registration of independent health care service (England and Wales)
You need to register with the Care Quality Commission or Healthcare Inspectorate to run an independent health care service (eg private hospital or clinic) …
CQC · England and Wales
Registration of independent healthcare service (Scotland)
You need to register with Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) to provide and independent health care service.
Northern Ireland Executive · Scotland
Registration of private member's clubs (Northern Ireland)
You must register your private members' club if you intend to supply, consume or keep for supply any alcohol on your premises
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Registration of residential care homes (England)
You need to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to run a residential care home for adults in England
Scottish Government · England
Registration to use feed containing restricted proteins (Northern Ireland)
You must register with DAERA if you store non-ruminant feed containing restricted proteins on a farm where ruminants are present
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Regulated qualification awarding body registration (Wales)
You need to be a recognised awarding body to offer regulated qualifications in Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Regulated qualification course approval (Northern Ireland)
To offer regulated qualifications in Northern Ireland, you need to register with the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA)
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Residential care homes (Scotland)
Register with the Care Inspectorate to operate a residential care home in Scotland
Scottish Government · Scotland
Residential care homes registration (Northern Ireland)
You need to register with the Health and Social Care Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) in Northern Ireland to run a residential care …
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Residential childcare manager registration (Wales)
It is a legal requirement for residential childcare managers in Wales to register with Social Care Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Residential childcare worker registration (Wales)
It is a legal requirement for residential childcare workers in Wales to register with Social Care Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Residential family centre manager registration (Wales)
It is a legal requirement for residential family centre managers in Wales to register with Social Care Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Residential family centre worker registration (Wales)
It is a legal requirement for residential family centre workers in Wales to register with Social Care Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Road occupation licence (Scotland)
You must get a road occupation licence from the council to occupy any part of the road in connection with building work in Scotland …
Your council · Scotland
Road occupation licence for building work (England and Wales)
You must get a licence from the council to dig up the road, or temporarily occupy it in connection with building work - fines, …
DfT · England and Wales
Road Opening Permit (Scotland)
You need a valid road opening permit to excavate under any public road, footway or footpath in Scotland
Your council · Scotland
Run an MOT centre (England, Scotland and Wales)
Your business must be authorised by DVSA and your MOT centre approved before you can open an MOT centre.
DVSA · England, Wales and Scotland
S
Scaffolding and hoarding licence (England and Wales)
You need a licence from the local authority to put up scaffolding or hoarding on a public highway in the UK.
Your council · England and Wales
Scheduled monument consent
Different issuer in each nation
School special educational needs (SEN) approval (Northern Ireland)
You need approval by the Department for Education in Northern Ireland to cater for special education in a non-maintained school
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Scottish Pollution Release Inventory (Scotland)
You need to report your annual emission releases to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency if you are a business regulated by a pollution and …
Scottish Government · Scotland
Scrap metal dealer licence (England and Wales)
You must get a scrap metal dealer licence from the council if you buy, sell or store scrap metal
Your council · England and Wales
Seabed lease (England and Wales)
You need a seabed lease from The Crown Estate to operate a marine fish farm in coastal waters
HM Treasury · England and Wales
Second hand dealers registration (Scotland)
Contact your council if you want to register as a second hand dealer in Scotland - exemptions, restrictions, fines and penalties
Your council · Scotland
Secure accommodation service registration (Wales)
You need to register to provide a secure accommodation service for children in Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Seed potato crop register (Northern Ireland)
You must register your potato seed crop in Northern Ireland with DAERA
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Seed potato import notification (Northern Ireland)
You must notify DAERA if you intend to import seed potatoes into Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Sell or dispose of a firearm (Northern Ireland)
You must notify the police of the sale or disposal of a firearm to anyone in the UK who is not a firearms dealer
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Senior marine engine operator licence
Apply for a senior marine engine operator licence to work as a chief engineer officer on vessels of less than 750 kW power, without …
MCA · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Sex establishment / sex cinema licence (Northern Ireland)
Contact your council for a licence if you want to run a sex establishment or sex cinema in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Sex shop and cinema licence (England and Wales)
Contact your council for a sex establishment licence if you want to run a sex shop or adult cinema
Your council · England and Wales
Sex shop licence (Scotland)
Contact your council for a licence if you want to run a sex shop in Scotland
Your council · Scotland
Shellfish fishery licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence from DAERA for exclusive shellfish cultivation and taking rights for a specified area in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Shellfish harvesting licence (Northern Ireland)
You must have your shellfish harvesting area classified by the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland
FSA · Northern Ireland
Ship sanitation certificate (Northern Ireland)
You need a ship sanitation certificate if you own a ship that operates between countries or offshore
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Shoot cormorants to prevent serious damage to fisheries (Northern Ireland)
You need a wildlife licence if you want to shoot cormorants for the purpose of preventing serious damage to a fishery in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Shotgun and firearm certificates
You need a firearm or shotgun certificate issued by the police to possess, buy or acquire a firearm or shotgun, and buy ammunition
Home Office · England, Wales and Scotland
Silos, slurry or agricultural fuel oil storage systems notification (Northern Ireland)
You must notify NIEA of changes to silos, slurry storage and agricultural fuel oil storage systems
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Skip operator licence
Get a skip permit for your skip hire company - skip hire licence, local authority, highway act
Your council · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Slaughterer in Food Standards Agency (FSA) approved slaughterhouses (England, Wales)
You need a full or temporary Certificate of Competence to perform many of the tasks required in a slaughterhouse.
Welsh Government · England and Wales
Slaughterman licence (Northern Ireland)
You need to have a licence to operate as a slaughterman in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Social landlord registration (Wales)
You need to register with the Welsh Ministers to operate as a social landlord in Wales
Your council · Wales
Social work student registration (Wales)
Social work students must register with Social Care Wales upon enrolling on the social work degree course in Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Social worker registration (Wales)
It is a legal requirement for social workers in Wales to register with Social Care Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Solicitor's practising certificate
Different issuer in each nation
Solvent emissions - EASR authorisations (Scotland)
You may need a registration or permit if you run a business in Scotland that uses organic solvents
Scottish Government · Scotland
Special needs school approval (Wales)
You need approval by the Welsh Government if you run an independent school in Wales that admits children with special educational needs
Your council · Wales
Specified risk material authorisation (Scotland)
You need authorisation from the Food Standards Agency to remove specified risk material at a slaughterhouse or cutting plant in Scotland
Scottish Government · Scotland
Standpipe licence (Northern Ireland)
Get permission to take water from a public water main in Northern Ireland on a temporary basis
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Start a nursery (Scotland)
Register with Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (SCSWIS) Care Inspectorate if you want to run a day nursery in Scotland.
Scottish Government · Scotland
Starting a nursery (Wales)
Getting a day care licence for running a children's nursery in Wales
Your council · Wales
Strategic export control licence
You need a strategic export licence to export out of the UK or trade in controlled goods, software, or technology (including data, information, and …
UK Government · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Street collection licence (England & Wales)
If you want to collect money or sell items on the street for charity, you might need a street collection licence, depending on your …
Your council · England and Wales
Street trader's licence (Scotland)
You may need a licence from the local council to work as a street trader in Scotland.
Your council · Scotland
Street works licence (England, Scotland and Wales)
You need a licence to place apparatus on a street or road in England, Wales and Scotland
Your council · England, Wales and Scotland
Support services providing day care to adults registration (Scotland)
To provide support services providing day care to adults registered in Scotland you must be registered with the Care Inspectorate
Scottish Government · Scotland
T
Tattoo, piercing and electrolysis licence
Your council
Taxi operator licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence from DVA to run a taxi operation in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Teacher registration (Wales)
You must register with the Education Workforce Council to be employed as a teacher in Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Temporary Events Notice (England and Wales)
You need a Temporary Event Notice if you want to carry out a 'licensable activity' on unlicensed premises in England or Wales
Your council · England and Wales
The Beef Carcase Classification scheme: work as a classifier
The Beef Carcase Classification (BCC) scheme is the compulsory classification of beef carcases to an agreed standard so that a fair meat price can …
RPA · England and Wales
Theatre licence (Scotland)
You must get a licence from the council if you want to run a theatre or put on a public performance of a play
Your council · Scotland
Tourist accommodation certification (Northern Ireland)
You must be certified by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) to provide tourist accommodation
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Track betting licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to provide betting facilities at a track or sports stadium in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Tree felling licence
The Forestry Commission controls tree felling by issuing felling licences.
UK Government · England
TV broadcast licence
You need a licence to provide commercial television services in the UK
DCMS · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
TV Licence
You need a TV Licence to watch or record programmes on a TV, computer or other device as they're broadcast, and to watch on-demand …
DCMS · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
U
UK engineering fishing class 1
Apply to get a class 1 fishing licence to work as a chief engineer on a vessel over 750kW (approximately 1,005HP).
MCA · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
UK engineering fishing class 2
Apply for a class 2 fishing licence to work as a second engineer on a vessel over 750kW (approximately 1,005HP).
MCA · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Using a boat on inland waterways
You usually need to register your boat to use it on inland waterways, such as rivers and canals.
Environment Agency · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Using, treating, storing and disposing of waste (England)
You may need an environmental permit if your business uses, recycles, treats, stores or disposes of waste or mining waste.
Environment Agency · England
V
Vehicle access permit for pedestrian zones (Northern Ireland)
Get permission to access a pedestrian zone with a vehicle in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Venison dealer licence (Scotland)
You need a venison dealer licence if you want to sell or exchange venison in Scotland
Your council · Scotland
Vessel traffic services (VTS) licence
Apply for a vessel traffic services (VTS) operator logbook, VTS endorsements and revalidations.
MCA · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Visitor’s firearm permit (Northern Ireland)
You need a visitor's permit from the police to possess a firearm or ammunition as a non-resident in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
W
Waste management authorisations (Scotland)
You need an authorisation from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to treat, keep, or dispose of waste in Scotland.
Scottish Government · Scotland
Waste management licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to deposit, keep, treat or dispose of waste in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Water abstraction authorisation (Scotland)
You need an EASR authorisation to abstract water from natural water sources in Scotland
Scottish Government · Scotland
Water activities authorisations (Scotland)
You must be authorised by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to carry out any controlled water activity, e.g. abstraction or construction work.
Scottish Government · Scotland
Water supply licence (England and Wales)
You need a licence to supply water to non-household premises in England and Wales
Ofwat · England and Wales
Weighbridge operator certificate
Contact your council for a certificate of competence to operate a chargeable weighbridge
Your council · England, Wales and Scotland
Weighbridge operator's certificate (Northern Ireland)
You need a certificate of competence to operate a public weighbridge for which a charge is made in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Wildlife licence (Northern Ireland)
You must get a licence before you can take, kill or disturb wild birds and animals in Northern Ireland - fees, restrictions, fines, penalties
Your council · Northern Ireland
Window cleaner's licence (Scotland)
Get a licence to work as a window cleaner in Scotland - how to apply, conditions, fines, penalties
Your council · Scotland
Wool Marketing Board registration
You need to register with the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB) if you produce wool with 4 or more sheep
DEFRA · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Work-based learning practitioner registration (Wales)
You must register with the Education Workforce Council to be employed as a work-based learning practitioner in Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Working with fluorinated gas (F gas)
You must have your own qualifications to work on equipment containing F gas, even if you work for someone else.
Environment Agency · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Y
Youth support worker registration (Wales)
You must register with the Education Workforce Council to be employed as a youth worker in Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Youth worker registration (Wales)
You must register with the Education Workforce Council to be employed as a youth worker in Wales.
Welsh Government · Wales
Z
Where GOV.UK lists a licence separately for each nation, it appears here once with a link to each nation's version. They are separate licences in law, often resting on different legislation.
6 licences on this list have no national enabling statute behind them. The regime is council byelaws or a local Act, or a statute that reaches only part of the area, and those pages say so plainly rather than citing something that does not apply to you. We have not yet mapped an enabling instrument for 109 licences on this list. That is a gap in our graph, not a statement about the law, and those pages say so rather than guessing.
Checking approvals more broadly?
A licence is one of several things you may need before your first day of trading. The pre-trading quick check walks the registrations, insurances and approvals alongside it.
Not sure which of these apply to you?
Our guides on finding a licence and dealing with your local council walk through the questions that decide it.