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.
244 of 426 licences in Northern Ireland
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
Adult placement services registration (Northern Ireland)
Registration details for businesses in Northern Ireland offering adult placement services.
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
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 (Northern Ireland)
Contact the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for a licence to run a boarding kennel or cattery in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
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
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 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 (Northern Ireland)
How to get a licence to hold a civil marriage or civil partnership in your venue, and what requirements to follow
Your council · Northern Ireland
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
Caravan site licence (Northern Ireland)
You usually need a licence from your local district council to have a caravan site on your land
Your council · Northern Ireland
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Explosives in harbours licence (Northern Ireland)
You must have a licence for explosives in harbours in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Explosives manufacturing licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to manufacture explosives, including fireworks, in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
F
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
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
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 irradiation licence (Northern Ireland)
You must be licensed by the Food Standards Agency to irradiate food in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
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
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
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
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
Hairdresser registration (Northern Ireland)
If you run a hairdressing or barbers business in Northern Ireland, you may have to register with your local district council so that they …
Your council · Northern Ireland
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
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
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
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
I
Import honey bees (Northern Ireland)
You must notify DAERA if you import honeybees into Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Independent school registration (Northern Ireland)
If you run an independent school it must be registered with the Department of Education (DE)
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
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
K
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
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
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 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 use music on the radio
You need a licence to broadcast copyright music on the radio
DCMS · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
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
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
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 food establishment approval (Northern Ireland)
Approval is required for certain food establishments that handle products of animal origin, such as meat, fish, egg, dairy products, and processed products of …
Your council · Northern Ireland
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
Occasional licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to sell alcohol away from your usual alcohol trading premises for a special occasion.
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 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
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
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
Petroleum Storage Licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a petroleum licence if you want to store and supply petrol to internal combustion engine vehicles.
Your council · 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
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
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 wreck site licence (Northern Ireland)
A protected wrecks licence allows you to dive, survey, dig, take away historical objects and anchor near a protected wreck in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
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
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
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 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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 family centre registration (Northern Ireland)
You must register with the Health and Social Care Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) in Northern Ireland to operate a residential family centre
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
Riding establishment licence (Northern Ireland)
Apply for a riding establishment licence if you want to run a business where horses or ponies are hired out for riding in Northern …
Your council · Northern Ireland
S
Safety certificates: sports grounds (Northern Ireland)
What you need to do if you want to get a safety certificate for a sports ground
Your council · Northern Ireland
Scheduled monument consent (Northern Ireland)
You need consent to carry out works that might affect a scheduled monument in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
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
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
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
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
Slaughterman licence (Northern Ireland)
You need to have a licence to operate as a slaughterman in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Solicitor's practising certificate (Northern Ireland)
You need a practicing certificate to practise as a solicitor in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
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
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 trading licence (Northern Ireland)
You may need to get a licence to trade in the street in Northern Ireland - restrictions, fines, penalties
Your council · Northern Ireland
T
Tattoo, piercing and electrolysis licence (Northern Ireland)
You need to register with the relevant local council to get a tattoo, piercing and electrolysis licence in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
Taxi operator licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence from DVA to run a taxi operation in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Executive · Northern Ireland
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
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
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
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 licence (Northern Ireland)
You need a licence to deposit, keep, treat or dispose of waste in Northern Ireland
Your council · Northern Ireland
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
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
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
Z
We have not yet mapped an enabling instrument for 80 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.