We aim to process 80% of all our licence applications within 40 working days. For applications from EEA nationals our target is to process 80% of licence applications within 33 working days. This time starts from the day your application is entered onto our system and ends on the day we make our decision. The clock is stopped if your application fails validation - that is, if we have to send it back to you because you have not filled it in correctly or you have not provided the required supporting documentation. The clock is reset when you send your application back to us. Complex applications (for example, applications subject to additional criminality or qualification enquiries and those requiring overseas criminality checks) may take longer than 40 working days. If your application is successful your licence will be valid for a period of three years from the date on which it is granted. We can revoke or suspend your licence at any time if you fail to meet the licensing requirements. When you send us your application form you will also need to send supporting documentation.

Cost of a Licence

The licence application fee is £245 for a three year licence. The fee is to cover the cost of processing your application and is not refundable.

If you pay your own application fee you can claim tax relief against your taxable income. For example, if you pay the basic rate of tax the relief is worth £53.90.

Some security operatives may need more than one licence; in such cases the second licence will be discounted by 50%. How does this work?

Request an Application Pack

You can request an application pack by filling in our online form or calling 0844 892 1025 (lines open 8am until 8pm Mon-Fri).

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If We Refuse Your Licence Application

If we judge it necessary to refuse your licence application we will write to you, providing the basis for our decision. You will then have twenty-one days from the date on our decision letter to inform us of any factual errors in our assessment - for example, an error of identity, or an error in assessing your qualifications or criminal history. You may also be invited to supply mitigating information such as character references or evidence of your rehabilitation since your offence - our letter will advise you on whether we will consider mitigation in your case.

If we do not receive a response from you within the twenty-one days the decision to refuse you a licence will automatically take effect. We will not write again to confirm this.

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