How to Apply for Your Personal Licence

A step-by-step guide based on real experience

The UK personal licence application process is simpler than most people realise, but it's rarely explained clearly.

Many training providers and licensing consultants will try to sell you expensive application services - handling your forms, arranging your DBS check, even endorsing your photos. While convenient, these services can add £50-£150 to your costs.

The reality? Applying for your personal alcohol licence requires just three things: a straightforward council application form, a basic DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service), and a couple of endorsed passport photos.

This guide walks you through each step of the APLH (Award for Personal Licence Holders) application so you can decide whether to save money and do it yourself or pay for the convenience.

The Complete Application Process

1

Get Your APLH Qualification

What is the APLH? The Award for Personal Licence Holders is a mandatory qualification that tests your knowledge of UK licensing law, social responsibilities, and alcohol safety. It's a 40-question multiple choice exam with a 70% pass mark (28/40).

How to prepare: You have two options:

  • Pay £100-£180 for a traditional course with boring video lectures (not recommended)
  • Use our AI-powered practice questions for just £30 and learn more effectively through active recall

What to expect in the exam:

  • 40 multiple choice questions
  • 1 hour time limit (plenty of time)
  • Cover four main areas: licensing objectives, licensing law, social responsibility, and alcohol awareness
  • Pass mark: 28/40 (70%)
  • Most people find it straightforward if they've practiced properly
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2

Gather Your Documents

Once you've passed your APLH exam, you'll need to collect several documents before applying to your council. Here's the complete checklist:

Required Documents:

  • APLH Certificate - You'll receive this after passing your exam (usually within 2 weeks)
  • DBS Check (Basic) - Apply online at gov.uk/dbs. Costs £18. Takes 1-2 weeks. Must be less than 3 months old.
  • Passport Photos - Two recent passport-style photos. Get them from any photo booth.
  • Application Form - Download from your local council's licensing page
  • Application Fee - Usually £37, but some councils charge up to £75. Check with your local authority.

What is a DBS check? The Disclosure and Barring Service check is a background check that shows any unspent criminal convictions. A basic check is sufficient for most personal licence applications. Apply at gov.uk/dbs.

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3

Submit Your Application

With all your documents ready, it's time to apply to your local licensing authority. The process varies slightly by council, but generally follows this pattern:

  1. Complete the application form - Fill in all sections accurately. Double-check your details.
  2. Attach your documents - Include your APLH certificate, DBS check, and photos
  3. Pay the fee - Most councils accept card payments online or by cheque
  4. Submit - You can usually apply online, by post, or in person at the council offices

Pro Tip: Keep copies of everything you submit. Take photos of all documents before sending them, and if applying by post, use tracked delivery.

Processing times: Most councils aim to process applications within 20 working days. However, this can vary from 2 weeks to 8 weeks depending on the council and time of year. Summer months tend to be busier.

4

Wait for Approval

What happens during processing:

  • The council verifies your APLH certificate and DBS check
  • The police review your application (checking for any relevant offences)
  • If there are no issues, your licence is approved

Possible outcomes:

  • Granted - You'll receive your personal licence card by post (most common)
  • Objection by police - Rare, but can happen if you have relevant convictions. You'll have a chance to respond.
  • Refused - Very rare for first-time applicants with clean records

The vast majority of applications are straightforward and approved without issues. If you have concerns about any previous convictions, consider seeking advice before applying.

5

Receive Your Licence

What you'll receive: A credit-card-sized personal licence with your photo, name, and licence number. This is your official proof that you're a qualified personal licence holder.

How long does it last? Personal licences are valid for life and don't expire. However, you must notify your licensing authority if you change address or are convicted of any relevant offences.

Your responsibilities as a licence holder:

  • Carry your licence when working in a licensed premises
  • Understand and comply with licensing law and the four licensing objectives
  • Notify your council of any change of address within 14 days
  • Report any relevant criminal convictions
  • Return your licence if it's revoked or surrendered

The Four Licensing Objectives:

  1. Prevention of crime and disorder
  2. Public safety
  3. Prevention of public nuisance
  4. Protection of children from harm

Using your licence: You can now work as a designated premises supervisor (DPS) at licensed venues or authorize alcohol sales. Your licence is valid across England and Wales.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Expired DBS Check

Your DBS check must be less than 3 months old when you apply. Don't get it too early or you'll have to pay again.

Wrong Council

Apply to the council where you live, not where you work. Use our postcode lookup to find the right authority.

Incomplete Form

Missing information or signatures will delay your application. Double-check everything before submitting.

Poor Quality Photos

Photos must meet passport standards. Don't use selfies or casual photos - go to a proper photo booth.

Tips & Advice

Start Your DBS Check Early

It takes 1-2 weeks, so apply for it as soon as you've booked your APLH exam. This way, everything will be ready when you pass.

Keep Digital Copies

Photograph or scan all your documents before sending them. This makes it easy to resend if anything gets lost.

Check Council Timescales

If you need your licence by a specific date, check your council's typical processing time and apply well in advance.

Follow Up if Needed

If you haven't heard anything after 4 weeks, politely contact your council to check on progress. Keep your application reference number handy.

Ready to Get Started?

Find your local council and begin your application

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