How Long Does a Personal Licence Last?

⏳ How Long Does a Personal Licence Last?

The great news is — Personal Licences no longer expire.
They are now valid indefinitely in England and Wales.

📜 A Quick History:

Personal Licences used to be issued with a 10-year expiry date, and many people still hold licences that display one.

If your licence shows an expiry date — don’t worry.
That date can be ignored, and you do not need to renew your licence.

✅ Do You Need to Take Action?

No – you're legally covered even if your licence shows an old expiry date.
However, if you'd like your Personal Licence reissued without the expiry date, your local council can provide a new copy.

💷 Fee: Usually around £10.50 (set by the council).

📝 Summary:

✔️ Modern Personal Licences last indefinitely
❌ No renewal needed, even if your licence shows an expiry date
💳 You can request a reissued version without an expiry date for a small admin fee

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Required to Apply for a Personal Licence?

Applying for a Personal Licence involves a few important steps:

Complete the APLH Training Course:
You must complete the Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) course. This training gives you the essential knowledge about legal responsibilities and regulations in the alcohol retail industry.
Apply Post-Training:
After successfully finishing the course, you are eligible to apply for the Personal Licence.
The APLH qualification is mandatory to ensure that all licence holders understand the laws about selling alcohol responsibly.

In summary:
✅ Complete the APLH course
✅ Apply for your Personal Licence after training

Changes Introduced by the Deregulation Act 2015 to Personal Licences

The Deregulation Act 2015 brought major changes to the way Personal Licences are handled:

Previously: Licence holders had to renew their licences every 10 years and often undergo retraining.
Since April 1, 2015:
Renewal of Personal Licences is no longer required.

This change was made to simplify the process, reduce bureaucracy, and ease the administrative burden on licence holders and businesses.

In short:
✔️ No more renewals
✔️ No more mandatory retraining every 10 years

Can a Personal Licence Be Lost or Revoked?

Yes — a Personal Licence can be lost or revoked in certain circumstances:

Voluntary Surrender:
A licence holder can choose to give up their licence at any time.
Court Forfeiture or Suspension:
A court can order a licence to be forfeited or suspended, usually if the holder breaches significant legal obligations.
Failure to Update Personal Information:
Licence holders must keep their personal information (such as name or address) up to date with the Licensing Authority. Failure to do so can cause complications and possibly lead to revocation.

Key takeaway:
👉 To keep your licence safe, comply with legal duties and update any changes in personal information promptly.