Personal Licence Guide UK – Requirements, Costs & How to Apply
Personal Licence Guide UK – Requirements, Costs & How to Apply
Updated September 2025
A personal licence is essential for anyone who will be responsible for
supervising alcohol sales in England or Wales. This person is called the
Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS).
This guide explains who needs a personal licence, the steps to apply,
what it costs, and how it fits into the wider alcohol licensing process.
For venue-related licensing, see our
Premises Licence Cost Guide and
Premises Licence Application Guide.
What Is a Personal Licence?
A personal licence allows the holder to supervise the sale or supply of alcohol.
It applies to the individual rather than a specific premises, meaning you can
use it at different venues across England and Wales.
Every premises selling alcohol must have one appointed DPS
who holds a valid personal licence.
Who Needs a Personal Licence?
- Anyone acting as the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS).
- Staff members who may take on supervisory responsibility for alcohol sales.
- Individuals planning to run bars, pubs, restaurants, or shops selling alcohol.
If your venue sells alcohol but no one has a personal licence, you cannot legally operate.
Requirements to Apply
- Must be 18 or over.
- Right to work in the UK.
- No relevant criminal convictions (or have disclosed them fully).
- Completed Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) qualification.
- Valid ID and proof of address.
- Recent basic criminal record check (DBS or Disclosure Scotland certificate).
Full details:
GOV.UK – Personal Licence Guidance.
How to Apply for a Personal Licence
- Complete an accredited APLH course: Many providers offer this online or in person.
- Gather required documents: ID, proof of address, DBS check, course certificate, and application form.
- Submit to your local council: Include a recent passport photo and pay the standard £37 fee.
- Wait for processing: Most councils take 2–4 weeks.
- Receive your licence: You can now be named as DPS on a premises licence.
Costs
- Application fee: £37 (statutory set fee).
- APLH training course: Typically £100–£200 depending on provider.
- DBS check: Around £18–£25.
- Passport photos: Approx. £10.
Compared to the cost of a premises licence,
the personal licence is relatively low-cost.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to include the DBS check or using one older than 3 months.
- Submitting unclear ID or proof of address.
- Failing to complete an accredited APLH course.
- Leaving out the required passport photos.
- Not disclosing relevant criminal convictions.
Double-check all documents before submitting to prevent delays.
How the Personal Licence Fits into the Licensing Process
The personal licence links directly to the premises licence through the DPS role.
Without a valid DPS, a premises cannot legally sell alcohol.
Learn more about the venue-side licensing process:
Typical Timeline
- APLH training course: 1–2 days plus assessment.
- DBS check: 1 week.
- Application processing: 2–4 weeks depending on council.
- Total time: Around 4–6 weeks from start to licence issue.
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FAQs
Do I need a personal licence to work in a bar?
Not necessarily. Only the person supervising alcohol sales (DPS) must hold a personal licence,
though having one can boost your career options.
How long does a personal licence last?
Personal licences no longer expire but can be revoked if you breach licensing laws or are convicted of relevant offences.
Can I be DPS for more than one premises?
Yes, as long as you are realistically able to oversee operations and comply with licensing conditions at each premises.