Licensing FAQs

Online application forms can be accessed here. You can apply online for a new licence or to renew or vary an existing licence. The ability to notify changes such as new addresses and new or retiring partners or directors will be available online at a later date.

If, exceptionally, you are unable to apply online the forms can be obtained by e mailing enquiries@oft.gov.uk but please state whether you are applying for a new licence or to renew or vary an existing licence. Please also state the legal status of the business ( sole trader, partnership, limited company etc).

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How much does it cost?

New fees will come into effect on 1 May 2009.

For full details, see the fees page

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How long will a licence last? 

From 6 April 2008 we have been issuing most standard licences on an indefinite basis, although we have the power to revoke, suspend or vary the licence or impose requirements at any time.

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How many licences do you need? 

If your business is made up of several different companies or partnerships, they must have separate licences. However, one licence can cover any number of premises.

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Business names 

If you trade under more than one name, they must all be specified in the licence. Make sure that none of the names are already in use – you can do this free of charge by checking the Consumer Credit Register.

We need to know who is running the business to make sure they are fit to hold a licence to offer credit.

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Making changes 

You can change your trading names and categories by applying for a variation to your licence. An extra fee will be charged unless you are making a renewal. You can apply to vary online.

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Keeping us informed

You must let us know about any changes relating to your licence during its lifetime. You will be able to update the register with details such as new addresses and new or retiring partners or directors free of charge.

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Licence certificates

The OFT no longer issues licence documents. Instead we send consumer credit licence applicants/licence holders a letter confirming that the trader is licensed to offer credit, which will include all the relevant details.

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Transferring a licence 

Licences cannot be transferred so you will need to apply for a new one if you change the structure of your business - from a partnership to a company, for example.

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Unlicensed trading

Unlicensed trading is a criminal offence punishable by a fine, imprisonment or both. You must not trade before your licence has been issued, or carry out business activities under a category it does not cover.

If you have traded while unlicensed, you may apply to us for an order for any arrangements you have made to be treated in law as if you had been licensed - but you could still be prosecuted.

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Consumer Credit Register

Details of everyone who has a licence, has applied for one, or had one revoked, suspended or varied, are available to the public in the Consumer Credit Register.

You can access basic information. You can check when a licence began, the types of activity it covers, the authorised trading names and main business of the licence holder.

To make a general enquiry concerning licensing matters, telephone 08457 22 44 99 between 09:00 and 17:00 Monday to Friday.

Consumer Credit Licensing
PO Box 62691
London
EC4P 4UW

Email: enquiries@oft.gsi.gov.uk

Back to: Consumer credit licences