Lost Your Personal Licence? Here's What to Do

Losing your personal licence can feel stressful, especially if you rely on it for work in the alcohol industry. If you've previously gone through the process of how to get a personal licence, you'll know it's an important qualification for anyone selling alcohol. But the good news? You don't need to start from scratch. Whether you've misplaced it, had it stolen, or damaged it beyond use, there are clear steps you can take to get a replacement personal licence. In this guide, we explain what to do if you've lost your licence in England, Wales or Scotland, how to contact your licensing authority, and what to expect throughout the process.

What Is a Personal Licence and Why Do You Need It

A personal licence allows someone to sell or authorise the sale of alcohol on licensed premises in the UK. It's issued by your local licensing authority and remains valid for 10 years, with renewal rules differing slightly depending on where you are in the UK.

You need a personal licence if you're:

• A designated premises supervisor (DPS)

• Working in a supervisory role in pubs, bars, or event venues

• Authorising other staff to sell alcohol legally

If it goes missing, you must request a replacement personal licence before continuing work in a licensable role. Operating without one, even temporarily, can lead to delays, scrutiny, or legal issues.

I've Lost My Personal Licence, What Should I Do?

Before panicking, take a moment to retrace your steps. If you still can't find your licence, your next action depends on whether you're in England/Wales or Scotland.

England and Wales: How to Replace a Lost Personal Licence

In England and Wales, replacing a lost or stolen personal licence involves notifying your licensing authority, typically the local council that issued your original licence. Here's how the process works:

Step-by-step overview:

1. Write a formal statement explaining the loss or theft of your licence. Include:

   • Your name and address

   • Licence number (if known)

   • Circumstances of the loss (e.g. lost while moving house, stolen while travelling)

2. Contact your issuing council. You'll often find a lost licence or replacement section on their website.

3. Submit the required documents, usually:

   • Proof of ID (passport or driving licence)

   • Proof of address

   • Passport-style photo

   • Replacement fee (typically 1025)

   • In some cases, you may be asked to submit a fresh DBS check for a personal licence when reapplying.

4. Wait for processing, which can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the council.

Note: If your licence was stolen, it's helpful (though not always required) to report it to the police and include a crime reference number. Not reporting a lost personal licence could be considered negligence, one of the reasons why your personal licence can be suspended.

Scotland: Different Rules You Need to Know

In Scotland, the process is governed by the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, which has slightly different rules around reporting a lost licence and treats this issue a little differently. Under Section 92 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, you're legally required to notify your Licensing Board as soon as reasonably possible if your personal licence is lost or stolen.

Here's what you'll generally need:

• Written notice to your Licensing Board

• A signed declaration or statutory statement of loss

• A replacement application form, available from your council

• A recent passport photo

• A replacement fee (commonly around 10)

• A crime reference number if the licence was stolen

Failure to notify your Licensing Board may be considered a breach of your responsibilities as a licence holder.

Contacting the Right Licensing Authority

If you're unsure where to send your replacement request, the best step is to contact the licensing authority that originally issued your licence. Many have a dedicated licensing email address or online form.

Some councils offer online replacement request forms, but others may require you to apply by post or email.

Tip: Use the GOV.UK licence finder to track down your local authority's process quickly.

What If You Find the Licence Later?

You might wonder: What happens if I apply for a replacement and then find the original?

Most councils will request that you return the original licence once a replacement has been issued. This is to ensure there are no duplicates in circulation and to avoid confusion during inspections or checks.

In some cases, holding two versions of your personal licence could be viewed as misleading or result in administrative complications. Always notify your licensing authority if the original turns up after a replacement has been issued.

Key Differences Between Scotland and England/Wales

Let's quickly summarise the significant differences in the process across UK regions. Here's a side-by-side comparison to help:

Understanding these differences is essential, especially if you've moved between regions or operate across borders in your work.

Conclusion

Losing your personal licence is inconvenient, but completely fixable. The key is to act quickly, notify the right authority, and follow their procedure. Whether you're in England, Wales, or Scotland, requesting a replacement is straightforward if you know what to do.

• Don't delay notifying your council.

• Submit all necessary documents.

• Follow up to ensure your replacement arrives.

By acting quickly, you can avoid delays and get back to work without risking your role or responsibilities.

FAQs

Do I need to reapply from scratch?

No, you're simply requesting a replacement, not completing a full new application. If your qualifications and eligibility haven't changed, this should be straightforward.

Can I still work while I wait for a replacement?

Yes, if you can provide your licence number and proof of application, many employers will allow you to continue working. But always check with your employer and local authority.

What if I lose both parts of the licence (paper and photo card)?

You'll need to apply for a full replacement and may be asked to submit a new photo and a statutory declaration.

Can I get a replacement faster in emergencies?

Some councils may expedite the process in urgent cases (e.g. upcoming inspections), but this isn't guaranteed.

How can I avoid this from happening again?

• Keep a photocopy of your licence.

• Note down your licence number.

• Store your licence securely, ideally separate from your work badge or ID.