Advice on completing the application form for a Personal Licence

The Photographs

You must submit two photographs these have to be a head and shoulders photograph the size of which has to be 45mm x 35mm (this is the standard size produced in photo-booths). Taken against a light background, head uncovered (unless head covering worn due to religious beliefs) and without sunglasses. One of the photographs has to be endorsed (certified) saying it is a true likeness of you. This endorsement can be done by a solicitor, person of standing in the community (bank or building society official, police officer, civil servant or minister of religion) or person with a professional qualification. The person endorsing the photograph should write on the back of the photograph ‘I certify this is a true likeness of applicant’s name’. The name, signature and profession of the person endorsing your photographs should be included.

The Disclosure of Convictions and Declaration Form

Part 1: Your personal details.

This must be completed in full whether you have any convictions or not. If you have changed your name for any reason (marriage etc.) then you also needs to complete the second box.

Part 2: Forfeiture of personal licence in the last 5 years

This must be completed.

Part 3: Relevant or foreign offences

This must be completed in full. You have to provide details of any relevant convictions on this form. You will find attached at Appendix A, a list of the convictions that you must disclose. If you have no relevant convictions or foreign offences, tick the NO box. Continue on a separate piece of paper if necessary.

Part 4: Declaration

This must be signed by you and dated

Part 5: Declaration

This is a separate declaration to part 4 and must be completed. Please ensure that you have read and understood the declaration before you sign it and date it. There are severe penalties for making a false declaration.

Criminal Convictions Certificate

In addition to the Disclosure of Convictions and Declaration form, you must submit with your application an original Criminal Convictions Certificate, such certificate must be issued no earlier than one calendar month before the giving of the notice of application to the Local Authority. This can only be obtained from Disclosure Scotland. The help line for Disclosure Scotland is 0870 609 6006. Their web site is

Licensing Qualification Certificate

You must be the holder of an accredited personal licence qualification to apply for a personal licence. Details of the accredited personal licence qualification providers can be found overleaf. You must submit your original certificate of having completed an accredited course with your application.

There are only two accredited qualifications provided by either are BII and GOAL. Previous qualifications have no standing for new applicants. BII course details can be found at

You can search for local training centres from that site. GOAL award trainers can be obtained from: Education Development International (EDI) customer service team 08707 202 909

When You Have Completed Your Application and Conviction Disclosure Form

You should send all the original forms, two photographs – one of which must be endorsed, your criminal convictions certificate, your qualification certificate and the fee of £37.00 to the licensing authority in which you are normally resident. If you live in South Oxfordshire District, send your application to:

Licensing Team

South Oxfordshire District Council

135 Eastern Avenue

Milton Park

Abingdon

OX14 4SB

Tel: 01235 540534