New and improved licence and permit tool

More accurate and up-to-date search results

Finding the right licence or permit to operate your business has just got easier, as we have enhanced the Your Type of Business Tool and doubled the number of licences and permits that can be searched for, with many of them available to apply for online.

The new enhanced tool now has over 450 licences and permits for businesses in all sectors and makes it easier for you to find those that are relevant to your business.

Just answer some simple questions about your business, and we'll create a list of all the paperwork you need. We will make recommendations on where you might turn for help.

Users of the regulation checklist will also benefit from this enhanced functionality.

Apply for your licences online

We have been working closely with local authorities and other issuing authorities to ensure that where possible you will be able to apply for many of the licences online - either directly with the authority or through a new service available on businesslink.gov.uk. Where you have submitted your application through businesslink.gov.uk you will also be able to track the progress and exchange correspondence with the relevant authority through the My Business section of the website.

Use our interactive tool to find regulations, licences, standards and trade bodies for your business.