We are aware of a high number of scam texts and emails about fines being sent (from 18 August 2026). We do not send direct payment links via text message or email. If you receive a message about a fine and are unsure whether it is genuine, please contact our call centre on 0800 4 FINES (0800 434 637) before making any payment. Read more about identifying scams.
You are not eligible to hold a licence or certificate if you:
are under 18
have been convicted within the past 5 years of an offence under
the Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 2004
the Fair Trading Act 1986
sections 217 to 265 of the Crimes Act 1961 (these relate to crimes against property)
have been subject to a sentence of imprisonment at any time within the past 5 years
have had a certificate or licence cancelled or had renewal refused within the past 5 years
hold a certificate that has been suspended
have been a person involved in the management of a company that has had a licence cancelled within the past 5 years.
If you are not eligible to hold a licence or certificate but you believe there are special reasons why you should be granted one anyway, you can include the Waiver of Disqualification form with your application.