Primates licence

To apply for a primate keepers licence, you need to:

• be over 18
• submit an application form
• pay the fee of £427 (we will contact you after you submit your application)

As part of your application, you will need to provide your name, address and contact details, and details of:

• where you will keep the animal
• the species of animal you want to keep, including its scientific name
• how many animals you want to keep
• the accommodation for the animal  
• the food the animal will need and where you will get it from
• emergency and contingency plans
• your insurance policy, including the company name and your policy number 

You should therefore make sure you have the relevant documents to hand before you start.

Once we receive your application, we will:

• request a qualified veterinary to accompany us on an inspection of your premises which you will have to pay for
• issue our decision within 10 weeks of receiving your application and payment
• add your licence details to the primate public register

If we do not grant you a licence, we will not refund your fee.

Your licence is valid for three years, unless you have requested a shorter period. 

We will write to you three months before your licence expires, to remind you to renew it.

To renew you licence, you will need to:

• complete the renewal application
• pay the fee of £427

After you apply to renew your licence, we will arrange an inspection. We will tell you about our decision within ten weeks of receiving your application.

You can challenge us if we have:

• refused to grant or renew your licence
• decided to vary or surrender a licence application
• issued you with a rectification notice  
• revoked you licence

You have 28 days to make your challenge. The 28 day period starts on the day on we notify you of our decision.

If you keep a primate without a licence after 6 April 2026, you are liable on summary conviction to a fine, up to six months imprisonment, or both.

If we believe you are failing to meet conditions, we may serve a "rectification notice". This notice specifies what steps you need to take to comply and a timeframe for doing so (up to two years).