The total cost of getting a personal licence in England and Wales is usually £160–£180 all in. That figure surprises people in both directions: the course itself is cheaper than many expect, but there are three or four smaller costs that low headline prices conveniently ignore. Here is every cost, what it’s for, and where providers hide extras.
The four unavoidable costs
1. The APLH Level 2 course and exam – from around £100
The Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders is the accredited qualification every applicant needs. Online courses with a remotely invigilated exam start at around £100 and let you study and sit the exam on your own schedule, seven days a week. Classroom courses typically cost £130–£180 plus a day of your time and travel.
Watch for providers advertising a very low course price and then charging separately for the exam, the certificate, or “registration”. The price you compare should always include training, the exam sitting and the certificate.
2. Basic DBS check – around £20
Your council requires a basic disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service showing any unspent convictions. It must be less than one calendar month old when you apply, so order it once you’ve started your course, not before. You can apply directly on GOV.UK.
3. Council application fee – £37
The personal licence application fee is set nationally under the Licensing Act 2003 and is the same at every licensing authority in England and Wales: £37, paid to the council where you live.
4. Photos and countersigning – usually under £15
You need two passport-style photos, one countersigned to confirm your identity. A supermarket photo booth and a willing solicitor, accountant or other professional person usually keeps this under £15.
Optional costs
- Application handling service – if you’d rather not deal with forms and the council yourself, a full application service typically adds £50–£110 and removes the paperwork risk. Rejected applications for missing documents are common and cost you weeks.
- Exam resits – if you don’t pass first time, resits are usually £20–£40. With mock exams included in a good course, most candidates pass on the first attempt.
- Certificate reprints or name changes – small admin fees, only relevant if details change later.
Worked example
- Online APLH course + exam: ~£100–£120
- Basic DBS check: ~£20
- Council fee: £37
- Photos + countersigning: ~£10–£15
- Total: roughly £170
What about ongoing costs?
In England and Wales there are none – personal licences no longer expire, so there is no renewal fee. You only pay again if you change your name or address on the licence (a small statutory fee to your council).
Scotland is different: the SCPLH qualification plus a £50 Licensing Board fee up front, then refresher training every five years and a renewal every ten – budget for those if you’re applying north of the border.
Frequently asked questions
Can my employer pay for my personal licence?
Yes, and many do – especially where the business needs you as a Designated Premises Supervisor. The licence still belongs to you personally and moves with you if you change jobs.
Is the £37 council fee refundable if I’m refused?
No. Application fees are non-refundable, which is another reason to get the paperwork right first time – particularly the DBS date and the countersigned photo.
Are there any hidden VAT catches?
Course prices are sometimes advertised excluding VAT. Check whether the checkout price matches the advertised price before comparing providers.
Ready to start? The online APLH course includes training, mock exams, your exam sitting and certificate – or read our full step-by-step application guide.
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