Guidance

Explosives precursors and poisons licence: document checklist

Updated 21 May 2025

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/check-list-for-applicants-for-an-explosives-precursors-licence/explosives-precursors-and-poisons-licence-application-checklist

1. Proof of identity

We need 1 valid document from the list below as proof of your identity:

  • UK passport
  • UK photocard driving licence
  • EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein passport

The EPP licence will be valid for a maximum of 3 years. If the identity document provided during the application process is valid for less than 3 years from the date the licence is granted, you will be required to renew your licence once the identity document has expired.

2. Certificate of good conduct (non-UK citizens only)

You should provide a certificate of good conduct from any other country where you have been a citizen, even if you no longer have citizenship.

You can provide this certificate when you: 

  • apply for a new licence 
  • renew an expiring licence 
  • amend a current licence 
  • replace a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed licence 

or you can email your certificate of good conduct to epp@homeoffice.pnn.police.uk.

A certificate of good conduct can be issued by the police in the country of your citizenship. It will give details of your criminal record or show that you do not have one.

3. Proof of address

We need 1 document from list A and 1 from list B (both dated within the last 3 months):

3.1 List A

  • mortgage statement
  • bank or building society statement

3.2 List B

  • credit card statement 
  • rental agreement (current) 
  • utilities bill (including energy, water, internet or phone bills) 
  • council tax bill 
  • benefit statement

4. Medical form

If you answer ‘yes’ to either or both of the questions below you will need to submit the explosives precursors and poisons medical form.

  1. Have you consulted a doctor, or received professional medical advice or treatment in the last 10 years, for any mental health related problem, for example:

    • suicidal thoughts or self-harm
    • depression
    • mania, bipolar disorder or a psychotic illness
    • a personality disorder

    or any other mental health condition you consider relevant?

  2. Have you suffered from, or received treatment for, any drug or alcohol related health problems?

You can email the medical form to epp@homeoffice.pnn.police.uk or provide it when you: 

  • apply for a new licence 
  • renew an expiring licence 
  • amend a current licence 
  • replace a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed licence

5. Countersignatory

You must provide one valid form of identity for your countersignatory from the list below:

  • UK passport
  • UK photocard driving licence
  • EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein passport

Applicants under 18 years old will be required to provide a document showing legal guardianship which can include:

  • full birth certificate (or equivalent)
  • guardianship agreement (or equivalent)
  • adoption certificate (or equivalent)
  • parental responsibility agreement (or equivalent)

Make sure all documents have been countersigned correctly. Read further guidance on the countersignatory process.

Before you start your application, you should scan all countersigned documents so they are ready to upload.

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