Primate Licensing

Existing primate keepers have until 6 April 2026 to reach compliance with the required welfare and licensing standards. 

If you are a primate owner or considering purchasing a primate and would like any further guidance at this time please email: animallicensing@stalbans.gov.uk

The Secretary of State has published guidance for the licensing of privately kept primates:

For information on the licensing process see GOV.UK: Licensing process for keeping primates(opens new window).

For information on the licence conditions see GOV.UK: Licence conditions for primate keepers(opens new window) and GOV.UK: Callitrichids licence conditions for keepers (Annex A)(opens new window).

To apply, please fill in our Primate Licensing Form (found below). We aim to process all applications within 10 weeks.

Existing licence holders will need to apply to renew their licences at least 10 weeks before the expiry date of their existing licence in order to ensure continuity of cover.

New applicants will need to apply for a licence at least 10 weeks before they plan to operate.

When you have completed and signed your application, you can submit this with the relevant accompanying documents to: animallicensing@stalbans.gov.uk  

Please also ensure that a payment is made for your application. The application cannot be processed until the relevant fee has been submitted.

Once an application has been processed we will be in touch to arrange your inspection alongside a veterinarian or a suitably qualified person who specialises in the required species. The cost of the vet/specialist is charged to you after the inspection.

The regulations require the following paperwork to be kept as part of the licence which you should submit as part of your application.

So we can deal with your application as quickly as possible, the following paperwork needs to be submitted as part of your application:

A plan of the premises

A register of all animals kept on the premises, including:

• its name
• its sex
• its microchip number
• its date of birth. If this isn't known, its approximate date of birth.
• its species
• its colour and marking
• the name and contact details of its previous keeper, where applicable
• the date and cause of its death, where applicable
• where the primate is permanently transferred to other premises, the name and contact details of the new keeper, where applicable, and the address of the place it has been relocated.

A written emergency plan covering:

• the measures to be taken for the removal of the primates should the licensed premises become unsafe or uninhabitable
• the arrangements for the care of the primates during and following an emergency
• an up-to-date list of emergency contact details that includes the fire service and police.

A written procedure for special circumstances, including contingencies in the event of:

• the temporary isolation of any primate, including arrangements for making sure that the welfare of any primate that is being temporarily isolated is met during the period of its isolation
• the death or escape of a primate
• the care of the primate following the licence's revocation or the licence holder's death

A written hygiene protocol covering:

• cleaning and disinfecting
• prevention and control of the spread of disease
• a written transportation procedure covering the welfare of the primate while being transported.

The individual diet plans for each primate. This must be created based on guidance from a vet or primate dietary expert.

Your policies and procedures should detail how you meet all of the licence conditions.

The fees will be confirmed shortly and listed here.

The licence fee is due when you submit your application. This fee covers all costs associated with determining the licence application including administration and the main inspection fee where your premises is rated. 

The fee does include the unannounced compliance visit, which is a mandatory requirement during the length of your licence period.

Please note. No licence will be granted unless there has been a veterinary inspection. You will need to pay the cost of all inspections carried out by our authorised vet/specialist. All payments are to be made prior to the grant of a licence.

The regulations do not apply to any premises licensed under the Zoo Licensing Act or places specified in a licence under section 2C of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act.

If a primate you keep is listed in the Dangerous Wild Animals Act, you will need to obtain a dangerous and wild animal licence and a primate licence.

What types of primates need to be licensed?

Any primate that is being kept by a private keeper must be licensed by 6th April 2026. These include:

• Marmosets
• Tamarins
• Squirrel Monkeys
• Spider Monkeys
• Capuchin Monkeys
• Lemurs
• Lorisids (also known as bush babies)

Certain primates also require a Dangerous Wild Animal (DWA) licence. To check if your primate is classed as a DWA and requires this additional licence you can check DEFRA's Schedule of DWA's.

If you are unsure if you need to be licensed you must contact us to discuss: animallicensing@stalbans.gov.uk

I have a DWA licence already - do I need to have a Primate licence?

You must still hold a Primate licence even if you have a DWA licence, one does not override the other. You can request a shorter licence to coincide with your DWA if you wish. 

How long do licences last?

Primate licences last for a maximum of 3 years but you can request a shorter period if necessary, e.g. to coincide with a DWA licence.

You must apply to renew your licence 10 weeks before your current one ends.

What if the licence holder dies?

The licence will temporarily transfer to their personal representative. They must notify the Local Authority within 28 days. The licence will expire after 3 months unless extended.

What if I transfer or sell a primate?

You must ensure the new keeper has a valid licence before transferring the primate. You remain legally responsible until they do.