Apply for a highways licence

Roads and pavements should be kept clear and safe. If you need to carry out work, place equipment on the highway, or temporarily restrict access, you may need a highways licence.

This page explains what information you'll need before applying and how to apply for different types of licence.

If your licence request involves a road under the Kent Lane Rental Scheme, we will advise you of any additional cost.

View details of current and planned permits on the roadworks map.

Before you apply

Before you apply for a licence, we will need some information about the location you're applying for. To get this, you can either check the street or address details on:

FindMyStreet shows the official name of the street and who looks after it.
FindMyAddress allows you to search for the official address, unique property reference number (UPRN) and location of the property.

If you have questions before you apply call us on 03000 41 81 81.

All street works licences require the company, business or applicant to hold public liability insurance (a minimum of £5 million or above) before registering to make an application.

How to apply

If you need a licence, the company or organisation responsible for placing an item on the highway should apply for it.

For example, if you need a skip or scaffolding for work at your property, the skip or scaffolding company should submit the application for you.

Apply for a licence

Depending on the licence you need, there are different ways to apply.

This may be online, by downloading and sending it back to us, through requesting an application form via email, or contacting your local district council.

Apply online

Apply online for one of the following licences from us:

Download a form and return to us

If you want to place an advertising board (A-board) outside a shop or restaurant, you may need planning permission from your district council before applying for a licence. Find out how to request an A-board application form.

Request a form to apply

Email highwaylicences@kent.gov.uk to get an application form for:

apparatus in the highway
banners, cables, decorative lighting or bunting over the highway
cultivation or landscaping of the highway
maintaining apparatus in the highway
sewer connections.

For further information about our licences read the:

Brown tourism signs

Brown tourism signs help visitors find tourist attractions and places of interest. If you'd like to find out whether your attraction is eligible for a sign, contact the relevant highways team below:

east.highwayimprovements@kent.gov.uk for attractions in Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe, Swale or Thanet
west.highwayimprovements@kent.gov.uk for attractions in Dartford, Gravesham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling or Tunbridge Wells.

How to pay for a licence

We are currently unable to accept postal applications or payments by cheque. Submit your application by email and we'll contact you with payment instructions.

View all current highways fees and charges

We are working to bring online applications to as many of our forms as possible.

Applications we do not manage

Some highway permits are managed by other organisations.

District council licences

Contact your local district council if you wish to apply for a licence to:

hold an event on the highway
add tables and chairs to the highway
add or renew white vehicle access marking lines (also known as 'dog bones').

Kent Film Office

Contact the Kent Film Office if you wish to film on the highway.

Roundabout advertising

Contact Kent Roundabout Sponsorship to promote your business on one of our roundabouts.