Apply for a use licence

If you plan to use a radiation source in New Zealand, you may need to hold a use licence authorising its use under the Radiation Safety Act 2016.

Find more information about who needs to apply for a use licence.

How to apply

1. Download the correct application form
   Choose the form below for either a new use licence application, or for a renewal application for an existing use licence. Save the form to your device.
2. Complete the form
   Fill in all required fields, sign, and date the form. If you are unable to sign the form, type your name in the ‘signed’ field, or use drawing tools to draw your signature on the page. Save the completed form.
3. Attach supporting documents
   Include any required certificates, qualifications or evidence of training, and any additional documents to support your application. Include these alongside your completed application form.
4. Submit your application
   Email the completed form and attachments to: [email protected].

What to expect during the application process

Pre-assessment

Your application will be acknowledged and checked for completeness. Initial questions or requests for further information may be sent to you at this stage.

Assessment

Your application will be assessed, and your experience and training will be checked against your requested licence scope.

Confirmation may be requested

You may be asked to provide written confirmation from your employer or trainer. This should declare that you are employed or trained to perform specific tasks using certain radiation sources, and that your training and experience meet the requirements for these activities and sources.

Invoice

An invoice will be sent to you, usually towards the end of the application process, along with payment details.

Reference check

Your references provided will be contacted via email. They will be asked to confirm their relationship to you (eg, manager, colleague, trainer), how long they’ve known you, and whether they believe the proposed licence scope is suitable based on your knowledge and experience. In some cases, a reference check may not be required.

Licence issuing

Once your application assessment is complete, payment has been received and reference checks (if required) are complete, your new licence will be emailed to you.  

Important notes

Submit early

It’s recommended that new use licence applications are submitted at least 3 weeks in advance to allow sufficient time for processing.

Varying an existing licence

If you wish to vary your current use licence (eg, to broaden the scope or include the use of additional sources):

• submit a new use licence application form and include all sources and activities (current and proposed)
• include a note in your application email stating that you are requesting a variation to your existing use licence
• no fee will be charged for variation applications for a current use licence.

Payment

Do not make payment until you receive an invoice. Ensure the invoice number is included with your payment.

Invoice details

The invoice will typically be addressed to your employer. If you would prefer the invoice to list yourself as the customer, please specify this in your application email.

Additional referees

You are welcome to include contact details for additional referees in your application email. This can be useful if one of your referees does not respond.

Email address

Ensure that your email address is up-to-date, as reminders and other correspondence will be sent to your email address on record.

Renewal responsibility

Whilst the Office of Radiation Safety will attempt to send reminder emails, it is the licence holder’s responsibility to ensure renewal applications are submitted before the expiry date. The Office of Radiation Safety reserves the right to decline late renewal applications.

Application forms

Application form for applying for a new use licence

Application form for renewing an existing use licence

For varying an existing use licence

Please fill out the ‘new use licence form’ above and include a note that it’s a variation for a current use licence.

Fee structure

Fees include GST.