Application process
1. Create a Portal Account
To apply for an ATOL you will need to create an online
account, please check ATOL Online
for more information how to do this.
2. Submit an Application
An online application should be completed and submitted to
us, together with the applicable application fee and upload the applicable
supporting documents. Please note application fees are non-refundable.
We have produced a guide to assist in the completion of the
application form.
Standard Application Guide
Small Business ATOL Application Guide
3. Provide financial information
The application process includes an assessment of your financial
projections. In the case of a start-up business we will require a certified
opening balance sheet and financial projections and you will be asked to
provide these during the application process.
In the case of a trading business, the latest accounts and financial
projections. (Sole Traders/Partnerships
will also be required to provide a certified Statement of Personal Assets and
Liabilities as at the same date as their accounts or the opening balance
sheet). These will need to be completed
for a minimum period of 12 months. If you are unsure of how to complete the
projections please talk to your accountants / auditors.
4. Initial Assessment
During the assessment stage of the process, one of the
Directors/Partners will be invited to complete the ATOL Accountable Persons
online course. Once this has been
completed the application will be assessed. The CAA will contact the applicant
to request any additional information. No further progress can be made until the
online course is completed and any requested additional information is provided
by the applicant.
Once all requested information has been received, the case
will be considered.
5. Formal Meeting
A formal meeting with the CAA is normally required. At the meeting, we will go through the
financial aspects of the case in detail, set against our published criteria,
and set out any necessary cash injections. We will also outline any fitness and
competence aspects relevant to the case. Finally, we will briefly run through
the administration requirements to maintain the licence, and give the applicant
the opportunity to raise any queries.
In most cases, a decision on the application will be
concluded at or very soon after the meeting.
6. Offer Letter
Provided the applicant accepts the decision proposed at or
following the meeting, a formal decision letter is issued, listing all the
requirements necessary to grant a licence. The decision letter allows the
applicant up to two months to meet the requirements. The ATOL number will be
given to the applicant once the licence is granted.
Whilst we cannot give you an individual estimate on how long
this process may take, as each case varies.
On average a licence application takes around 12 weeks for the CAA to
reach a decision on the application.