Cancel an existing licence and apply for a new licence

In certain situations, a new licence will be required to replace an existing licence. These are the circumstances you would apply to cancel an existing licence and apply for a new one.

Change in purpose or conditions

If the intended use or conditions of the existing licence require significant changes, it may be more appropriate to cancel the current licence and apply for a new one that aligns with the updated requirements.

Expansion of licensed area

If the licence holder wishes to increase the area covered by the licence, the existing licence must be cancelled and a new licence issued to authorise the expanded area.

Transfer of ownership

When the land associated with the licence is sold or transferred to a new owner, the new owner may need to apply for a new licence. This applies when the existing licence is not eligible for automatic transfer.

Applying to increase your licensed area

1. Confirm the new area is Crown land.
   • You can search online using the NSW Planning Portal Spatial Viewer.
2. Verify details: Ensure the Lot/Section/DP numbers are correct.

Applying for a change in purpose or conditions to an existing licence

If your proposal involves development (i.e. use of land, erection of a building/structure, carrying out of a work or demolition) on Crown land you will need to:

• Consider and demonstrate an appropriate planning pathway is available and obtain any necessary consents or approvals.
• Identify if the Crown land is subject to an Aboriginal land claim.
  • You can request a search of the land claim register from the Office of the Registrar (Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 NSW).
  • If the land is subject to an Aboriginal land claim, seek the support of the claimant Aboriginal Land Council.

Applicant requirements

To apply, you will need a consent form (PDF, 96 KB) signed by all existing licence holders.

If an executor is signing on behalf of a deceased estate, you will need to provide estate documents outlining the executor’s right to deal with the estate.

Businesses and other entities

• Companies must be registered with an Australian Company Number (ACN) and Australian Business Number (ABN). You will need to provide a copy of a recent company extract listing officeholders and authorised signatories.
• Incorporated associations must provide a certificate of incorporation and minutes showing elected office bearers.
• Sole traders or partnerships must apply under their individual names.

Supporting documentation

• A site diagram showing the location, boundary fencing (if grazing), and existing structures like pipelines and pump sites.
• Photos of any existing structures.
• Details of any proposed changes to the permitted use, area or conditions of the licence.

When you submit your application, you must complete the application form in full and submit all required documentation. We will return any applications with missing information for you to complete.

Fees

You will need to pay an application fee. We will send you an invoice for the application fee once we start processing your application.

Application assessment

Applications are processed in the order they are received, unless exceptional circumstances apply. Assessment times may vary depending on the complexity of the application.

Assessment activities may include (but are not limited to):

• related policies and guidelines
• land assessment
• community engagement
• Aboriginal land claims
• native title
• site inspection
• requirements under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
• valuation
• current land use and condition
• publication of required notices
• preparation of licence documents for execution.

Additional information

Submitting an application does not guarantee that the Department will cancel the current licence or that a new one will be approved.

Each application is assessed on its merits, considering the requirements of the Crown Land Management Act 2016, any other relevant legislation, and the licensing policy and guidelines.

Completing the form does not create a binding agreement with the Department or between anyone who signs it. It simply shows your intention to request the revocation of a current licence and apply for a new one.