Licence

Window cleaner's licence (Scotland)

Get a licence to work as a window cleaner in Scotland - how to apply, conditions, fines, penalties

Apply for this licence

For example SW1A 2AA

Find a postcode on Royal Mail's postcode finder

Check with your council if you need a licence to work as a window cleaner in Scotland.

Most Scottish councils require window cleaners to have a licence.

Conditions

Your licence may come with conditions, like making sure you follow health and safety rules. You might also be checked by the police for any criminal convictions.

Most councils will issue a licence that lasts for 3 years. You must renew it before it expires.

How to apply

Ask the council for the area where you will be working as a window cleaner if you need a licence.

If you need one you can usually apply in person, by post or online. You will need to pay a fee, which will vary from council to council.

You may also need to provide:

  • proof of your public liability insurance
  • a copy of the employers liability insurance that covers you, if you are an employee
  • at least 2 passport photographs

Displaying your licence

If your council issues an identification badge for window cleaners you must wear it visibly while working. Otherwise you must carry your licence with you while working.

Penalties

If you work without a licence or make a false statement on your application you may be fined up to £2,500.

If you don’t meet a condition on your licence and continue working you may be fined up to £1,000.

You must notify the council if you no longer meet the conditions for holding a licence. If you don’t you may be fined up to £1,000.

If the council demands you return your licence and you don’t you may be fined up to £500.