We can only finalise a licence or permit surrender when the prescribed activity has finished. If you're still conducting an activity or you still need to meet a condition of a permission, do not apply for a surrender.
For any permissions that have a decommissioning condition, you first need to prepare a decommissioning plan.
How to apply for a surrender
Apply to surrender your licence or permit online through our portal(opens in a new window). You need to sign up to use the portal. If you need help, call 1300 372 842.
For all surrenders, there's information you must provide when you apply. It's important that you’re well prepared before completing the online application.
You must supplement your answers by providing supporting documents when asked. This is important to make sure we have the right information and evidence to assess your application. You can attach documents at the end of the application.
For all surrender applications, you must provide:
- why you are applying to surrender the permission
- supporting documents – for example, evidence of a change of ownership or an end-of-lease agreement
- the date when you finished conducting the prescribed activity
- details of the activity site use and history, and any surrounding land use
- whether there's a financial assurance in place for your activity.
If your permission has decommissioning requirements, you need a notification from us about the decommissioning pathway. You must provide one of these:
- a letter from us confirming that decommissioning has been completed following an EPA-reviewed decommissioning plan
- a letter from us confirming that an EPA regional office has indicated decommissioning activities are not required
- a notice from an EPA regional office and confirmation that decommissioning will be managed under that notice, including the notice number.
How long it takes
We process complete and eligible surrender applications within 20 business days.
Surrender fees
The fee depends on your permission type. To see a list of current fees and how they're calculated, visit Fees.
Updated