Primates licence
From 6 April 2026, if you wish to privately keep a primate, you will need to obtain a licence.
Who needs a licence?
Anyone who keeps a non-human primate in England must have a licence from their local authority by 6 April 2026, unless they already hold:
- A Zoo Licence under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981
- An ASPA Licence under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986
You must apply even if you’ve kept the primate for years.
What types of primates need to be licensed?
Any primate kept by a private individual must be licensed by 6 April 2026. These include:
- marmosets
- tamarins
- squirrel monkeys
- spider monkeys
- capuchin monkeys
- lemurs
- lorisids (also known as bush babies)
Some primates may also need a Dangerous Wild Animal (DWA) licence. To check if your primate is classed as a DWA, visit the DEFRA Schedule of Dangerous Wild Animals (Gov.uk).
What happens if I don’t comply?
From 6 April 2026, it will be a criminal offence to keep a primate without a licence.
You could face:
- a fine
- up to six months in prison
- or both