Retail Licences

You will need to be licensed by Rail Delivery Group if you intend to become a Retail Partner and sell National Rail products and we offer a range of licences depending on the type of retailing operation you are considering. To help you to compare each licence side-by-side, we have prepared a table of Retailer Obligations which shows the main obligations and conditions by licence type. Our licences are:

Third Party Investor Licence (TPIL)
This is the most comprehensive licence, and is aimed at retailers who wish to establish a strong market presence in a number of channels. This licence offers access to the broadest range of products although there are some exclusions which are listed in the licence. This licence is suitable for;

B2C
B2B – TMC & Corporates
White label

Please click here to download the Third Party Investor Licence (TPIL) template.

Interim Retailing Licence (IRL)
This is used whilst you develop your full retailing capability and move onto a TPIL. This licence gives you access the same range of products as the TPIL and with the same exclusions although for a reduced term, generally 12 months. This licence is suitable for:

B2C
B2B – TMC & Corporates
White label by exception

Please click here to download the IRL template.

Travel Agents Licence (TAL)
This licence is aimed at corporate Travel Management Companies who are selling National Rail products to corporate customers. This Licence is suitable for:

B2B – TMC & Corporates

Please go to the Travel Agent Licensing section of this website for information here.

Season Ticket Retailing Licence
Season tickets are currently excluded from the mainstream Third Party Investor and Travel Agent Licences. However, prospective retailers may apply to join the Season Ticket trial programme which operates on a 12 month rolling basis. This Licence is suitable for:

B2C
B2B – TMC & Corporates
White label

You can download a copy of the Season Ticket Retailing Licence here.

Inclusive Tour (ITX) Licence
This licence is for specialist retailers who sell leisure packages including rail travel. The ITX fares range is different from the normal National Rail fares structure and retailers will require access to a dedicated ITX sales system. This Licence is suitable for;

B2C retailing where the rail element is part of a leisure package

You can download a copy of the ITX Licence here.

International Sales Licence (ISL)
The ISL is for retailers who either already have a strong international rail retail presence and sub-agent network, or who are looking to develop beyond the UK market. As well as selling the mainstream National Rail fares range to overseas residents, the ISL covers the BritRail Pass, a range of leisure passes sold exclusively in international markets. This Licence is suitable for;

B2C
B2B – TMC & Corporates
White label

You can download a copy of the International Licence here.

Retail Licence Application Forms

Please click here to download the Third Party Retailer Licence Application Form.

Suitability Criteria, Credit Criteria and monitoring arrangements shall be considered as parts of the Application Process.

Retailer Obligations

A table of Retailer Obligations shows the main obligations and conditions by licence type, please click here to download a copy.