Update your licence

Apply for a licence transfer

To apply for a dairy licence transfer:

1. Download and complete the transfer application form
2. Ensure the current licence holder (or their authorised representative) provides written consent to the transfer
3. Submit the completed form to applications@dairysafe.vic.gov.au

Licence transfer

A licence transfer may be available when ownership of an existing dairy farm business changes.
Transfers are available for:

• dairy farmer (bovine)
• dairy farmer (non-bovine)

Use the transfer application form to apply. There is currently no fee for transferring a dairy farmer licence.

Before you apply

The transfer application form must include confirmation from the current licence holder, or their authorised representative, that they agree to the transfer.
If this confirmation cannot be provided, the new owner or lessee may need to apply for a new dairy farmer licence instead.

After you apply

Safe Food Victoria will review your application and contact you if more information is needed.
For farm transfers, Safe Food Victoria may seek confirmation from your dairy manufacturer or broker that:

• an approved Food Safety Program is in place
• the dairy is in satisfactory condition
• the new operator is competent to milk.

If the farm does not supply a dairy manufacturer or broker, you may need to submit a food safety program for assessment.

Safe Food Victoria may refuse a transfer application on the grounds set out in section 26(2) of the Dairy and Food Innovation Act 2000.

Manufacturer, carrier and distributor licences

Transfers for dairy manufacturers, carriers and distributors are not routine and are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
If you are taking over one of these businesses:

• it is usually preferred that the current licence holder cancels their licence before you take over the premises
• you should contact Safe Food Victoria to discuss your situation before applying

Contact us

If you have questions about transferring a dairy licence, contact Safe Food Victoria.

When to update your licence

Your details change

Update your licence if you change your:

• contact details
• postal address
• Victorian Fisheries Authority licence or vessel identification

Your business structure changes

Update your licence if:

• a business partner leaves
• your business enters administration, receivership or liquidation

You must provide contact details for the administrator, receiver or liquidator.

Your operations change

Update your licence if:

• you appoint a new facility operator (provide their details)
• your annual throughput changes
  • your fee may be recalculated
• your business activities change

You must get approval to produce:

• smallgoods
• ready-to-eat meat

Additional fees may apply.

You want to change your auditor

To change your auditor, you must:

• get approval from us
• have no outstanding corrective actions

You must provide a new auditor agreement.

You move a seafood retailer (van)

If you operate a seafood van and change location:

• you must update your licence
• the new location must be approved

Your vehicle registration changes

Update your licence if:

• your vehicle stays the same
• only the registration number changes

You must provide a registration document showing:

• old registration number
• new registration number
• the same vehicle identification number (VIN)

When you should not update your licence

You cannot update your licence if:

• your business changes owner
• you add a new business partner
• your business moves to a new location

In these cases, you must cancel your licence and apply for a new one.