The SRA practising certificates renewal window opens for applications on 1st October.
As one of the busiest and most cost-intensive times of the year, preparing in advance can help firms understand what they need to pay, complete the renewal process on time and consider how the cost fits alongside other commitments to working capital.
Many firms may be considering using an SRA practising certificate renewal loan to spread the cost of their fees.
Last year, Shire Professions Finance helped over 800 clients arrange funding through the mySRA process, allowing eligible firms to spread their renewal costs over 10 monthly repayments.
With this year’s renewal approaching, here are some practical steps firms can take now to prepare.
Check your mySRA access before October
Before the renewal window opens, firms should make sure they can access their mySRA account.
In particular, the SRA is asking users to ensure their authenticator app is installed and working on their mobile device before logging in.
It’s also worth checking that the information held within mySRA is up to date and making any necessary changes ahead of the renewal window.
The SRA has confirmed that there are no new questions in this year’s renewal application, so firms familiar with last year’s process should find the application broadly familiar.
Understand what you’ll need to pay
Knowing your expected renewal costs in advance using the SRA fee calculator can help with wider cash flow planning.
According to the SRA’s Fee Policy 2026/27, the individual practising certificate fee is £382, alongside an individual Compensation Fund contribution of £170, bringing the standard individual total to £552.
SRA-regulated firms also pay a periodic fee calculated according to turnover. Firms that held or received client money during the relevant period must also pay a £2,170 Compensation Fund contribution. Under the SRA’s move from a 50/50 to a 70/30 split between individual and firm contributions, firms employing 29 solicitors or fewer, equating to around two-thirds of all firms, will pay less into the fund overall than they would have under the previous basis.
Firms should check the latest SRA guidance and their mySRA account to confirm the amount applicable to them.
How to manage the renewal cost
As a liability that can fall in the same window as PII renewal and a VAT quarter, firms may want to consider how much working capital they want to commit to their renewal fees at one time.
For eligible firms, funding provides one option for spreading the cost rather than paying the full amount from working capital at the point it falls due.
Finance can be applied for through our portal with the SRA (available only from 1st to 30th November).
If you applied for funding through the process last year, when you enter your SRA ID, the form will pre-populate with last years data. Any documentation will still need to be uploaded.
How the funding process works
Once an application has been submitted, firms can track its progress end-to-end from:
- Successful application submission
- Application approval
- Details being shared with the funder
- Funds reaching the SRA
Progress can be accessed through a unique link sent to the applicant’s email address.
Where funding is approved, firms will receive access to their finance agreement. Once the agreement has been signed, the funder pays the SRA directly on the firm’s behalf, with the associated documents emailed to the client.
Craig Reid, Managing Director at Shire Professions Finance, says:
“Practising certificate renewal is a significant commitment for many law firms. Planning ahead gives firms time to understand what they need to pay and consider renewal alongside the other costs they may have coming up. For firms considering funding, preparing early can also help make the application process more straightforward once the renewal window opens.”
Preparing before the portal opens
With the SRA practising certificate renewal window opening on 1st October, firms can use the time beforehand to check their mySRA access, understand their expected fees and decide how they plan to meet the cost.
If you’re considering how to manage the cost of this year’s renewal, Shire Professions Finance can help you explore your funding options and spread eligible costs over 10 monthly repayments.
The SRA portal will close on 30th November 2026.
FAQs
When does the practising certificate renewal window open?
The 2026 SRA practising certificate renewal window opens on 1st October. The portal will close on the 30th November.
What should I do before the renewal window opens?
Check that you can access mySRA, make sure your authenticator app is installed and working, and review the information held within your account.
It’s also worth confirming your expected renewal costs and considering how you plan to meet them.
How much is an SRA practising certificate in 2026/27?
The individual practising certificate fee is £382, alongside a £170 Compensation Fund contribution, bringing the standard individual total to £552.
Firm periodic fees are calculated according to turnover, with an additional Compensation Fund contribution applying to relevant firms.
Can I spread the cost of my practising certificate renewal?
Eligible firms can apply for funding to spread their renewal costs over 10 monthly repayments rather than paying the full cost at once.
Funding is interest-bearing borrowing and is subject to eligibility and the lender’s terms.
How do I apply for funding?
Funding can be applied for via mySRA, using our portal.
Do I need to submit my documents again if I applied last year?
Yes, you do. If you applied for funding through the process last year, the form will automatically pre-populate with last year’s data, when your SRA ID is entered. However, any documentation will still need to be resubmitted as part of this year’s application.
Do I need to sign any documents?
Yes. If your application is approved, you will receive a finance agreement to sign before the funding can be completed.
How do I check the status of my application?
A unique link is provided by email, allowing you to follow the progress of your application.
Who receives the funding?
Once the finance agreement has been signed, the funder pays the relevant renewal fees directly to the SRA on your behalf.