Renew or vary a retention licence
A retention licence is an optional licence between the exploration and mining stages. It gives the licensee (licence holder) security without needing a mining licence. The information below describes how to renew or vary your retention licence.
Retention licences are valid for up to 10 years and can be renewed twice.
You need to apply for a retention licence renewal before the licence expires and pay the renewal fee. The licence continues until the renewal is granted and registered; or refused.
Your application needs to include the geological rationale for the work program; and should be focused on target testing and the resource area.
Detailed information on what you need to include in your application is available in the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) (Mineral Industries) Regulations 2019.
To transfer a licence, you need to submit a licence transfer form 
[MS Word Document - 91.9 KB].
- Download the licence transfer form.
- Fill in the form.
- Print the form.
- Sign the form.
- Scan or take a clear photo of the completed form.
- Login to Resource Rights Allocation and Management (RRAM) portal and submit the form as an attachment.
To surrender a licence, you need to submit a Notice of Full Surrender.
- Download the Notice of Full Surrender [MS Word Document - 54.2 KB].
- Fill in the notice.
- Sign the notice.
- Email the completed notice to licensing.err@deeca.vic.gov.au.
Submit your application online
You can submit and manage most minerals licence or work authority applications and variations online using our Resources Rights Allocation and Management (RRAM) portal.
If you are unsure of your RRAM login details, please email RRAM.support@deeca.vic.gov.au.
Page last updated: 13 Aug 2025