RF3 notes – FAQs

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Frequently asked questions

Where do I send the form?

Please send your form and appropriate fee to

Operations Unit
Solicitors Regulation Authority
Ipsley Court
Berrington Close
Redditch
B98 0TD
or
DX 19114 Redditch

Alternatively, to pay by credit card or bank transfer, fax your renewal form and payment form to +44 (0)1527 519150.

Any payment unaccompanied by an application form will be held for a maximum of 30 days before being returned to the sender.

How can I pay?

You can pay the full amount by cheque, postal order, bank transfer or credit card. There is a handling charge of 1.75% for Mastercard, Visa, Maestro, Delta or Electron payments. Diners and American Express are not accepted.

To pay by credit/debit card, complete the credit/debit authorisation form (PDF 53K) and return it with your application form. If the authorisation form or cheque is unsigned, or if payment is not enclosed, we will return the form to you.

You may pay by cash, at your own risk, but this is not recommended, and we will not be held responsible for monies not received.

Who should I make the cheque payable to?

Make your cheque payable to the Law Society, and put your SRA number on the back of the cheque (for your SRA number, see "Details of organisation and main office" on page 1 of the form).

All foreign cheques must be endorsed, i.e. signed and dated on the reverse by the drawer. It may take up to eight weeks for a foreign cheque to clear our account. Your application will not be processed until cleared funds have been received. We do not accept postal orders drawn outside the United Kingdom.

Will I receive a receipt for the fee and form?

We do not issue receipts for application forms or fees.

What if I do not want to renew my practising certificate?

Indicate your reason(s) for not renewing the certificate—if necessary, on a separate sheet. For example, you might not need a practising certificate if you

have retired,
have stopped practising,
are now a stipendiary magistrate or judge, or
are on maternity leave or adoption leave.

If your name is shown on the firm's notepaper while you are on maternity leave, either

you must hold a current practising certificate, or
the notepaper must clearly show that you are not practising.

What should I do if I have changed my name?

Write your new name and the date the change became effective in section 3—Additional information. Attach a signed copy of proof—for example, a photocopy of your marriage certificate or a certified copy of a deed poll.

Can a refund be obtained for a practising certificate if a solicitor stops practising during the year?

There is no provision in the Solicitors Act 1974 for the revocation of a practising certificate or any refund of the fee.