The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is in the process of rescinding or revising guidance and policies posted on this webpage in accordance with Executive Order 14151 Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, and Executive Order 14168 Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. In the interim, any previously issued diversity, equity, inclusion, or gender-related guidance on this webpage should be considered rescinded that is inconsistent with these Executive Orders.

Licensing

Through the licensing process, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) authorizes an applicant to conduct any or all of the following activities:

  • Construct, operate, and decommission commercial reactors and fuel cycle facilities.
  • Possess, use, process, export and import nuclear materials and waste, and handle certain aspects of their transportation.
  • Site, design, construct, operate, and close waste disposal sites.

To become licensed for any of these activities (or to amend, renew, or transfer an existing license), an entity or individual submits an application to the NRC. The NRC staff reviews the submission, using standard review plans, to ensure that the applicant's assumptions are technically correct and that the proposed activities will not adversely affect the environment. For additional detail, see the Additional Licensing Information below, as well as the following pages:

Additional Licensing Information

Reactors Materials
Radioactive Waste Commodities
Licensing-Related Document Collections

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Page Last Reviewed/Updated Wednesday, October 30, 2024