Apply for a private hire operator licence

You need a private hire operator's licence to take bookings for private hire vehicles. Licences are usually granted for 5 years.

If your vehicle can carry up to eight passengers, you need a private operator's licence.  Anything above eight seats requires the licence to be obtained from Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)

Please read our  updated taxi policy 2021 (PDF) [1MB] before starting your application.

We offer pre-application advice on this licence.

Before you apply

To apply for a private hire operator's licence, you must be able to show:

• you must also be a 'fit and proper person' - which means your background and character will be checked. We may carry out an enhanced criminal records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
• you have Planning and building control or a certificate of lawful use for your operating base
• if your operating base is open to the public you must have public liability insurance for the premises
• the name of your business does not include the word 'taxis' or 'cabs'

Fees

Private Hire Operator's Licence (new/renew) - £2,223.10

Apply for a licence

To apply for a private hire operator's licence, follow these steps:

• complete the  Private hire operator licence application form (PDF) [431KB]
• the correct fee payable by credit or debit card
• provide photo I.D for each applicant. We will only accept a passport or DVLA driver's licence
• provide a basic DBS check certificate issued within the last three months for each applicant
• provide a list of vehicles and drivers that you will be operating
• proof of right to live and work in the UK for each person named on the application