Apply for a private hire vehicle or Hackney carriage licence
All private hire vehicles and Hackney carriages must be licensed with the council before they can be used for business.
You can apply online for a new licence or to renew an existing licence.
Find private hire and Hackney carriage fees.
Before you begin
The application process can take up to 2 weeks from receipt of a complete application.
You must submit your application at least 5 working days before the MOT and compliance test.
You can return your vehicle identification to us in person.
To complete your application, you’ll need:
- your details
- your vehicle registration number
- current mileage
- the relevant documents
- payment card
If it's a renewal, you'll also need your vehicle licence number.
Prepare your documents
Have your documents ready to upload. You may need to resize them.
| Document | When it's required |
|---|---|
| Vehicle insurance certificate (include the relevant schedule if the vehicle is covered by fleet insurance) | All applications |
| Log book (V5C) | New applications |
| Mid-term compliance sheet | Renewal |
| Proof of purchase | New vehicles |
| Basic disclosure certificate (issued within the last 12 months) | If you are not a Walsall licensed driver |
| Last enhanced disclosure certificate, or update service details | If you are a Walsall licensed driver |
| Proof of LPG (liquid petroleum gas) installation (to be checked against the LPG register) | If applicable to your vehicle |
| IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) or VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency) certificate | If applicable to your vehicle |
| Meter calibration certificate or LOLER (lifting operations and lifting equipment regulations) certificate | If applicable to your vehicle/equipment |
How to apply
Watch our short video to see how to complete the application.
Make your application
- Complete the online form
- Upload the documents required
- Proceed to payment once you've completed the form
- Wait until you’re directed back to the home page to make sure the payment has been authorised
What happens next
The original licence document is sent via email. We’ll book an appointment for you to pick up the vehicle identification in person.
How to renew
You can apply to renew your licence up to 1 month before it expires.
What happens if you do not renew
If you don't renew your licence, you need to return your vehicle identification to us. You must do this within 7 days of expiry of the licence or from the time you no longer wish to licence the vehicle.
Vehicles that can be licensed
New vehicles to be licensed for the first time need to follow these regulations:
- Manufactured as a right-hand drive from new.
- Can be of any age (Hackney carriage / private hire vehicle)
- Constructed or adapted to seat in comfort at least 4 passengers and not more than 8 passengers.
- Has sufficient doors of sufficient size to allow safe ingress and egress of passengers.
- The boot or luggage compartment is of sufficient size to carry a reasonable amount of luggage relative to the seating capacity.
- The boot or luggage compartment is separated from the passenger compartment by a suitable barrier
- Vehicles that have been subject to conversion must have appropriate SVA / IVA type approval from DVSA.
- Euro style conversion vehicles must not be black (or any shade close to black) in colour.
- The vehicle has no side facing seats.
- The vehicle must have minimum 3mm tread remaining on each tyre at the time of the MOT & Compliance and for the duration of the licence.
- Private hire vehicles cannot have roof signs.
- Private hire vehicle should not be similar in appearance to a Hackney carriage vehicle.
- Vehicle must be of high standard, free from rust and scratches.
Read our handbook before busing a vehicle or applying for a licence:
Download list
-
Hackney carriage and private hire licensing handbookDownload PDF (3.15MB)
Book an MOT appointment
Contact our MOT depot to make an appointment.
Opening times may vary during bank holidays. You must contact the garage at least four weeks before your plate expires.
What happens if you don't have a licence
By law, you must have a licence. We can take action against drivers who breach regulations.
