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 start
We will send you a renewal notice for existing licensed vehicles. You must allow at least 10 working days for us to process your application.
You can return your old plate to us by posting it through one of the external letterboxes at the front and back of the Civic Centre. You can also contact us to make an appointment to return your old plate.
You should submit your application before you make a payment.
Prepare your documents
Have your documents ready before you start the online application.
You need to upload the following documents:
- MOT pass sheet
- compliance sheet (if this is a new application)
- certificate of vehicle insurance (include the relevant schedule if the vehicle is on your fleet insurance)
- log book (if this is a new application)
- mid-term compliance sheet (if it is a renewal)
If relevant, you'll also need proof of:
- liquid petroleum gas (LPG) installation (to be checked against the LPG register)
- individual vehicle approval (IVA)/Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) certificate
- calibration certificate or Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) certificate
You may need to resize your documents to be able to upload them.
Apply online
- Complete the online private hire vehicle or Hackney carriage licence form
- Upload the documents required
- Proceed to payment once you have completed the form
A pro rata fee may apply if you are replacing an existing vehicle licence. Contact the licensing authority before submitting an application.
Once your online payment is authorised, wait until you are directed to the main home page to make sure the payment has been made.
What happens next
The application process can take up to 2 weeks from receipt of a complete application. The original licence document is sent via email. We will 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 in advance of its expiry. We will send you a reminder text message with a link to apply to renew the vehicle licence.
What happens if you do not renew
If you don't renew your licence, you need to return your vehicle identification to us 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:
- Private hire vehicles can be up to 5 years old (from the date of first registration or manufacture) depending on which is earlier. Vehicles will not be licensed past 15 years from this date.
- Mini buses can be up to 6 years old (from the date of first registration or manufacture) depending on which is earlier. Vehicles will not be licensed past 15 years from this date.
- Hackney carriage vehicles have to be brand new with delivery mileage only, when they are first licensed.
- London style cabs will not be licensed 18 years after their registration date.
- Euro cabs such as Mercedes or Peugeot will not be licensed 15 years after their registration date.
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.
Contact us
You can contact us if you have any further questions
