Anyone who accepts or invites bookings for private hire vehicles must have a private hire operator licence. Members of the public have initial contact with the operator and make the contract with them even if the operator does not provide the vehicle and/or the driver.
A private hire operator is responsible for complying with the conditions of the licence.
A licensed private hire driver can't accept any bookings unless they hold, or work for, a licensed private hire operator.
Before you apply
You will need to have an operating base within the district where you apply. If necessary, please check which district the property falls within before applying. Bookings must be taken at this address and records of these bookings must be made available to an authorised officer on request.
For applicants that are renewing a private hire operator licence, have held a licence that expired in the last year or currently hold a licence with a different authority, a tax check code will need to be provided.
You will need to provide proof of your right to work in the UK (right to work share code).
We will consult with our planning department to check that the premises can be used as a private hire operating base.
Apply
You will need:
- the correct fee of £911
- proof of your right to work in the UK - see above
- a tax check code - see above
Guidance
A licence is valid for 5 years. Please notify us of any changes to your details.
Please refer to the licence conditions and policies for details of the operator requirements and conditions.
