Apply for a new hackney carriage or private hire licence

You need a private hire operator licence if you want to run a private hire fare booking business.

A new licence is valid for five years from the date it is issued. 

An operator could be an individual, a public limited company or a private limited company.

We recommend that you read the current hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy before starting your application.

Apply for an operator licence

When you apply, you will need to:

• pay the necessary fee by debit or credit card (see licence fees below)
• provide a copy of list of drivers 
• provide a copy of your Ex-Offenders policy
• provide a copy of your Safeguarding policy
• provide a copy of your Customer Services & Complaints policy
• provide a copy of your Training policy
• provide a copy of your door sign artwork
• provide a current disclosure and barring service (DBS) certificate

Apply for a new private hire operator’s licence

Licence fees

Licence fees depend on the number of vehicles you want to operate:

• 1 to 9 vehicles, five year licence renewal - £1,925
• 10 to 19 vehicles, five year licence renewal - £2,200
• Over 20 vehicles, five year licence renewal - £2,475
• Charges per extra 10 vehicles over 20, five year licence renewal - £60.50