Taxis and private hire licensing
The Licensing Authority is responsible for setting conditions and issuing licences for hackney carriage and private hire vehicles to ensure that they are safe and comfortable and that their drivers are fit and proper persons as stated in the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
How to apply
The Licensing Authority has adopted a taxi licensing policy which contains information on how to apply for a licence and also conditions specifications and conditions for vehicles, drivers and operators.
Complete a tax check
If you're an individual, company or any type of partnership you must complete a tax check if you're:
- renewing a licence
- applying for the same type of licence you previously held, that stopped being valid less than a year ago
- applying for the same type of licence you already hold with another licensing authority
Complete a tax check for a taxi or private hire licence
After you complete the tax check you’ll be given a 9-character code. This is your tax check code. Give this to us along with your licence application. We can't process your application without it.
Apply for or renew a vehicle licence
If your vehicle is being used as a taxi or private hire vehicle you must get it licensed.
Before you start
New applications
For new applications we will need:
- your name and contact details
- your vehicle details
- your insurance information
- details of any driving or criminal convictions you may have
Renewals
For renewals, we will need:
- your plate number
- your licence expiry date
- your name and contact details
- your vehicle details
- your insurance information
- details of any driving or criminal convictions you may have
Supporting documents
For both new applications and renewals, you'll also need to upload your:
- insurance certificate
- vehicle log book (V5C)
