Vehicle licences

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicle licences once issued remain valid for a period of 12 months, unless they are surrendered or revoked during this period. 

Before the Licensing Authority can grant a vehicle licence it must be satisfied that the vehicle is fit for purpose. To assess whether a vehicle is fit for purpose, a vehicle must be: 

  • suitable in type, size, and design for its intended purpose 
  • mechanically sound, safe, and comfortable 
  • compliant with the conditions of any licence to be issued 
  • insured for the type of work it will be used for, and 
  • in the case of a Hackney Carriage application have a calibrated and sealed taximeter 

In order to assist the Licensing Authority to determine the above, the applicant is required to submit the following documentation in addition to the prescribed application form, and the applicable fee:

New applications

  1. V5 registration document * 
  2. Current compliance certificate (supplied directly to the Council by the authorised garage) 
  3. Current insurance certificate covering intended usage 
  4. Individual Vehicle Approval certificate** 
  5. Taximeter installation/ calibration certificate (Hackney Carriages only) 
  6. Plate exemption paperwork (if applicable - Private Hire only) 
  7. A basic DBS criminal record check (unless the applicant(s) is/are licensed drivers with the Council) 

* The V5 should be in the name of the current registered keeper of the vehicle, and must state M1 in the vehicle category. In cases where the full V5 is not available at the time of application, the new keepers slip will be accepted, if it’s accompanied by a purchase receipt. Where the V5 is not available due to the vehicle being brand new, a receipt of purchase/lease will be accepted. 

** Required if the proposed vehicle is a non-standard “novelty” or “limousine” type vehicle, or the vehicle's V5 document does not state M1. 

Renewal applications 

  1. V5 registration document* 
  2. Plate exemption paperwork (if applicable - Private Hire only) 

* The V5 should be in the name of the registered keeper of the vehicle at the time of the renewal, and must state M1 in the vehicle category. 

Transfer applications 

  1. V5 registration document* 
  2. Current insurance certificate (in new proprietor’s name) 
  3. Consent in writing from existing licence holder to transfer licence 
  4. A basic DBS criminal record check (unless the applicant(s) is/are licensed drivers with the Council) 

* The V5 should be in the name of the registered keeper of the vehicle at the time of the transfer. In cases where the full V5 is not available at the time of application, the new keepers slip will be accepted. 

Variation applications 

  1. V5 registration document* 
  2. Current insurance certificate (to cover the proposed vehicle) 
  3. Current compliance certificate (supplied directly to the Council by the authorised garage) 
  4. Individual Vehicle Approval certificate** 
  5. Taximeter installation/ calibration certificate (Hackney Carriages only) 
  6. Plate exemption paperwork (if applicable - Private Hire only) 

* The V5 should be in the name of the current registered keeper of the vehicle, and must state M1 in the vehicle category. In cases where the full V5 is not available at the time of application, the new keepers slip will be accepted, if it’s accompanied by a purchase receipt. Where the V5 is not available due to the vehicle being brand new, a receipt of purchase/lease will be accepted. 

** Required if the proposed vehicle is a non-standard “novelty” or “limousine” type vehicle, or the vehicle's V5 document does not state M1. 

Apply online 

It is now possible to apply online for all vehicle applications via the council's self service portal. Before completing your application, your attention is drawn to our privacy and data retention policy (PDF). 

Further information 

Paper based application forms, and a list of authorised garages where you can obtain a compliance certificate along with the Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy which contains more information on the application procedure can be found in the related documents section on this page.

Paper based application forms and payment can be submitted through the post, or at the customer services desk in the council offices.

Licence renewals

Existing licence holders who wish to renew their licence must do so by the expiry date of their existing licence. The Licensing Authority will notify licence holders one month prior to the expiry date of their licence, but the ultimate responsibility for submitting a renewal application remains that of the licence holder.

Renewal applications will only need to be supported by the documents listed above, but where the vehicle's insurance or compliance certificate expire the licence will be suspended until such time as the Council receives updated documents. Failure to renew by the expiry date will result in the licence expiring and you will be required to submit a new application and comply with the requirements of a new application.

Related documents