Private hire operators

A private hire operator may only use drivers and vehicles that are licensed by the same local authority.

If you want to operate a vehicle as a private hire vehicle, that is, to invite or accept bookings for the vehicle in the course of business, this requires an operator's licence.

It is an offence to operate a private hire vehicle without this licence.

Please read our taxi licensing policy (PDF, 2 MB)(opens new window) and the private hire operator conditions (PDF, 530 KB) before making your application.

How to apply

In order to apply for a private hire operator's licence, you will need to complete the online application form and upload the following documentation as PDFs at the end of the process:

• The design of your private hire door signs (full colour). The door sign must measure at least 590mm (59cm) wide by 220mm (22cm) high, all lettering shall measure not more than 4 inches in height and not less than 2 inches in height, and which must comply with the below conditions:
  • The words 'ADVANCE BOOKINGS ONLY' or 'PRIVATE HIRE ONLY' in uppercase letters measuring at least 50% larger than the height of the name of the operator on the door sign and in all cases a maximum of 4 inches high. This wording must be positioned above all other information contained on the door sign.
  • The name of the private hire operator for which work is being undertaken.
  • The preferred method of contact. This may include a landline telephone number (no mobile numbers are permitted), web address, mobile application or similar.

Example:

PRIVATE HIRE ONLY

BROWN'S CARS

01744 123456

Note: All door signage must be approved by the Council prior to the installation on private hire vehicles. The following words or reference to the following words must not be used on the door signage: 'hackney', 'taxi', or 'cab'.

• A standard disclosure for each applicant that does not hold a hackney carriage/private hire driver's licence with us (no older than 1 calendar month). If the applicant is a company or a partnership, a standard DBS certificate (no older than 1 calendar month) must be provided for each partner or director.
• A list of all drivers and vehicles that will operate under your licence.
• HMRC tax check code (from 4 April 2022 if applicable).
• You will need to have received confirmation from the Planning Section with regards to planning permission for your operator's base.

Once we have received your application and have checked it, we will contact you to make payment for your application.

Please ensure that you check your application and upload all supporting documents before you submit it. The application form allows up to 32MB of files to be uploaded. Should you not upload all of the required documentation, your application will be delayed.