Taxi and private hire vehicles

From 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030:

• (i) A vehicle will only be accepted for licensing if the date of first registration is less than TEN years at the date the licence is issued (the vehicle must be licensed for use within one month from the date of the application).
• (ii) Subject to other requirements a licensed vehicle will continue to be relicensed until it is FIFTEEN years old. The age of a vehicle for licensing purposes shall be determined by the date of first registration on the V5 document or date of manufacturer for imported vehicles.

There is a minimum processing time of 14 working days so please allow plenty of time for your application.

Before applying for a new vehicle licence make sure you have the following information to hand and be able to attach a copy of any applicable documents to the application:

• credit or debit card for payment
• the V5 registration certificate (logbook) in your name; or a bill of sale in your name
• a valid insurance certificate or cover note
• a valid MOT certificate (vehicles less than one year old do not need a certificate)
• a garage test certificate from one of the approved testing stations
• a valid LPG certificate (if applicable)
• a valid passenger lift certificate (if applicable)

After selecting the button below you'll need to:

1. Create an account if you do not already have one.
2. Select licensing.
3. Select apply for a licence.
4. Select taxi vehicle licensing applications.
5. Select private hire vehicle or hackney carriage vehicle.
6. Select new application.
7. Follow the onscreen instructions.
    

There is a fee for this service. 

Apply for a new vehicle licence

From 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030:

• (i) A vehicle will only be accepted for licensing if the date of first registration is less than TEN years at the date the licence is issued (the vehicle must be licensed for use within one month from the date of the application).
• (ii) Subject to other requirements a licensed vehicle will continue to be relicensed until it is FIFTEEN years old. The age of a vehicle for licensing purposes shall be determined by the date of first registration on the V5 document or date of manufacturer for imported vehicles.

There is a minimum processing time of 14 working days so please allow plenty of time for your application.

You can apply up to one month in advance of the expiry of your existing plate.

Before applying for a new vehicle licence make sure you have the following information to hand and be able to attach a copy of any applicable documents to the application:

• credit or debit card for payment
• V5 registration certificate (logbook)
• a valid insurance certificate or cover note
• a valid MOT certificate
• a garage test certificate from one of the approved testing stations
• a valid LPG certificate (if applicable)
• a valid passenger lift certificate (if applicable)

After selecting the button below you'll need to:

1. Create an account if you do not already have one.
2. Select licensing.
3. Select apply for a licence.
4. Select taxi vehicle licensing applications.
5. Select private hire vehicle or hackney carriage vehicle.
6. Select renewal application.
7. Follow the onscreen instructions.

There is a fee for this service.

Apply for a renewal vehicle licence

This is valid for a maximum of one month and used where a temporary vehicle may be needed, for example if the original vehicle has been involved in an accident.

After selecting the button below you’ll need to:

1. Have a credit or debit card for payment.
2. Create an account if you do not already have one.
3. Select licensing.
4. Select apply for a licence.
5. Select taxi vehicle licensing applications.
6. Select private hire vehicle or hackney carriage vehicle.
7. Select temporary vehicle plate application.
8. Follow the onscreen instructions.
    

There is a fee for this service. 

Apply for a temporary plate

If the registered owner of a licensed vehicle has changed you need to inform us within 14 days of the address where the taxi is kept.

After selecting the button below you’ll need to:

1. Have a credit or debit card for payment.
2. Create an account if you do not already have one.
3. Select licensing.
4. Select apply for a licence.
5. Select taxi vehicle licensing applications.
6. Select private hire vehicle or hackney carriage vehicle.
7. Select temporary vehicle plate application.
8. Follow the onscreen instructions.

There is a fee for this service.

Inform us of a change of ownership

You will not be able to use the vehicle as a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle until a plate has been issued with the correct details.

After selecting the button below you’ll need to:

1. Have a credit or debit card for payment.
2. Create an account if you do not already have one.
3. Select licensing.
4. Select apply for a licence.
5. Select taxi vehicle licensing applications.
6. Select private hire vehicle or hackney carriage vehicle.
7. Select change of Vehicle registration.
8. Follow the onscreen instructions.

There is a fee for this service. 

Inform us of a vehicle registration change

You should tell us within 7 days of any change of address relating to a licence.

After selecting the button below you'll need to have:

• a credit or debit card for payment
• your plate number
• your new details

There is a fee for this service.

Inform us of a change of address

If you want to change the type of licence, you’ll need to apply for a new licence.

After selecting the button below you’ll need to:

1. Have a credit or debit card for payment.
2. Create an account if you do not already have one.
3. Select licensing.
4. Select apply for a licence.
5. Select taxi vehicle licensing applications.
6. Select hackney carriage vehicle.
7. Select transfer private hire to hackney carriage.
8. Follow the onscreen instructions.

There is a fee for this service.

Transfer from hackney carriage to private hire

If you want to change the type of licence, you'll need to apply for a new licence.

You'll also need to have a garage test to make sure your meter and top sign are all in working order.

After selecting the button below you'll need to:

1. Have a credit or debit card for payment.
2. Create an account if you do not already have one.
3. Select licensing.
4. Select apply for a licence.
5. Select taxi vehicle licensing applications.
6. Select private hire vehicle.
7. Select transfer hackney carriage to private hire.
8. Follow the onscreen instructions.

There is a fee for this service.

Transfer from private hire to hackney carriage

A copy of our current fare card is available here.