Private Hire Operator Licences

An operator's licence is required to take bookings for private hire vehicles.

Private Hire Vehicles must be pre-booked through a private hire operator

All licences involved - driver / vehicle / operator, must be issued by the same authority.

One person can be licensed and employ/sub-contract an unlimited number of licensed vehicles. An operator may pass a booking to another private hire vehicle operator.

A member of the public makes a contract with the operator who takes the booking, even if that operator doesn't provide the vehicle and/or the driver.

Operators must be fit and proper to hold a licence and be subject to a Disclosure and Barring check. The process for making an application is outlined in the guidance below.

Operator renewal applications also require a HMRC Tax check code. This is a new legal requirement - Changes for taxi, private hire or scrap metal licence applications from April 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Without a code we won't be able to renew your licence.

Complete a tax check for a taxi, private hire or scrap metal licence - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Anyone needing extra support can complete the tax check by phone through HMRC's customer helpline 0300 200 3300.

There are extensive record keeping requirements for operators outlined in the licence conditions.

Operators should also refer to Safeguarding and Taxis and Accessibility pages.