Apply for a hackney carriage vehicle licence
Before buying a vehicle, you should read our vehicle type conditions on our taxi licensing policy and be sure that the vehicle meets the criteria. It is your responsibility to ensure the vehicle meets these standards.
You should then contact us on 01771 625625 and arrange a new vehicle inspection and gather the following documents:
- insurance certificate, showing the vehicle is insured for public hire
- V5 logbook. If the full logbook has not yet been received, the V5C (green slip) is acceptable and you should provide the full logbook once received
- if only the V5C has been provided, a bill of sale, invoice or receipt
- original evidence of a Roadworthiness Test Certificate issued within the last 4 weeks that confirms the vehicle is fit. View our roadworthy checklist.
- completed online application
- the fee. View more information on hackney carriage vehicle licence fees.
A vehicle will not be licensed if it is licensed by another council.
The vehicle should be presented at the appointment where it will be inspected by an authorised officer. As long as the vehicle passes this inspection, you will be able to submit the application and pay the licence fee. You will be given a unique number at this appointment to book an MOT and Taxi Test Inspection with one of our authorised garages.
Once the licence has been granted, you will be contacted and informed that the plate and associated documents can be collected from the offices.
You should read our hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy for full details of the application process.