Vehicle licences for taxis or private hire vehicles
Apply
Apply to the licensing authority where you plan to work.
If it’s outside of London, contact your local council.
In London, there are different ways to:
- apply for a taxi vehicle licence
- apply for a private hire vehicle (PHV) licence
If your application is refused
The licensing authority can refuse your application if:
- your vehicle does not meet certain criteria
- you do not accept conditions it gives you
- it wants to control the number of taxis in the area
When the licensing authority makes its decision it will explain your right to appeal if:
- your application for a vehicle licence has been refused
- the licensing authority has suspended, revoked or refused to renew a vehicle licence
You can appeal to a crown court about a taxi licence decision or to a magistrates’ court about a private hire vehicle decision. You might need legal advice.
Renew your licence
Ask the licensing authority how to renew your vehicle licence.
You can be prosecuted if you use a vehicle as a taxi or PHV after the vehicle licence has expired.