Vehicle licences for taxis or private hire vehicles

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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:

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.