Hackney carriage vehicle licence

Before buying a vehicle, you should read our vehicle type conditions on page 26 of the taxi licensing policy (PDF) [795KB] 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 01257 515151 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
• HPI check, issued within 1 week of the application and from a council approved provider
• a meter calibration certificate
• where the vehicle is for use under a hire agreement, a copy of that hire agreement
• the fee.

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 (PDF) [795KB] for full details of the application process. 

Application forms

Hackney carriage vehicle licence - new application (PDF) [88KB]

Hackney carriage vehicle licence - renewal application (PDF) [81KB]