Application process

If you are replacing a vehicle, please review our replacement vehicle information.

  1. Read the accompanying guidance notes to ensure that the vehicle complies with our policy.
    • Hackney Carriage: Check if the vehicle being licensed is on the council’s list of approved wheelchair accessible vehicle models. If the vehicle is not on the approved list, please email [email protected] to arrange for an inspection to be carried out by licensing officers. We advise that this inspection is booked prior to the purchase of a new vehicle.
    • Private Hire: Check if the vehicle being licensed is on the council’s list of approved vehicle models.If the vehicle is not on the approved list, please email [email protected] to arrange for an inspection to be carried out by licensing officers. We advise that this inspection is booked prior to the purchase of a new vehicle.
  2. Telephone an approved testing station 1) Swanbrook on 01452 712386 (option 3) or 2) Ubico 01242 387780 arrange an appointment for the vehicle to have an MOT and fitness test.
  3. Complete the online vehicle application form. You will pay the fee as part of this process, and you can upload vehicle documents here.
  4. Take the vehicle for the MOT and fitness test at one of the approved testing stations. Please note: Hackney carriages should make sure a fully calibrated meter has been installed prior to the MOT and fitness test. The testing station will provide you with an MOT pass certificate and a fitness certificate.  
  5. To finish the application, you will need to produce the following documentation either by uploading these as part of the online form, or by email to [email protected]. We will accept scanned copies of documents [1].
    • V5 vehicle registration document OR bill of sale
    • Valid insurance certificate (public / private hire)
    • MOT certificate and fitness pass sheet (obtained from the testing station)
    • M1 certificate (wheelchair accessible vehicles only)
    • Meter calibration certificate (hackney carriages only)
    • Basic disclosure check from the DBS (unless you are also a licensed hackney carriage or private hire driver licensed with the same authority where they hold the vehicle licence)

Once we have received all the documents above, we will determine the vehicle's fitness to be licensed. If the vehicle is fit to be licensed, the applicant will be issued with their new licence by email, and a plate and window badge by post.

Your vehicle licence plate will be posted to you once your vehicle has been licensed.

Please ensure that the appropriate person is insured and licensed to drive the vehicle, as once the licence is issued the vehicle becomes a licensed hackney carriage or private hire vehicle.

[1] If you are submitting documents electronically, you must ensure that the electronic copy is clear, legible and shows the whole extent of the document.