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Become a Taxi or Private Hire Operator

Chapters in this topic

  1. Introduction
  2. Apply and pay

Introduction

You’ll need a private hire operator’s licence if you’re going to:

  • work your yourself, as a taxi or private hire driver
  • run a business that employs other drivers

To apply for an operator’s licence, you’ll need to complete an application form and pay a fee.

A licence lasts for five years. You’ll need to apply again before it expires.

Before you can start work, you may also need to:

  • register for self-employment
  • request a change of use for your premises, especially if you’re moving into somewhere that’s trading as a different type of business at the moment
  • pay business rates