Become a Taxi or Private Hire Operator

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