What you need to do to apply.

Please be advised that the current queue is four weeks for new vehicle licences and three weeks for new driver licences. Once an application has reached the front of the queue, it will be looked at and if the application is incorrect then it will take longer to process. There is no guaranteed time in which your application will be processed and these timescales are indicative only.

Do I need a licence?

All operators who run a private hire business within Wolverhampton, where private hire bookings are taken must be licensed with City of Wolverhampton Council.

How much will it cost?

  • New operators licence (1 Year): £1,000
  • Renewal operators licence (1 Year): £750
  • Renewal operators licence (5 Years): £3,000

Small Operators - 4 or less drivers*

  • New operators licence (1 Year): £1,000
  • Renewal operators licence (1 Year): £150
  • Renewal operators licence (5 Years): £500

*Less than 4 drivers will be an ongoing requirement for the period of the licence otherwise a new licence will be required, attracting a new one-year fee.

How do I apply?

New Operators can apply as a Sole Trader or a Limited Company.

When you have submitted your online application form, you will receive an email acknowledgement.

A member of the Taxi Licensing team will contact you to take payment via the phone.

To process your application, we require:

  • Your business premises in Wolverhampton, which must be accessible 24/7 by our officers.
  • Proof of right to work in the UK
  • Proof of DVLA Driver Licence
  • Proof of all your current Private Hire Vehicle Operator Licences
  • Information from any previous authorities you have been licensed with
  • Current Basic DBS certificate – you can obtain one at Gov.uk. Or, an Enhanced DBS certificate if you already have one
  • Confirmation from Worcestershire County Council that you have attended our Private Hire Training Programme
  • Confirmation that you are aware of your tax responsibilities
  • A photo of the proposed vehicle signage stickers (use of magnetic stickers is prohibited). The signage must include the business name, telephone number and/or app

From 4 April 2022, you must confirm you are aware of your tax responsibilities if you’re an individual, company or any type of partnership. You can find out further information on HMRC Tax Check and follow the tax check guidance at Gov.uk.

Private Hire Training Programme Guidance note

This course is operated by Worcestershire County Council and lasts approximately 6 hours.

The driver assessment process consists of the following subject areas:

  • Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
  • CSE awareness
  • Modern Slavery
  • County lines
  • Face to face English assessment (followed by a recorded interview where there are any concerns)
  • Licence conditions
  • Vehicle conditions
  • The licensing process
  • Enforcement and compliance
  • Plying for hire
  • The Health Act 2006
  • Environmental Protection Act 1990
  • Customer safety
  • Customer care
  • Disability awareness (Equality Act 2010)
  • Road and passenger safety
  • Personal safety

Providing we have received all the above documentation, your application is correct and complete, and subject to a clear DBS status and satisfactory responses from any previous or current Licensing Authorities, your licence will be granted.

Are you applying for a Private Hire Vehicle Operator Licence as a Sole Trader or Limited Company?

Please check the criteria below before proceeding to apply.

  • A Sole Trader is an individual person.

  • A Limited Company is a registered on Companies House and comprises of one or more Directors and/or Company Secretary

Private Hire Working Group

All licensed operators are invited to attend our scheduled working group meetings to discuss updates within the Private Hire sector and provide opportunities for you to add agenda items for discussion.

Renewal of Private Hire Vehicle Operators Licence

To renew a Private Hire Vehicle Operators Licence, please visit Renewal of Private Hire Vehicle Operators Licence.

Transfer of Private Hire Vehicle Operator Licence

Private Hire Vehicle Operator Licences cannot be transferred between people or legal persons. Sole trader licences must be held by one individual and cannot be transferred to another person nor a limited company. Limited companies may change the directors on the licence, but may not transfer the licence to another limited company. A new application must be made in these scenarios and no refund will be given for the existing licence.

Contact us

Should you require any further information regarding private hire operator licences, please email us.

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