Apply for a new Private Hire Operator licence

A Private Hire Operator Licence is issued to an individual or company that offers a service of pre-booking fares. The licence is issued for a maximum period of 5 years.

You must refer to the full terms and conditions in the application pack for full details and guidance on all the licensing criteria and conditions that must be met under ‘Fit and Proper’ person with this Authority.

Download the Private Hire Operator License application pack

Step 1 - Planning permission checks

As part of the process, you need to be able to demonstrate that the premises (Operator) address where you will be based has either planning permissions or confirmation that planning permissions are not required. 

For more information see How to apply for planning permission.

Important Notice: regarding Private Hire Operator Business Name - Once you have chosen a name for your Operator under which you wish to operate / trade, please ensure you check if the same or significantly similar name is not already in use (licensed) with licensing department via email tol licensing@oxford.gov.uk.  We are unable to licence two Operators with the same or significantly similar names. Please ensure you check if the name is available before applying or making any arrangements based on that name.  

Step 2 - Obtain certificates for courses

The Local Knowledge and Safeguarding test is provided by Oxford City Council and the fee is £84.00. This test can be booked and completed at any time and before submitting your full application to the Council. To book please call 01865 252565.

The Safeguarding and Disability Awareness course is provided by Oxfordshire County Council. For the fee and how to book see Safeguarding and disability awareness training courses at Oxfordshire County Council

Step 3 - Prepare all the necessary documents

Preparing the necessary documents includes completing some forms and generate online codes. 

Documents you'll need to prepare and gather are:

• HMRC check code for the company
• Right to work share code for each business partner (if applicable)
• Local Knowledge and Safeguarding Test pass letter
• Safeguarding and Disability Awareness certificate
• Basic Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) certificate for each business partner (copy of front and back) - this must be dated no earlier than 28 calendar days before the date you submit the application to the Council.
• Evidence of Right to Work in the UK for each business partner (usually a UK/Irish Passport if not completing a Right to Work share code form)

You'll find all forms and how to generate the share codes in our application pack.

Step 4 - Submit the application to the Council

You’re ready to submit your online application but you should read steps 4 and 5 before you start.

Apply for your licence

Once you have successfully submitted your online application, you will receive an automated email response that we have received your application. We will then assess your application. If your application is not complete, we will email you back with the advice on what needs to be corrected or what details or documents you have missed.

If your application is valid, we will move to the next step.

Additional Documents

If additional documents are required see “Submit additional documents for a current licence application” 

Step 5 - Make payment 

Once you have successfully submitted your application online (valid or invalid) you will need to make a payment within 14 days.

You will receive an email with a reference number of your application. You will need to call the Taxi Licensing Team to make a payment, over the phone via secure line using your Debit/Credit card. After taking the payment, we will email you the receipt.

If you do not make payment within 14 days your application will be withdrawn.

Step 6 - Receive the paper licence

Once you have submitted the final documents, the final checks will take few days. Please be patient and wait until we contact you.

Once the licence is issued, we will email your paper licence (counterpart) document.