Please note this page is only a quick guide to assist your application to renew a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire taxi vehicle licence. You must refer to the full terms and conditions in the application pack for full details and guidance.
Download the Taxi Driver vehicle license application pack
If your Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Vehicle licence has expired you will not be able to submit an application via the online application process below, you will be required to submit the below application form completed along with your Certificate of Compliance (CoC), Certificate of Motor Insurance (must only name drivers who hold a valid licence issued by Oxford City Council), V5 Log Book (front page and middle pages) / or New Keepers Slip or Purchase Receipt via email to taxiapplications@oxford.gov.uk. Please note you are only able to renew an expired licence within 8 weeks of the expiry date.
Download the Expired Vehicle application form
Step 1 - Pre-application requirement
Before you submit your online vehicle renewal application to the Oxford City Council, you must book and complete your vehicle Certificate of Compliance (CoC) Test.
The Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for your vehicle must not be completed any earlier than 28 days from the date of your current vehicle licence expiry.
You should complete the CoC at least two (2) weeks before the current licence expire, to allow time for the application to be processed. To book your vehicle CoC test, you must call Oxford Direct Services, Cowley Marsh on 01865 335400.
Step 2 - Prepare all the necessary documents
Have all the documents listed ready and take a clear scan or photograph of each document (as instructed) on your device, ready to upload when completing your online application.
We strongly advise that you submit your vehicle renewal application at least two weeks before the vehicle licence expiry, to avoid any delays in processing.
- Certificate of Compliance (CoC)
- Certificate of Motor Insurance (must only name drivers who hold a valid licence issued by Oxford City Council)
- V5 Log Book (front page and middle pages) / or New Keepers Slip or Purchase Receipt
Exemption Vehicles Only
If you are applying for an exemption certificate for your Private Hire Vehicle you must email licensing@oxford.gov.uk to obtain approval that the vehicle will be accepted as an exempt vehicle, proof of this email will need to be produced at the test station before the vehicle can be tested.
Exemptions are typically granted to those vehicles that will carry out chauffeur driven account work only. Exemptions are not granted for standard Private Hire work. If you require your vehicle to be exempt from displaying plates please provide these additional documents:
- Exemption request received on company headed paper from the company
- Exemption request from the driver
Temporary Vehicles Only
If your application is for a temporary vehicle application please complete the following:
- Inform the accident driver that they need to provide full accident details and photos to licensing@oxford.gov.uk
- Provide (upload) a letter authorising the driver to use the temporary vehicle (company headed paper), with the application
Step 3 - Submit the application to the Council & make payment
You're ready to submit your online application but you should read steps 4 and 5 before you start.
Apply to renew your vehicle licence
Once you have successfully completed your online application, you will be transferred to the secure payment system. The page may take a moment to load. Please do not close or refresh your browser until the payment page has fully loaded. Once the payment has been received, 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 4 - Booking a vehicle plate appointment
Once you have successfully submitted your online application, and it is valid, an Officer will contact you and book a suitable time for you to return your current/expired plate and collect your new vehicle plate. We will also email you confirmation of your appointment.
Step 5 - Receiving the Paper Licence
Once the licence is issued, we will email your Paper Licence (counterpart) document.
Helpful Information Regarding the Renewal Application
Once you have loaded the application – you will be required to search for your licence. Do this using the 'driver licence (badge) look up' button.
When you click the button, on the next screen, type your name as it appears on your paper licence and your badge number in the format PHD123 / HPD123.
When you click search, the record should populate your badge number in the Driver licence badge number box below.
If this doesn’t work, try re-checking your paper licence for how your name is recorded on our records.
