Apply for a private hire operator licence
We are currently experiencing problems accessing our systems which means Gloucester City Council are unable to send out renewal applications. Due to this, you will not be receiving a courtesy reminder when licences are due to expire. Can you therefore be aware of your renewal date and email Licensing@gloucester.gov.uk at least 14 days prior to your expiry date if your vehicle, drivers or operators licence renewal is due, confirming that you wish to renew attaching the necessary supporting documents. Payments to renew can still be made online and should be done before the date of expiry. Failure to renew on time may result in your licence not being renewed and a new licence application being made.
New guidance for applications for taxi and private hire licences from April 2022
Please follow this link to see the new guidance
COVID 19 - GUIDANCE FOR NEW APPLICANTS AND EXISTING LICENCE HOLDERS
Private Hire Operators
A private hire operator is a person making provision in the course of a business for the invitation or acceptance of bookings for Private Hire vehicles. Private Hire Operators are based at premises throughout the City and normally accept bookings over the telephone.
An operator must keep records of vehicles, drivers and all bookings at their operator base.
From 1st October 2015, the Deregulation Act 2015 changed the standard duration of a Private Hire Operator licence to 5 years. It specifies that a Private Hire Operator Licence may be granted for a period of less than five years but only if the Council think it is appropriate in the circumstances of an individual case.
The Deregulation Act 2015 also allows Private Hire Operators to sub-contract a booking to another operator who are licensed with other Councils.
The business address must be based within Gloucester City Council boundaries and must only employ drivers or vehicles that are licensed with Gloucester City Council.
How to apply
Please note:
It's no longer possible to drop in to the council offices and speak with an adviser. Applicants for licences will only be seen by appointment after this date. If you need to see an adviser you'll need to phone Customer Services on 01452 396 396 to book an appointment.
The application fee must be paid in full when you submit your application. A copy of the payment receipt must be produced upon application to demonstrate the correct fee had been paid.
Payments for licences can no longer be taken in Reception and applicants must pay in one of the following ways:
- Pay online
- Pay by phone on 01452 396 396
- Download and complete the Application form for grant of a Private Hire Operators Licence
- Download and read the conditions of licence for private hire operators in the private hire operators rule book.
- Pay the appropriate fee. Check the cost by clicking on Fees and charges 2023/24
Operator fees vary dependant on the number of vehicles used within the fleet. Operators may also apply to take bookings from an additional premises within the City at an extra charge e.g. from a busy nightclub.
- Operators must complete a basic criminal record check unless they have applied for an enhanced criminal record check whilst applying for a private hire drivers licence. For further information regarding the basic criminal record check please read the guidance notes
Renewal of a Private Hire Operator Licence
Please use this form to renew your existing Private Hire Operator Licence;
Planning permission
To operate a private hire company you will need to apply for planning permission to make sure that if your business is run from home, it will not cause nuisance or obstruction to your neighbours.
Type of work that requires an operators’ licence
Any pre-booked work such as airport transfers, hen or stag nights or work of a similar nature.
If your private hire vehicle is equipped to carry up to eight passengers, it can work under a private operator’s licence from the council. Anything above eight seats requires the licence to be obtained from the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency.
Additional application forms:
Apply for replacement plates, badge or stickers
Apply to change name or address of licence holder
Further details on vehicles and operators can be found on our factsheets:
Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles - A guide for passengers
Children travelling in taxis and Private Hire cars