I want to apply for or renew a taxi (hackney carriage) vehicle licence

Application

A licence is required to use a vehicle as a taxi (hackney carriage). The licence is valid for one year and the vehicle must comply with Hastings Borough Council's conditions.

To apply for a taxi vehicle licence you will need to fill out the online form below:

• Taxi (hackney carriage) vehicle licence application form

You will also need to provide us with the following documents:

• Vehicle registration document
• Current certificate of insurance (specifically for the 'carriage of passengers' or for hire and reward)
• Current MOT certificate.

If your application is successful you will be issued with a licence place which must be affixed to the rear of the vehicle on the outside.

Conditions

Not all vehicles are suitable for use as a taxi. You should ask our licensing team for advice before purchasing a vehicle. Please note that applications will only be considered on vehicles that are blue in colour.

All vehicles that are granted a taxi licence need to be well maintained. Every vehicle will be given an annual inspections to ensure that it is roadworthy.  

A full list of the licence conditions can be found in the document below:

• Taxi (hackney carriage) vehicle licence conditions (.pdf 42KB)

We have also put together a helpful document about in-cab surveillance:

• In-cab surveillance systems guidance (.pdf 28KB)

Fees

The cost of a taxi vehicle licence is £229.
The taxi vehicle licence plate transfer fee is £68.
The cost of a temporary licence plate transfer is £98.
The cost of a plate holder (refunded on return of plate holder) is £36.
To loan a plate (refunded on return of plate) is £36.
A meter test: £35.

View on our full list of fees.

Renewal

To renew your taxi vehicle licence you will need to fill out the online form below:

• Taxi vehicle licence renewal form

Transfer

If you need to transfer your taxi vehicle licence or ownership of the vehicle, you will you to fill out the online form below:

• Transfer of a taxi vehicle licence / ownership form 

Change of address

If you need to change your address you will need to fill out the form below:

• Change of Address Form (.pdf 30KB)

Once you have completed the form you will need to send it to us at:

Licensing Team
Hastings Borough Council
Muriel Matters House
Breeds Place
Hastings
East Sussex
TN34 3UY