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

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