I want to apply for or renew a private hire vehicle licence

Application

A licence is required to operate a private hire vehicle. The licence will be valid for one year and the vehicle must comply with the council's conditions.

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

• Private hire 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 private hire use. You should ask our licensing team for advice before purchasing a vehicle. Please note that vehicles must be no more than 5 years old from date of first registration and cannot be blue in colour (reserved for taxis).

All vehicles that are granted a private hire 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:

• Private hire vehicle licence conditions

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

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

Fees

The cost of a private hire vehicle licence is £229.
The private hire vehicle licence plate transfer fee is £68.
The cost of a temporarily licence plate transfer is £98.
The cost of a private hire trailer is £67.
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.

A full list of fees can be found here.

Renewal

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

• Private hire vehicle licence renewal form

Transfer

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

• Transfer of a private hire 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