Operator licences

Private Hire Operator licences once issued remain valid for a period of one or five years, unless they are surrendered or revoked during this period.

Before the Licensing Authority can grant a private hire operator's licence it must be satisfied that the applicant is a "Fit and Proper" person.

In order to assist the Licensing Authority to determine the above, the applicant is required to submit the following documentation in addition to the prescribed application form, and the applicable fee:

1. proof of right to work in the UK.
2. a basic DBS certificate, or an enhanced DBS disclosure certificate, or a DBS update service certificate, unless the individual is already licensed with the council as a driver.
3. certificate of good conduct from your own embassy for any applicant who has not lived in the UK for the previous five years.
4. a nine digit tax code, or a declaration that they are registered for tax

The council will also need to see proof of employers and public liability insurance where the applicant intends to employ staff, and/or allow members of the public into a waiting area.

An application will only be considered valid once all the above items have been received. The Licensing Authority can only determine valid applications, and will aim to determine a valid application within ten working days of receipt of a valid application. If a Licensing Sub-Committee is required to determine an application this period may increase to 28 days.