Apply for a private hire operator licence
The Process for Applying for the Grant of a Private Hire Operators Licence
If you would like to become a Private Hire Operator, you’ll need to apply for a Private Hire Operator licence.
Apply for a Private Hire operator licence
Anyone who wants to accept private hire bookings must be licensed as a private hire operator. By using a licensed operator, passengers can have confidence that the driver and vehicle are also licensed by us.
A private hire operator must:
- Ensure that vehicles attend their appointments on time
- Keep a clean, adequately heated, ventilated premises for booking or waiting
- Ensure the waiting area has adequate seating
- Ensure telephone facilities and radios are maintained
- Keep records of all bookings for a minimum of 12 months
The prices for private hire operator licences vary depending on the number of vehicles you have on your register. The prices below are valid until 31 March 2027.
| Number of vehicles | Five year licence |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 | £1013 |
| 2-5 | £1714 |
| 6-12 | £3084 |
| 13-25 | £5648 |
| 26-50 | £11606 |
| 51+ | £12954 |
View the full terms and conditions, View the Taxi and Private Hire: Licensing policy and guidance then fill out the below form and print sign and return it together with the required payment.
Before Proceeding, Please Read:
- Private Hire Operators Licence Conditions
- our Criminal Convictions Policy
The minimum Qualification Criteria
- Have proof of the Right to Work in the UK
Please download an application form from our website XXXXX or email licensing@horsham.gov.uk to request an application form to be sent to you.
Please beware that any application form received that is incomplete, will be rejected.
Ensure that you include:-
Your application will not be accepted without all appropriate documentation (Please do not submit originals)
List of vehicles and drivers that will be operated
Planning Permission – written permission from relevant Planning Department
Operating Base – If an operating base is open to the public, valid certificate of public liability insurance for each premises
Right to work document – passport, birth certificate or share code https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work/get-a-share-code-online
- certificate printed in the last 3 months for each applicant unless currently a private hire or hackney carriage driver licensed by Horsham District Council
Where an operator is a Ltd Company or partnership, a DBS will be required for each director/partner. If a partner / director changes during the term of the licence, the council must be notified.
A member of the Licensing Team will contact you to arrange an interview once your completed application and documentation has been received.
After successfully completing all the above, a payment link will be sent to you, for you pay the appropriate Licence fee.
The prices for private hire operator licences vary depending on the number of vehicles you have on your register. The prices below are valid until 31 March 2027.
Number of vehicles | Five year licence |
|---|---|
Up to 1 | £1013 |
2-5 | £1714 |
6-12 | £3084 |
13-25 | £5648 |
26-50 | £11606 |
51+ | £12954 |
After all our final checks have been made, which may take few days, please be patient and wait until we contact you to arrange either the Collection or the Posting of your Private Hire Operators Licence document.
The Process for Renewing a Private Hire Operators Licence
A Private Hire Operator licence is valid for 5 years and must be renewed upon expiry.
Please download a renewal application form from our website XXXXX or email licensing@horsham.gov.uk to request an application form to be sent to you.
Please beware that any application form received that is incomplete, will be rejected.
Ensure that you include:-
Your application will not be accepted without all appropriate documentation (Please do not submit originals)
- List of vehicles and drivers that will be operated
- Planning Permission – written permission from relevant Planning Department
- Operating Base – If an operating base is open to the public, valid certificate of public liability insurance for each premises
- Right to work document – passport, birth certificate or share code https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work/get-a-share-code-online
- certificate printed in the last 3 months for each applicant unless currently a private hire or hackney carriage driver licensed by Horsham District Council
Where an operator is a Ltd Company or partnership, a DBS will be required for each director/partner. If a partner / director changes during the term of the licence, the council must be notified.
After successfully completing all the above, a payment link will be sent to you, for you pay the appropriate Licence fee.
After all our final checks have been made, which may take few days, please be patient and wait until we contact you to arrange either the Collection or the Posting of your Private Hire Operators Licence document.
A Private Hire Operator Licence is valid for a period of 5 years and must be renewed upon expiry.