Apply for a private hire operator licence
If you would like to become a Private Hire Operator, you’ll need to apply for a Private Hire Operator licence. The process for applying for the grant of a Private Hire Operators Licence is detailed as below.
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 download the application for a grant of a Private Hire Operators Licence at the bottom of this page.
Before Proceeding, Please Read:
The minimum Qualification Criteria
- Have proof of the Right to Work in the UK
Find the New Private Hire Operator Application PDF download below 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, and that doesn’t show that stages 2 to 4 have completed, 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.
Before you attend your interview, please familiarise yourself with the Private Hire Operator Conditions so that you will be able to demonstrate your intended compliance.
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.
Find the Private Hire Operator Application PDF download below 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, and that doesn’t show that stages 2 to 4 have completed, 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.