Apply for a private hire operator licence

You need a private hire operator licence if you want to accept or invite bookings for private hire vehicles.

  • One person can be licensed and employ or subcontract any number of licensed vehicles.
  • A licensed private hire driver cannot accept bookings unless they are a licensed operator or work for one.
  • An operator can subcontract bookings to another licensed operator, but they must record the booking and show it was subcontracted.

These requirements apply to both new and renewal applications.

The process has five stages:

  1. Check if you need a licence
  2. Prepare your documents
  3. Pay the fee
  4. Submit your application
  5. Decision and grant

Stage 1. Check if you need a licence

You must hold a private hire operator licence if you accept or invite bookings for private hire vehicles.

Read the Private Hire Operator Conditions to understand your responsibilities.

Stage 2. Prepare your documents

Our documentation guidance for licensing provides extra information on what we will or will not accept when applying for a licence. 

You will need to provide the following.

Identity and background

  • Basic DBS check (no more than four weeks old). If applying as a company, provide a disclosure for each director or partner.
    • DBS certificates are valid for one year. A new disclosure must be provided before the current one expires. If you hold an enhanced DBS, this can be accepted if registered on the update service.
    • This does not apply if you are already licensed as a Trafford driver.
  • statutory declaration form (not required if you are a Trafford driver)
  • list of vehicles (see the Operator Vehicles List template)

Insurance

  • public liability insurance with cover of at least £5 million
  • employers’ liability insurance if applicable

Planning permission

Business documents

  • current tariff card
  • safeguarding policy
  • customer service and complaints policy
  • equality policy (Equality Act 2010)
  • data protection policy
  • recruitment and suitability policy

Stage 3. Pay the fee

You can pay the relevant fee online. 

Fees depend on the number of vehicles you operate.

Vehicles 1 year 5 years Extra vehicles
1 £218 £800 –
2 to 5 £218 £800 £41 per extra vehicle
6 to 10 £495 £2,080 –
11 to 29 £495 £2,080 –
30+ £683 £2,846 –

Stage 4. Submit your application

Private hire operator application form

We will review your application. If accepted, we will send you a payment link.

Stage 5. Decision and grant

Applications are assessed in line with:

If your application falls outside policy, it may be referred to the Public Protection Sub Committee.

If your application is granted, we will issue your operator licence. You must comply with the Private Hire Operator Conditions.