What you'll need to apply for a new private hire operators licence

Find out what documents you need to apply for a new private hire operators licence.

Scan and upload your documents

Before you start your application, scan and save the following documents (there are many scan apps available for mobile devices). This is so you can upload them during your application

If you're using an iPad to take photos of documents, make sure you save your files with different names. The system won't let you upload files saved under the same name.

You'll need to scan and upload your:

  • policies and procedures - you need to provide a document setting out your policies and procedures in relation to those with a disability. If you do not provide this information or your policies are unsatisfactory your application will be returned
  • Basic DBS Certificates for all Directors of the Company. Basic DBS Certificate(s) are required annually for all Directors that are not licenced drivers with Brighton & Hove City Council - find more information below
  • HMRC 9-character tax check code - find more information below
  • register of all staff that will take bookings or dispatch vehicles

Operator Staff Register

Operators are required to keep a register of all staff that will take bookings or dispatch vehicles.

The register should be a ‘living document’ that maintains records of all those in these roles for the same duration as booking records are required to be kept, this will enable cross-referencing between the two records.

A record that the operator has had sight of a basic DBS check certificate (although the certificate itself should not be retained) should be retained for the duration that the individual remains on the register. If the employee leaves and is no longer on the register, but is later re-entered, a new basic DBS certificate needs to be requested and sight of this recorded.

DBS Checks

Operators are required to:

  • demonstrate evidence that they have had sight of a Basic DBS check on all individuals listed on their register of booking and dispatch staff
  • ensure that Basic DBS checks are conducted on any individuals added to the register and that this is compatible with their policy on employing ex-offenders

DBS certificates provided by the individual should be recently issued when viewed. Alternatively the operator could use a ‘responsible organisation’ to request the check on their behalf.

When individuals start taking bookings and dispatching vehicles for an operator they should be required, as part of their employment contract, to advise the operator of any convictions while they are employed in this role.

Request a basic DBS check.

HMRC

You will need to confirm you have completed a tax check and the 9 character Tax check code must be provided as part of the application process. 

Complete a tax check for a:

  • taxi driver
  • private hire driver
  • private hire vehicle operator
  • scrap metal site
  • scrap metal collector

HMRC has powers to get information from Licensing Authorities using ‘Schedule 23 to Finance Act 2011 (Data Gathering Powers) and Schedule 36 to Finance Act 2008 (Information and Inspection Powers), grant HMRC powers to get relevant information from third parties. This includes licensing bodies being required to provide information about licence applicants.’  

Get more guidance on tax registration obligations from:

For additional guidance, view the Tax check factsheet.

If you can't upload your supporting documents

If you cannot upload your documents online, you'll need to email them.

Send an email to hco@brighton-hove.gov.uk.