Apply for a private hire operator licence

There are many different kinds of operator including:

• A minicab office on a local high street

• Those who only cater for social events such as prom, hen and stag nights and corporate events

• One person operations offering a chauffeur service

• Individuals whose principle work is as a tour guide

• Operators who only do contract work, for example school runs for a local council

Whatever type of private hire service you intend to provide you will need to be licensed by us before you start operating. Anyone who receives payment for taking bookings or supplying drivers for hire without an operator's licence is breaking the law and may be prosecuted.

Before you begin

To support the completion of your application, it is important that you read and fully understand the Private Hire Operator - Licensing Guidance Notes (PHV/102) before completing the forms. The PHV/102 notes provide important guidance relating to:

1. Key definitions in London PHV legislation

2. Who the operator is

3. Fit and proper person criteria

4. Operator drivers

5. Exemptions

6. Operating centres and offices

7. Fees and how to select the correct tier

8. Duration of licence

9. Record keeping requirements