How to apply for a Hackney carriage or private hire vehicle licence

Before applying

Please read the guidance notes carefully before you apply and contact Licensing if you have any questions: Licensing contact form

Fees

The application fee for a new or existing hackney carriage or private hire vehicle licence is £182.15. 

Age of vehicle

Any new hackney carriage or private hire vehicle which is to be licensed for the first time must be less than six years old from the date of its first registration with the DVLA.

The maximum age limit for an existing licensed vehicle is currently 15 years old, when the licence will expire.

New vehicle requirements

The vehicle requirements for new Hackney carriage and private hire vehicles are slightly different:

Hackney carriage vehicles must be either:

• An ultra-low emissions vehicle (ULEV)
• A zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) (GOV.UK)
• A wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV)
• A vehicle that meets the Euro 6 petrol or Euro 6 diesel emission standard

An ultra-low emission or zero emission capable vehicle is defined as a vehicle emitting less than 50gCO2/km and has a zero emission range of at least 70 miles.

Private hire vehicles must be either:

• An ultra-low emissions vehicle (ULEV)
• A zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) (GOV.UK)
• Euro 6 Petrol or Euro 6 Diesel Emission Standard (RAC.CO.UK)

How to apply

You can apply online for a vehicle licence (if you are a licensed driver with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council).

Apply for a vehicle licence

Alternatively, we can send you an application form, to print off and return to us: Licensing contact form

Hackney carriage or private hire vehicles that are already licensed will be sent an application form and invoice automatically one month before the existing licence expires.

Please make an appointment by calling 01455 238141 to bring your application in to us.

Checklist of what you need to provide with your application

You must bring the following original documents to the council offices at Hinckley Hub when applying for a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle licence: 

• A valid insurance certificate
• The V5C registration document for the vehicle or proof of ownership
• A valid MOT certificate
• A debit or credit card to pay the fee or a receipt showing you have already paid

Please note: This also applies for any low or zero emission or hybrid electric vehicle.

Vehicle licence renewal

Vehicle licences will remain in force for one year or a lesser period as the borough council may specify in the licence.

Renewal application forms and invoices will be sent to licence holders one month before the expiry date of an existing licence.         

The following apply for vehicle renewals:

• To always remain licenced, licence holders must ensure their vehicle:
  1. Has valid road fund tax
  2. Is insured for public and or private hire
  3. Holds a valid MOT pass certificate
• To remain a licensed vehicle with this council, the vehicle must be continually licensed
• An expired licence cannot be renewed
• Age of vehicle and vehicle requirements are met

Time period for the council to normally approve the application

One month.

If you have not heard from us within that time period

Please contact Licensing: Licensing contact form

Complaints concerning the process

In the first instance, please contact Licensing: Licensing contact form

Last updated:‎ 14/07/2026 12:13