Who can apply?
The address from which you want to operate must be based within our district.
If you intend to take bookings in your own vehicle you must also have a Private Hire Taxi Drivers licence and a Private Hire Taxi Vehicle licence.
How much it costs?
- £130 for Single Vehicle Operator
- £1050 for Multiple Vehicle Operator
How to apply
You will need to:
Log into your MyAccount (or create an account if you don't already have one) to complete the form. MyAccount is an easier and quicker way to interact with us and is available 24/7
- complete the application form
- pay the appropriate fee
- have a basic Disclosure and Barring Service ( DBS) check. ( This is not required if you are also applying for a Drivers Licence and have applied for an enhanced DBS check or if you have an up to date online DBS certificate which we can access.
- provide evidence of a criminal record check from the relevant country or countries if you've lived in the UK for less than 10 years or you have spent 3 continuous months or more outside the UK.
- complete the Declaration on the application form confirming that you are aware of the guidance about your tax obligations.
Link to GOV.UK website for guidance about your tax obligations
(Schedule 23 to Finance Act 2011 (Data Gathering Powers) and Schedule 36 to Finance Act 2008 (Information and Inspection Powers), grant HMRC powers to obtain relevant information from third parties. This includes licensing bodies being required to provide information about licence applicants.)
Apply for a private hire operator licence
What happens next
- If the application and supporting information is ok, we will issue a licence.
- If there are doubts about your suitability to hold a licence, your application may be referred to a licensing subcommittee for a decision.
- If we refuse your application , we will write to explain the reasons why and how you can appeal.
Further information
You can find more information about our approach to applications and the licence conditions applicable to private hire operators in the Folkestone & Hythe District Council Taxi Policy