Private hire vehicle licence

Private hire vehicles are pre-booked, and cannot be hailed on the street. The hire charge is agreed between the operator and the customer.

Before you apply for a private hire vehicle licence, you must make sure that your vehicle complies with the specification and conditions.

Coming soon: Hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy and conditions

How do I apply?

To apply for a private hire vehicle licence, you must complete a private hire vehicle licence application form and return it to us along with: 

• the vehicle registration certificate (V5 / log book)
• your current certificate of insurance 
• certificate of compliance 
• the licence fee
• Mobility Tail Lift Service and Weight Test Certificate (where applicable)

You must also supply the details of the private hire operator under whom you will be working.

Private hire vehicle licence application (PDF, 738KB)

Post your application to:

Licensing Team
Denbighshire County Council
Caledfryn
Smithfield Road
Denbigh
Denbighshire
LL16 3RJ

Certificate of compliance

When you first apply for a private hire vehicle licence, your vehicle must pass a compliance test. This must be carried out at our licensed testing station at the Expressway Business Park, Abergele Road, Bodelwyddan LL18 5SQ. You can make an appointment by calling 01745 839244.

When you take your vehicle to be tested, there must be a plate holder fitted on the rear of the vehicle.

The compliance test, which includes an MOT certificate, will ensure that your vehicle meets the required standards. Vehicles new to the Denbighshire taxi “fleet” must not be over 5 years old. If your vehicle passes the compliance test, you will be given a certificate of compliance, which you must include with your licence application form.

Insurance

You must provide proof that your vehicle is suitably insured. This means you must provide an insurance certificate that covers private hire or pre-booked journeys only. Your insurance broker will be able to advise you on getting the right insurance cover.

Granting your licence

When we have received all the paperwork, and are satisfied that your vehicle meets our requirements, we will issue the vehicle licence, along with licence plates and door stickers for your vehicle.

How much does it cost?

Applying for a private hire vehicle licence currently costs £200.

How long is the licence valid for?

Licences are granted for a maximum of 12 months.

How can I pay?

Payment can be made by card over the phone to customer services (01824 706000). Payment by cheque or cash is only available at one of Denbighshire’s One Stop Shops. Please contact us for the appropriate reference number before attempting to pay. Failing to provide the appropriate reference number may delay your application.

Equality Act 2010

Application for an exemption from duties under the equality act 2010 (PDF, 611KB)

Related documents

Private hire vehicle plate exemption policy (PDF, 212KB)