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Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicle licence applications

All of our registered testing stations are open and able to conduct taxi and private hire vehicle compliance tests. Please ensure you provide a current compliance test for all vehicle renewals.

To renew or apply for a new vehicle licence, please apply online below. If you do not have access to a computer please visit your nearest library where they'll be able to help you.

Your new vehicle plate and licence will be sent to you within 10 working days of receipt of a valid application. Please make sure you apply at least 10 working days before your vehicle licence expires.

Your application

To apply for a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle licence we need the following information:

  • Vehicle proprietor/s must provide a Basic Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (this is required every 3 years). 
  • Valid insurance certificate or cover note
  • V5/V55 (log book) or proof of ownership (such as bill of sale)
  • Vehicle inspection test report
  • Vehicle inspection sheet
  • MOT test certificate
  • Application fee
  • Proof of public liability insurance cover to a minimum of £5,000,000

Licences are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

Please make sure your mandatory signs are positioned in the correct place and email taxi.licensing@plymouth.gov.uk if you need new stickers.

Buying a new vehicle and want to keep your current licence number?

You will need to apply for a new vehicle licence using the online vehicle licence application form above and pay the full fee. In the additional notes section at the end of the online application form, please enter the full details of your current licensed vehicle and we will contact you to advise if any refund is due.

Transfer the ownership of a vehicle to another person

To transfer a taxi plate to another owner complete the online form below.

Check a licence

Search our licensing register to see if a vehicle is licensed by us.

Change of vehicle registration

To change the registration number of your hackney carriage or private hire vehicle, please complete the application below.  Your records will be updated and a new licence and plate will be sent to you within 10 working days.  You will need to provide the following: 

  • The fee Taxi licence fees
  • V5 or DVLA V778 retention document if the V5 has not yet been returned.  This must be in your name and current address. 
  • The new insurance certificate displaying new registration.