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Private hire operator licence

Any person who plans to take pre-bookings for the carriage of passengers in licensed private hire vehicles, or who wants to be self employed driving a private hire vehicle, must first obtain a private hire operator’s licence from the local authority. If an employer holds a private hire operator’s licence this allows employees to drive private hire vehicles without obtaining their own private hire operator’s licence.

New tax check code

New rules from HMRC mean that if you make an application for a private hire or hackney carriage drivers licence on or after 4 April 2022 you will need to provide us with a tax check code if you are:

  • renewing a licence
  • applying for the same type of licence you previously held that ceased being valid less than a year ago
  • applying for the same type of licence you already hold with another licensing authority

Further information is available at the Government website Changes for taxi, private hire or scrap metal licence applications from April 2022 - GOV.UK.

Before you apply for an operator licence 

Download and read carefully the following documents. These documents are also available from the Customer Service Centre

When you have read the guidance notes and believe that you will be able to meet the criteria for a private hire operator, you can proceed. If having read the documents you need further information please email your enquiry to us at Licensing@bedford.gov.uk

How to apply 

  1. Complete the application form and DVLA mandate. Provide details of all applicants where applicable.     
  2. Renewal applications must include booking records as stated in the guidance.
  3. Your application form and original supporting documents will need to be posted to the Licensing Team or scanned and sent by e-mail: to Licensing@bedford.gov.uk  

Original right to work documentation and DBS certificate must be submitted at the Customer Service Centre for verification by a customer adviser. An application cannot be processed until the original Right to Work Documentation has been verified. 

Fees

The current fees are outlined in the fee schedule

Pay for a licence 

Pay for private hire operators licences

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