Apply for a private hire operator licence

If you want to run a business as a private hire vehicle operator in Bath and North East Somerset, you need to obtain a private hire operator licence.

Before you apply

You need to read and understand the requirements on this page before you submit an application for a licence. We cannot proceed with your application unless you give us all the information we need.

You also need to read the policy and conditions for private hire operators

Select a topic below to find out if you are eligible and the details you must provide in your application.

Eligibility

If you want to apply for a private hire operator licence, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• Operate from premises located within the district of Bath and North East Somerset
• Ensure you have any necessary planning permission required for the premises from which you wish to operate
• Able to prove your right to work in the UK

Details you must provide

Once we have confirmed your eligibility you can submit your application.

You will need to provide the following details in your application:

• Evidence of planning consent, or a letter from the Council’s Development Control team that the premises are authorised for such use
• Proof of your right to work in the UK
• A basic DBS certificate, to be obtained by the applicant at their own expense
• Application fee

Fees and charges

Prices for private hire operator licences are shown in the following table.

Private hire operator fees

Fees	Price
New application fee	£449
Renewal application fee	£509
Replacement licence	£12

Duration

Licences are valid for five years, unless we state otherwise.

We issue all licences with an expiry date of 30 September.

Renewals

We will send you renewal information shortly before your current licence expires. We will also send you a unique reference number that you need to include in your online application.

How to apply

When you are sure you are eligible and are able to provide all the information we require, submit your application using our online form.

Further information

Select a topic below to find out more about taxi driver's licences:

Contentious applications

Contentious applications will be referred to our Licensing Sub Committee for determination.

Appealing a decision

If you wish to appeal our decision to refuse to grant an application, or attach any condition to the licence, you can appeal to Bath Magistrates’ Court within 21 days of being notified of the decision.

A decision of the Magistrates’ Court can be appealed to the Crown Court.

Conditions

All hackney carriage and private hire drivers and operators licensed by Bath & North East Somerset must abide by our policies and conditions

Relevant legislation

Part II Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976

Customer complaints

If you wish to make a complaint about a private hire vehicle operator, please use our online form