Apply for a private hire operator's licence
Do you need a licence?
You must have a private hire operator licence to accept or arrange bookings for private hire vehicles in Central Bedfordshire. You are responsible for making sure all drivers, vehicles, and booking staff follow the rules and the law.
Where your office must be
Your office or base must be in Central Bedfordshire. If you also have a licence from another council, you may need to follow extra rules.
Renewing your licence
Download our private hire operator application form (PDF 34.2KB) 
You must renew your licence before it runs out. If you miss the deadline, you will need to apply as a new applicant. This could delay your business. You can apply to renew at any time. You do not need to wait for a reminder.
What you need to renew
Send us all of these items:
- completed application form
- licence fee (pay online)
- details of all vehicles and drivers
- public liability and employer liability insurance certificates
- basic DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service criminal record check) if you are not currently licensed with us
- tax check code – complete a tax check for a taxi, private hire or scrap metal licence (GOV.UK)
If you do not provide everything, your application may be delayed or rejected.
Applying for a new licence
Download our private hire operator application form (PDF 34.2KB)
Send us all of these items:
- completed application form
- licence fee
- details of all vehicles and drivers
- public liability and employer liability insurance certificates
- two recent passport-style photos
- basic DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service criminal record check) if you are not currently licensed with us
- current driving licence
- valid passport
- proof you can work in the UK
- Central Bedfordshire Council Knowledge Test pass certificate
- CSE attendance certificate (Child Sexual Exploitation awareness training)
- proof you understand your tax duties (or tax check code for renewals)
Important information
Email may not be secure. Protect any personal information you send by email. If you need the application form in another format, email taxilicensing@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.