Private hire operator

A Private Hire Operator licence is needed to take all customer bookings and dispatch private hire vehicles to customers.

Licences can be issued to an individual, a partnership or a limited company. It relates specifically to the address of a licensed private hire office.

The licences are not transferable between -

  • individuals
  • companies
  • alternative addresses

Should a business be sold, an application for a new private hire operator licence is needed.

To apply for a private hire operator licence, select the button below -

Apply for a private hire operator licence (opens in a new window)

If an application is made by a registered company, all details relating to directors of that company must be provided. This is to determine if the operator is fit and proper to hold such a licence.

All bookings for private hire journeys carried out by private hire vehicles must be taken through the licensed PHO booking office. These are also known as the 'operating base'.

Private Hire Operators can operate from their home address, within the Boundary of Kingston upon Hull. They should have one to 2 PH Vehicles at most. Or they can operate from offices open to the public.

To operate from a residential address may need planning permission. If you have commercial premises that you want to trade from, you may need change of use.

A PHO licensed by us can only use drivers and vehicles who are also licensed by Hull City Council.

Applications can be made for either a one year or a 5-year licence.

To apply for a PHO licence, you will need to submit the following -

  • a complete application form for a Private Hire Operator's licence
  • application fee
  • a basic criminal disclosure certificate for each applicant. For partnership or company, this will include a criminal disclosure check on all partners and directors of the company. The DBS check must be no older 28 days at the point of application.
  • for foreign nationals, a certificate of good conduct from the relevant embassy is needed. This is if you have been living in the United Kingdom for less than 5 years
  • a declaration confirming that you have read the HMRC guidance about your obligations to register for tax payable on earning form your licensed trade
  • if you have held a Private Hire Operator's licence within the last 12 months, a tax check

Incomplete applications will not be processed and will be returned to the applicant.

Once a complete application is received, it may need to be referred to the Licensing Committee for determination.

You must operate at all times in compliance with the Private Hire Operator's licence conditions.

If you have been asked to supply any additional documents or proofs to us, you can scan the document to us by taking a picture of the document and uploading it. Documents can only be sent in JPEG or PNG.

For further information contact the Licensing Section at -