Skip to main content
Luton Borough Council

Apply for a private hire operator's licence

A private hire operator's licence is required to enable a person to accept or invite bookings for private hire vehicles.

One person can be licensed and employ/sub-contract an unlimited number of licensed vehicles. However, a licensed private hire driver cannot accept any bookings unless they either hold or work for a licensed private hire operator. An operator may pass a booking to another licensed private hire vehicle operator provided that the operator is also licensed by the council.

Members of the public have initial contact with the operator and make the contract with them even if the operator does not provide the vehicle and/or the driver.

Before an operator's licence is granted the applicant must satisfy the council that the address from which they intend to operate is suitable and, where applicable, satisfy any conditions that maybe attached to the licence in order not to disturb the ambience of the area.

If you are a vehicle proprietor you may work for any existing operator. However, if you wish to apply for your own licence to operate from premises which will be used as a booking office, you need to obtain planning permission from the council allowing use of the building.

Once the application form has been completed, bring with you the following documentation:

  • 1 colour passport type photograph taken within the last month
  • 2 forms of identification - at least one photographic ID (Photo style DVLA driving licence or passport)
  • Basic CRB disclosure
  • Fee - In accordance with the councils scale of charges

Applications will not be accepted without production of the above.

To request an application pack please contact us on the details below.

Once your application has been accepted, the relevant checks will take place, if successful the licence will be issued.

Before you begin

A driver licence is required before any person can apply for an operators licence.

The cost varies depending on:

  • over what period you're applying for (1 to 5 years)
    • 1 year £675
    • 5 years £3,250

    You will be required to pay online when submitting your application.

Apply or renew an operators licence.

Data Protection information - privacy notice

We take your privacy very seriously therefore we urge you to read Luton Council’s privacy statements carefully because it contains important information about us, including:

  • the personal information we collect about you
  • what we do with your information
  • who your information may be shared with

To find out more, please visit our Private notice webpage.

 

Contact info
Licensing Service
Luton Borough Council Town Hall George Street Luton LU1 2BQ
Tel: 01582 546040

[email protected]

 

© 2024 Luton Council, Town Hall, Luton LU1 2BQ