Taxi and Private Hire licences

New and renewal driver applications

When applying to become a licensed taxi driver you should have read the handbook and associated supporting information before completing your application. Please see the links below for these documents:

• Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licensing Handbook
• Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licensing Handbook - appendices
• Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licence Medical - Instructions
• Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licence Medical - Questionnaire

When you apply you will also be required to upload a number of documents, for example:

• A valid UK driving licence
• A valid UK work permit, if applicable
• A recent photo of yourself to appear on your licence
• A current Enhanced DBS certificate, less than 3 months old
• A wheelchair certificate, if driving a wheelchair accessible vehicle
• The CSE (Child Sexual Exploitation), Safeguarding and Equality Awareness training certificate
• The Sandwell Knowledge test certificate, less than 6 months old
• A drivers assessment certificate from the Blue Lamp Trust – less than 12 months old.  You can visit their website for further details or to book an assessment. 

To be able to apply, you will need to create an online account. Click on the button below and follow the instructions to create an account and submit an application.

Apply to become a taxi/private hire driver

Applying for a Private Hire Operator Licence

New and Renewal Private Hire Operator Applications

If you are applying to be a private hire operator or if you want to apply to renew an existing licence, you will need to create an online account.  Click on the button below and follow the instructions to create the account and submit an application.

Apply to become a taxi operator

When you apply, you will be required to upload a number of documents which will include:

• Basic DBS Certificate less than one month old if not a licensed driver (NB you can apply for this yourself online through the Government website.)
• Public Liability Insurance (to the value of £2 million)
• Planning permission to operate as a base from your address
• Proof of Right to work in the UK
• Current Driving Licence
• The CSE (Child Sexual Exploitation), Safeguarding and Equality Awareness training certificate (also required for manager and base staff)

Applying for a private hire vehicle or Taxi Licence

New and Renewal Vehicle Applications

If you are applying for a new/replacement/transfer/renewal of an existing Private Hire or Taxi vehicle licence, you will need to create an online account.  Click on the button below and follow the instructions to create the account and submit an application.

Apply for a private hire vehicle or Taxi licence

When you apply, you will be required to upload a number of documents which will include:

• V5 Vehicle Log Book
• Vehicle Insurance Certificate that includes Hire and Reward
• Current Driving Licence
• Meter Calibration Certificate (Hackney vehicles only)
• LOLER certificate if the vehicle is fitted with a tail lift
• LPG Certificate if vehicle has been converted - less than 12 months old from UKLPG Installer
• All vehicles must meet M1 Status

For vehicle applications a guide has been produced to support applicants with the requirement to provide M1 status for the vehicle with their application.

Contact

Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Office, Waterfall Lane, Cradley Heath. B64 6RL.
Email: taxi_licensing@sandwell.gov.uk
Tel: 0121 569 6655

Please note that our preferred method of communication is by email.