Apply for a taxi licence

Find out how to apply for a taxi licence

We are currently experiencing a high volume of applications, as are our colleagues at the approved testing stations.

Licences are required for the following:

  • new taxi drivers
  • renewing taxi drivers
  • taxi operators
  • renewing operators
  • vehicles (hackney carriage, private hire, or pedicab)
  • horse and cart

Please submit renewal applications at least one month before expiry. 

Information on the different types of taxi licence applications can be found in the dropdown list below.

New driver application

The driver application process has changed from 1 May 2024. This is to provide a more efficient service for new applicants. Please make sure you read the Taxi Policy and Handbook and the list of documents that you'll need below before applying. We will assess your application in a booked appointment and will let you know before you leave the meeting if we can grant your badge.

Booking a meeting

To apply for the first time, please book an appointment using our driver booking system.

The current application fee is £205, which you can pay on our online payment system.

Attending the meeting

Please make sure you bring all of the following items to the meeting. We may have to cancel the meeting until you have a full application. At the appointment, we will assess your knowledge of the Taxi Policy and Handbook. You will also receive a copy to keep.

References

References will be requested. Please ask your two referees to email licensing@north-norfolk.gov.uk with the below information:

  • the name of the person they are providing a reference for
  • how long they have known you
  • how do they know you
  • how suitable you are to be a licensed driver, including driving vulnerable members of the public and children
  • their job title to show how they meet our referencing criteria

We will need the postal address and email address of both of your references on your application form. These must match the details of the references we receive.

Renewal driver application

You should make sure that you renew your licence before its expiry date. Please submit your application at least one month before your current licence expires. Our standard licence is issued for 3 years. If your licence has expired, you must reapply as a new driver.

All documents can be provided by email, with the exception of a DBS verification if a new DBS is needed. If you apply with us for your enhanced DBS, you will need a face to face interview so we can verify your original documents. We encourage all drivers to register for the DBS update service to avoid needing to reapply.

What you need to apply

You must have also paid the appropriate fee. You can pay online with your credit or debit card.

Change of name, such as by deed poll or marriage

Please let us know of any changes to your name or address in writing so the correct information can be shown on your licence. You will only be charged if your badge needs to be redone. View our licensing fees for the current cost.

You will need to include the following information with your letter. We must see original documents:

  • for change of name – marriage certificate or other change of name certificate
  • for change of address – updated DVLA driving licence
  • appropriate fee 

Change of home address

Please let us know of any changes to your name or address in writing so the correct information can be shown on your licence. You will only be charged if your badge needs to be redone. View our licensing fees for the current cost.

You will need to include the following information with your letter. We must see original documents:

Private hire vehicle application: new or renewal

For a valid application, we need the following forms and documentation. You can submit your application without the vehicle inspection report. Incomplete applications will be returned.

* This is not required if issued with the new receipt style MOT from October 2011. Instead, details of the MOT test number or document reference number from the V5C registration certificate are requested on the application form.

Hackney carriage vehicle: new or renewal

For a valid application we need all of the following forms and documentation. Incomplete applications will be returned.

* This is not required if issued with the new receipt style MOT from October 2011. Instead details of MOT test number or document reference number from the V5C registration certificate are requested on the application form

Pedicab or Tuk Tuk: new or renewal

For a valid application we need all of the following forms and documentation. Incomplete applications will be returned.

Private hire or hackney carriage vehicles: variation application

Please complete the variation application form for any of the following changes:

  • change from hackney carriage to private hire
  • change of registration number, with no change to the vehicle
  • change of operator details

The above changes to a vehicle do not require the vehicle to have a vehicle inspection test.

The following changes do require the vehicle to have a vehicle inspection test before we can issue the licence:

  • change from private hire to hackney carriage (meter test required only)
  • modifications of the vehicle

This test has an additional fee that is payable at time of application and charged at cost price. View our licensing fees.

You will need to provide the following documents:

View the framework process for vehicle variation applications.

Hackney carriage or private hire vehicle licences are no longer transferable to new vehicles, a new licence will be required.

New operator: private hire or hackney carriage

For a valid application, we need all of the following forms and documentation. Incomplete applications will be returned.

You will need to provide us with the following:

New operators must also email licensing@north-norfolk.gov.uk to confirm they understand their tax obligations. Your email might say "I have read and understand my tax obligations".

Please read the following GOV.UK pages: 

Renewal operator: private hire

You will need to provide us with the following:

Horse and cart: new or renewal

View the horse and cart conditions for guidance when completing the forms.

Transfer application: change of owner, cart, horse, or additional horse

Please complete the transfer application form for any of the following changes:

  • change of cart
  • addition or removal of horses
  • cart involved in an accident and a temporary cart is provided by your insurance company – payment will be required twice, once for the transfer to a temporary cart and once for the transfer back to the original cart

View our licensing fees.

You will need to provide the following documents:

View the horse and cart conditions for guidance when completing the forms.