Vehicle licence overview
For the safety and protection of the public, all hackney carriage (taxis) and private hire vehicles must be licensed.
To drive a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle in Brentwood you need the relevant hackney carriage, private hire or dual driver licence.
- hackney carriage vehicles can ply for hire on the streets and can use the taxi ranks around Brentwood
- private hire vehicles can be pre-booked for hire by the public through a licensed private hire operator, but can't ply for hire or use taxi ranks
Licences are valid for 12 months.
You can check whether a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle is licensed with us by visiting Public Access.
Policy and conditions
Our policy includes the type of vehicle that can be used as a hackney carriage or for private hire, and conditions each vehicle must comply with once licensed. View the Hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy 2023-28 (PDF).
All vehicle inspections must be booked and paid for at Nicks Tyres at:
Bentley Garage
Ongar Road
Brentwood
CM15 9SB
To book, call Nicks Tyres on 01277 372779, selecting option 2 to make your appointment.
Apply for a new vehicle licence
To apply for a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle licence, you must complete the online application and submit copies of:
- the original V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book), which must be in your name and current address
- the bill of sale
- MOT and compliance check
- a valid insurance certificate
- payment of the application fee. You can find details of the fees by visiting taxi licensing fees.
Renew a vehicle licence
Renewal applications must be made between two and four weeks before the expiry date. Late applications will result in a delay issuing a renewed licence and may prevent the vehicle being used.
Change a vehicle licence
You must notify us of any changes that affect your licence.
To replace a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle, you must complete the online application and submit copies of:
- the original vehicle log book (V5C) page with registered keeper details, which must be in your name and current address (or keeper slip until the V5 is changed)
- the old licence plate and window card
- MOT and compliance check
- a valid insurance certificate
- payment of the application fee. You can find details of the fees by visiting taxi licensing fees.
Forms
After submitting your application, you’ll be asked to pay the fee online using a debit card or credit card. Your card will be checked when you pay.