Private hire operators licence
Any person who operates a private hire service in the Borough of Tunbridge Wells utilising one or more private hire vehicles must apply to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council for a private hire operators licence.
A private hire operator must ensure that every private hire vehicle is driven by a person who holds a private hire driver's licence and all three licences:
- private hire operator's licence
- private hire driver's licence
- private hire vehicle licence
All licences must be issued by the same Licensing Authority.
An operator’s licence cannot be transferred.
Apply online
Before you start
Before applying please ensure that you read through the requirements set out in the relevant policy or guidance notes before applying:
- Tunbridge Wells Borough Council hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) update service and ID checklist
After you have submitted your application and fee online you will need to contact us to make an appointment to submit your DBS application form (not required if you are already a licensed driver).
- Please telephone 01892 554 034
Apply by post
In order to make an application you will need to read the requirements above and then submit the following:
- Application form
- Disclosure Certificate
- Payment of fee
Return completed forms to:
P.O. Box 182
Sevenoaks
Kent TN13 1GP
The process is the same as making a new application. You will however need to complete and submit online or return the application form with the relevant fee, at least two months before the expiry of the current licence.
All licences must be renewed before their expiry date, as shown on the licence. Any application to renew a licence that has gone beyond its expiry date will be refused as a renewal and will be treated as a new application. The consequence of this is the fee will be at the higher rate and the operator will not be legally permitted to accept bookings in the period until the licence is granted.
Apply online
Before you start
Before applying please ensure that you read through the requirements set out in the relevant policy or guidance notes before applying:
- Tunbridge Wells Borough Council hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) update service and ID checklist
After you have submitted your application and fee online you will need to contact us to make an appointment to submit your DBS application form (not required if you are already a licensed driver).
- Please telephone 01892 554 034
Apply by post
In order to make an application you will need to read the requirements above and then submit the following:
- Application form
- Disclosure Certificate
- Payment of fee
Return completed forms to:
P.O. Box 182
Sevenoaks
Kent TN13 1GP
Payments can be made:
- using a debit or credit card by calling 01732 227 001
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