Substitution of a vehicle for use as a private hire vehicle

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Click on the links below for answers to each question:

How do I apply to change my vehicle?
What documents do I need to submit with my application for substitution of a vehicle for private hire car licence?
How much is the application fee?
What criteria have to be met to apply to change my vehicle?
How long will my application take?
How do I arrange to have my new vehicle inspected?
After the vehicle is inspected what do I do?
How do I get my new plate and stickers?
What conditions are attached to my licence?
How long does the licence last for?

How do I apply to change my vehicle?
An application pack with an application form and guidance notes can be downloaded below:
Change of Vehicle for Private Hire Application Pack (pdf - 143Kb)

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You can apply in person at our Customer Service Centre or post you application to us at the address below, with the appropriate fee and documents enclosed.

You must answer every question on the form. If a question is irrelevant, mark it as 'not applicable'.

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What documents do I need to submit with my application for substitution of a vehicle for private hire car licence?
The application must be accompanied by:

a bill of sale or a vehicle registration document (either of these documents must be in the name of the licenceholder or, if there is a leasing agreement in place, the lessee's name)

a vehicle inspection pass certificate issued by the council's inspection centre at Underwood Road, Paisley

an MOT certificate (if the vehicle is over 3 years old)

a comprehensive insurance certificate and schedule showing private hire use (must be in the name of the licenceholder or, if there is a leasing agreement in place, the lessee's name), and

a leasing agreement, if applicable.

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How much is the application fee?
Information on fees for all licences is available on our application fees webpage.

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What criteria have to be met to apply to change my vehicle?
Renfrewshire Council operate various policies in respect of vehicles. Information can be obtained from the Civic Enforcement Officer. However, the main policies that would affect you when making your application are:

Types of vehicle to be used as a private hire car are a four door saloon, five door hatchback or estate vehicle with a minimum width across the back seat of 48 inches and an engine capacity 1600cc or greater or alternatively a multi persons vehicle (MPV) of a type approved by the licensing authority.

Any colour other than white

Vehicle must be less than 5 years old from the date of first registration, unless the vehicle is a multi persons vehicle (MPV) and wheelchair accessible where that vehicle shall be less than 8 years from
the date of first registration.

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How long will my application take?
When your application is lodged and the appropriate fee has been paid, we will endeavour to process your application and issue you with a replacement plate and stickers within 24 hours.

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How do I arrange to have my new vehicle inspected?
Prior to submitting your change of vehicle application, you will require to arrange for an inspection of the proposed vehicle to be licensed. To arrange for an inspection, please go directly to the Customer Service Centre, Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley and pay the relevant inspection fee. (To check the current inspection fee, contact the Customer Contact Centre on 0141 842 4445).

You require to bring with you when booking your vehicle in for an inspection your vehicle registration document or bill of sale. You will be allocated an appointment date and time for the inspection to take place.

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After the vehicle is inspected what do I do?
Once your vehicle has been inspected and passed by the Inspection Centre at Underwood Road, Paisley, you will be given an inspection pass certificate which you must bring to the Customer Service Centre along with the documents that you need to apply for your change of vehicle.

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How do I get my new plate and stickers?
In order that a new plate can be issued to you, you require to return your old plate to the Customer Service Centre when you call to collect your new plate and stickers. If you are unable to return the old plate you must confirm in writing the reason why you are unable to do so. Attached is a pro forma form that can be completed if you are unable to return your plate, which please complete and hand in when collecting your new plate and stickers.

Non Return of Plates Form (pdf - 27KB)

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Will a new licence be issued?
Once the application has been processed the licenceholder will receive a new licence in the post to reflect the change of vehicle.

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How long will my licence last for?
The licence will expire on the same date as the existing licence.

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You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these documents. Download Acrobat Reader here.

If you wish to contact us by phone, email, visit or write to us, the contact details are below.

Renfrewshire Council
Licensing Section
Renfrewshire House
Cotton Street
Paisley
PA1 1TT

phone: 0141 842 4499
fax: 0141 840 3566
email: licensing.cs@renfrewshire.gov.uk

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Substitution of a vehicle for use as a private hire vehicle