Private Hire Car Licence

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If you want to use a vehicle to operate as a private hire car in the Renfrewshire area, you must have a licence. A private hire car can only be pre-booked.

Click on the links below for an answer to each question:

How do I apply for a licence?
What documents do I need to apply for a licence?
How much is the licence fee?
What criteria have to be met to apply for a licence?
How long will my application take?
Who is consulted about my application?
What happens if there is an objection to my application?
What conditions are attached to my licence?
How long does the licence last for?

How do I apply for a licence?
An application pack with an application form, guidance notes and conditions of licence can be downloaded below:
Private Hire Car Licence Application Pack (pdf - 230Kb)

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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 apply for a licence?
The application must be accompanied by:

a bill of sale (if an application to change your vehicle has been made within the last 6 weeks or the application is for a new grant) 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 (for renewal applications only) and 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 licence 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 for a licence?
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 minimim width across the back seat of 48 inches and an engine capacity 1600cc or greater or alternatively a multipersons 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 multipersons 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?
All applications made under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 must be considered within 3 months and a decision made within 6 months.

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Who is consulted about my application?
A copy of your application will be sent to Strathclyde Police. They will carry out their own investigations and report back to the licensing section.

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What happens if there is an objection or representation to my application?
If an objection or representation is received the application must be considered at a meeting of the Regulatory Functions Board. You will be formally cited to attend the meeting and a copy of the letter will be sent out to you with the citation letter.

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What conditions are attached to my licence?
The conditions of licence can be downloaded here:

private hire car licence conditions (pdf - 120KB)
A copy of the conditions of licence for private hire car licence will be issued to you if your licence is granted. The council requires all licenceholders to have a thorough understanding of these conditions and they should be kept as they form part of your licence.

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How long does the licence last for?
Applications for the grant of a licence are generally granted for a period of one year. Applications to renew an existing licence are normally granted for a two year period.

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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Private Hire Car Licence