A Private Hire Operator (PHO) licence is required to take bookings and dispatch private hire vehicles to customers.
- Licences are issued to an individual / individuals and are specific for the address of a licensed private hire office. The licences are not transferable to individuals or companies or to an alternative address.
- All bookings taken for private hire vehicles must be done through their licensed PHO booking office, known as the 'operating base'.
- PHO booking offices can operate from either home addresses or public offices.
Apply or renew
Read appendix P of our hackney carriage and private hire handbook before you apply. It gives full details about the process for new applications and renewals.
To apply, complete the following documents and send them to us. You must also pay the appropriate fee for your application – phone us on 01223 457000 to do this.
If you do not hold a driver’s licence with us, you must register as a non-driver proprietor [PDF, 0.2MB]. You must also complete the Blue Lamp Taxi Safeguarding online course.
When we receive your application, we will arrange an inspection visit with you.
If you’re renewing your licence, send us your application at least eight weeks before it expires.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Certificate
For any new or renewal applicant (who is NOT already a licensed driver with Cambridge City Council), a Basic Disclosure must be undertaken.
The DBS check will last for one year.
Planning permission
To operate a private hire taxi company you'll need to apply for planning permission to ensure that if your business is run from home, it will not cause nuisance or obstruction to your neighbours.
Type of work that requires an operators’ licence
Any pre-booked work such as airport transfers, hen or stag nights or work of a similar nature.
If your vehicle is equipped to carry up to eight passengers, a private operator’s licence from the council is sufficient. Anything above eight seats requires the licence to be obtained from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA).
