Private hire operator licence
To run a private hire taxi company you will need a private hire operators licence. This includes any pre-booked work such as airport transfers, hen or stag nights or work of a similar nature.
To get an operator’s licence for Denbighshire, your operating base (that is where the telephone is answered and bookings are actually taken) must be within Denbighshire.
Before you apply for an operator’s licence, you must check that you have the correct planning permission to make sure that if your business is run from home, it will not cause nuisance or obstruction to your neighbours.
How do I apply?
To apply for a private hire operator’s licence, complete an application form and return it to us along with:
- a basic disclosure of criminal convictions
- original radio licence (if required)
- the licence fee
Private hire operator licence application form (PDF, 912KB)
Post your application to:
Licensing Team
Denbighshire County Council
PO Box 62
Ruthin
Denbighshire
LL15 9AZ
If you wish, you can make an appointment to discuss your application with us. Call us on 01824 706342 to arrange this.
Basic disclosure of criminal convictions
We also need a criminal records disclosure as part of your application. If you are already licensed as a current taxi driver, you do not need to provide a disclosure, as this will have already been included in your taxi driver licence application. However if you are not currently a licensed taxi driver, you will have to provide a disclosure.
Request a basic DBS check (external website)
Original radio licence
If you have radio equipment fitted in the operating centre, and for communications between the base and drivers, you will need to provide evidence that you have a current radio licence.
Find out more about original radio licences (external website)
Granting your licence
When we have received all the paperwork, we will make a decision on whether your licence will be granted.
How much does it cost?
A private hire operator licence for up to 10 vehicles costs £420 for 5 years, there is an additional cost of £250 for up to every 10 vehicles after that.
View all taxi driver, vehicle and operator fees
How long is the licence valid for?
Licences are valid for 5 years.
How can I pay?
Payment can be made by card over the phone to customer services (01824 706000) or you can pay by BACS. Payment by cheque or cash is only available at one of Denbighshire’s One Stop Shops.
Payment by BACS
Our BACS details are:
- Bank: Natwest, 5 Queen Street, Rhyl, LL18 1RS
- Sort code: 54 41 06
- Account number: 22837469
- Account name: Denbighshire County Council County Fund
Please ensure that you include a reference when you are making payment i.e. name/premises/licence number (if known) together with the cost code. Once payment has been made, please send a copy of the remittance to licensing@denbighshire.gov.uk.
Cost code
Please provide the cost code 3476-40102 when making a private hire operator licence payment.
Failing to provide the appropriate cost code or premises name may delay processing your application.