Vehicle licence renewals

Step 1 - Pre-application requirement

Before you submit your online vehicle renewal application to the Oxford City Council, you must complete the following:

Book and complete your vehicle Certificate of Compliance (CoC) Test

The Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for your vehicle must not be completed any earlier than 28 days from the date of your current vehicle licence expiry. You should complete the CoC at least two (2) weeks before the current licence expire, to allow time for the application to be processed. To book your vehicle CoC test, you must call Oxford Direct Services, Cowley Marsh on 01865 335400.

Step 2 - Prepare all the necessary documents

We strongly advise that you submit your vehicle renewal application at least two (2) weeks before the vehicle licence expiry, to avoid any delays in processing.

Have all the documents listed below ready and take a clear scan or photograph of each document (as instructed) on your device, ready to upload when completing your online application at the bottom of this page:

The Certificate of Compliance (CoC)
Certificate of Motor Insurance (must only name drivers who hold a valid licence issued by Oxford City Council)
V5 Log Book (front page and middle pages) / or New Keepers Slip or Purchase Receipt

Exemption Vehicles Only

Exemptions are typically granted to those vehicles that will carry out chauffeur driven account work only. Exemptions are not granted for standard Private Hire work. If you require your vehicle to be exempt from displaying plates please provide the additional documents listed below:

Exemption request received on company headed paper from the company
Exemption request from the driver

Temporary Vehicles Only

If your application is for a temporary vehicle application please complete the following:

Inform the accident driver that they need to provide full accident details and photos to licensing@oxford.gov.uk
Provide / upload a letter authorising the driver to use the temporary vehicle (company headed paper), with the application

Step 3 - Submit the application to the Council

You are now ready to submit your online application, but before you do, read Step 4 and 5 below.

To start your on-line application, use the button at the bottom of this page.

You must include / upload ALL the relevant Certificates, Documents listed above.

Once you have successfully submitted your online application, you will receive an automated email response that we have received your application. We will then assess your application. If your application is not complete, we will email you back with the advice on what needs to be corrected or what details or documents you have missed. If additional documents are required, click this link: Additional Documents

If your application is valid, we will move to the next step.

Step 4 - Payment and Booking a vehicle plate appointment

Once you have successfully submitted your online application (valid or invalid), you will need to make a payment within 14 days.

You will receive an email with a reference number of your application. You will need to call the Applications Team on 01865 252115 to make a payment, over the phone via secure line using your Debit/Credit card. After taking the payment, we will email you the receipt.

If you do not make the payment within 14 days your application will be withdrawn.

Once the payment has been completed, an Officer will advise and book a suitable time for you to return your expired plate and collect your new vehicle plate. We will also email you with your payment receipt and confirmation of your appointment.

Step 5 - Receiving the Paper Licence

Once the licence is issued, we will email your Paper Licence (counterpart) document.

Please be aware that this is only a ‘Quick Guide’ to assist on how to apply to renew a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Vehicle Licence and you must refer to the full Vehicle Application Terms and Conditions to find full details.

Helpful Information Regarding the Renewal Application:

Once you have loaded the application – you will be required to search for your licence using our vehicle licence plate look up button, shown below:

Once you click on the button, the following screen will open – please type your name as it appears on your paper licence and your plate number in the format PHV123 / HCV123. Once you click search the record should populate your plate number in the vehicle licence plate number box below. If this doesn’t work – please refer to your paper licence for how your name is recorded on our records.

Apply for a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire vehicle licence