Please note this page is only a quick guide to assist your application for a new Hackney Carriage or Private Hire taxi vehicle licence. You must refer to the full terms and conditions in the application pack for full details and guidance on all the licensing criteria and conditions that must be met under ‘Fit and Proper’ person with this Authority.
Download the Taxi Driver vehicle license application pack
Step 1 - Check the vehicle criteria and obtain necessary documents
Before you submit your online vehicle application to the Oxford City Council, you must check the vehicle standards and complete the required actions.
Vehicle Criteria, Emission Standards and Age limit
Before you purchase a vehicle you intend to licence, if unsure, contact the Council or Oxford Direct Services to verify if such vehicle would meet the required criteria (including seating capacity), emission standards and age limit.
Please refer to the Vehicle Application Pack to ensure that the vehicle you intend to licence meets the vehicle criteria, emission standards and age limits set by the Council.
Book and complete a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) test for the vehicle
The Certificate of Compliance for your vehicle must not be completed any earlier than 28 days, before you submit your vehicle application to the Council. To book your CoC, you must call Oxford Direct Services, Cowley Marsh on 01865 335400.
If you are applying for an exemption certificate for your new Private Hire Vehicle you must email licensing@oxford.gov.uk to obtain approval that the vehicle will be accepted as an exempt vehicle, proof of this approval email will need to be produced at the test station before the vehicle can be tested.
Step 2 - Prepare all the necessary documents
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.
- 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
- Imported vehicles (if over 7 years old) evidence of the vehicle's CO₂ emissions
Exemption Vehicles Only
If you are applying for an exemption certificate for your new Private Hire Vehicle you must email licensing@oxford.gov.uk to obtain approval that the vehicle will be accepted as an exempt vehicle, proof of this email will need to be produced at the test station before the vehicle can be tested.
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 these additional documents:
- 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
We strongly advise that you submit your vehicle application no later than 28 days of when the vehicle CoC was completed - we cannot accept any CoC that is more than 28 days old.
You're ready to submit your online application but you should read steps 4 and 5 before you start.
Apply for your new vehicle licence
Once you have successfully submitted your online application, you will receive an automated email response saying that we have received your application - you then do not need to chase the application, email or call. We anticipate assessing your application within 5 to 8 working days, although processing times may vary depending on application volumes and operational demand. If your application is valid and no additional information or documents are required, we would normally expect the application to be processed within a further 3 working days (processing time, issuing licence, authorisation).
Note: If your initial online application is not complete (errors or no documents), we will email you back (within 5 to 8 working days) to explain what else we need from you. Once you respond with the required information, we will then assess your application again within 3 to 5 working days.
Important: please be aware that if you do not provide all the required information and documents at first submission (and any subsequent request), your application will continue to be delayed by 3 to 5 working days due to the workstream process.
Additional documents
If additional documents are required see Submit additional documents for a current licence application.
Step 4 - Vehicle plate appointment
Once you have successfully submitted your online application (valid or invalid), you will receive an email with a reference number of your application. Once the application is deemed valid an Officer will advise and book a suitable time for you to collect your new vehicle plate. We will also email you confirmation of your appointment.
Step 5 - Receiving the Paper Licence
Once the licence is issued, we will email your Paper Licence (counterpart) document.
