This is only a quick guide to assist your application to apply for a new Private Hire 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 License application pack
Step 1 - Pre- application requirements - Self-assessment checklist
Before you submit your vehicle application to the Oxford City Council, please make sure you meet the following criteria and provide the requested documents:
- Currently hold a Hackney Carriage and/or Private Hire Drivers Licence with Oxford City Council
- Your vehicle is currently licensed with another Oxfordshire Authority (Vale of White Horse District Council, South Oxfordshire District Council, West Oxfordshire District Council and Cherwell District Council)
- You have a copy of the current Oxfordshire vehicle licence (paper part)
Note: If your vehicle licensed by other Oxfordshire Authority does not meet the current City Council vehicle age or emission criteria, a one year licence may be granted, subject to complying with all the other criteria for licensing. Upon renewal of the one year licence, the vehicle presented for re-licensing must meet the current age and emission criteria for a new vehicle.
Step 2 - Obtain an E reference via Email
Email the Licensing Team at licensing@oxford.gov.uk, in the email include:
- Request to licence your Oxfordshire vehicle to be logged and an E reference number to be given.
- Email a picture of your current Oxford City Council driver badge / provide badge number
- Email a picture of your current licensed vehicle plate/licence
Step 3 - Book 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, please call Oxford Direct Services, Cowley Marsh on 01865 335400. They will require the Council vehicle plate number that you will have previously obtained from the Licensing Team
Step 4 - Prepare all necessary documents
Complete all the required forms and have all the documents listed below ready:
- The completed Vehicle Application Form
- 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
Step 5 - Submit an application for a new Private Hire Vehicle
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 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 your application is valid, we will move to the next step.
Additional Documents
If additional documents are required see Submit additional documents for a current licence application.
Step 6 - Payment and booking a vehicle plate collection
We will call you to take a payment over the phone via secure line using your Debit/Credit card
Once the payment has been completed, we will book you an appointment to collect your new vehicle plate. We will also email you with your payment receipt and confirmation of your appointment.
Step 7 - Receiving the Paper Licence
Once the licence is issued, we will email your Paper Licence (counterpart) document.
