A private hire operator is anyone who accepts or invites bookings for a private hire booking.

To be able to do this, you must have a licence.

An individual, partnership or limited company is able to apply for an operator's licence and can employ or subcontract any number of licensed private hire vehicles. As the operator you:

• must renew your licence every five years
• are responsible for complying with the conditions of your licence

In order to dispatch vehicles, BCP Council licenced private hire operator can use any private hire vehicles and drivers as long as they are licenced by BCP Council. Or any licenced Hackney Carriage vehicle and driver regardless of where the licences are issued.

All licences must be renewed before their expiry date, as shown on the licence. Any application to renew a licence that has gone beyond its expiry date will be refused and an application for a new operator licence will be required

How to apply

We are under a duty to ensure you are a fit and proper person to hold an operator's licence.

Applications must be submitted by email to taxi.privatehire@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.

To apply for an operator's licence, you must:

1. complete our application form, provide details of all drivers and provide all details for vehicles that use you as an operator
2. complete a basic criminal disclosure (DBS) certificate*
3. provide at least 3 forms of valid identification - this will be for each listed director or individual
4. produce evidence of your right to work and live in the UK in accordance with the requirements of the Immigration Act 2016
5. provide evidence of appropriate public liability insurance, if the premises are open to the public
6. pay the application fee.

*A DBS check may not be necessary if the applicant has registered for the DBS Update Service and provides evidence to that effect, or where the applicant is already a licenced driver with BCP Council All operator DBS checks will be to basic level.

Once all documentation and payment have been received officers will assess the application.