Existing hackney carriage vehicle licence (plate)
Re-licence applications
Applicants with a current vehicle licence who want to re-licence their vehicle must submit a completed application form, payment, and supporting documents a minimum of 28 days prior to the expiry of the licence.
If an application is not received prior to expiry of the licence, any subsequent application will be treated as a new vehicle application and must meet the requirements of a new vehicle (be under five years old).
Step 1
A reminder letter will normally be emailed to proprietors two months before the expiry date of the licence. If no email address has been provided, a reminder letter will normally be posted to the last address we hold on record.
If for any reason you do not receive a reminder, it remains your responsibility to make sure a complete application is received in plenty of time and at least 28 days prior to the expiry of the licence. If the application is not submitted within this time frame, it cannot be guaranteed that your new plate and licence will be issued before the licence lapses.
Step 2
You must submit the appropriate application form and listed supporting documentation by email to West Suffolk licensing team: licensing@westsuffolk.gov.uk.
- completed application form:
- full Vehicle Inspection Report (taxi test). All pages, less than two months old, completed by an approved garage
- for proprietors who do not hold a current driver’s licence (badge) with West Suffolk Council: GOV.UK - Request a basic DBS check dated within one month (unless already provided within the last year)
You must make sure that the licensing team holds the up-to-date version of the following documents:
- full V5C document
- MOT certificate
- insurance certificate or cover note, showing the use as private or public hire
If you are unsure, submit the current version at the time of application. This is your responsibility. Your application is at risk of being deemed incomplete and rejected if this information is not already held by the licensing team.
Fees
A fee is payable for processing your application. This must be paid in advance and proof of payment must be submitted with your hackney carriage vehicle licence application.
Current fees: Hackney carriage and private hire fees and charges
Pay online: West Suffolk - Adelanti Smart pay. Choose the relevant option from the drop-down menu.
Your complete application should be sent on one email to: licensing@westsuffolk.gov.uk. The subject line should state Vehicle Re-Licence (licence number). Each supporting document should be added as an attachment.
Incomplete applications will be rejected. The fee will be refunded which will take up to five working days.
Step 3
Once your application has been processed, you will be contacted with an appointment to collect your new licence plate and paperwork. You must return your expiring licence plate.
Please be aware that this is only a quick guide on how to apply to re-licence a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle licence and you must refer to the West Suffolk Council Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy to find full details and guidance on all the licensing criteria and conditions that must be met.
West Suffolk Council aim to process a vehicle re-licence within 28 days from receipt of a complete application. Please do not contact us to chase your application’s progress within this window.
Contact details
Approved garages: West Suffolk Council approved vehicle examiners
West Suffolk Council: phone 01284 758050, email: licensing@westsuffolk.gov.uk
Hackney carriage and private hire vehicle changes
If you need to make changes to your vehicle licence:
- transfer of vehicle licence (change of ownership)
- licence change of details
- change of licence type (same vehicle)
- change of vehicle on existing licence
- change of registration mark on existing licence
visit our Hackney carriage and private hire vehicle changes page.
Not re-licensing - notice to surrender licence
If you do not want to re-licence your vehicle and instead want to surrender it, please inform the licensing authority in writing at licensing@westsuffolk.gov.uk. You must also return the external and internal plates to West Suffolk Council. Nothing should remain on the vehicle that would imply to a member of the public that the vehicle is still a working licensed car. We will update your records accordingly once received.