New hackney carriage vehicle licence (plate)
New licence applications can only be submitted for vehicles less than five years old upon application.
Before the licensing authority can grant a vehicle licence it must be satisfied that the vehicle is fit for purpose. To assess whether a vehicle is fit for purpose, a vehicle must be:
- suitable in type, size, and design for its intended purpose
- mechanically sound, safe, and comfortable
- compliant with the conditions of any licence to be issued
- insured for the type of work it will be used for, and
- in the case of a hackney carriage application have a calibrated and sealed taximeter.
How to apply
Step 1
All new vehicles must have a vehicle inspection completed at an approved garage. You must book the appointment directly with the garage: West Suffolk Council approved vehicle examiners
Step 2
You must submit the completed application form, proof of payment and listed supporting documentation electronically by email to the West Suffolk licensing team:
- completed application form:
- Full V5C document or V5C new keeper slip (new full V5C to be supplied within 14 days).
- MOT certificate – for all vehicles over 12 months old.
- Full Vehicle Inspection Report (all 10 pages, less than two months old, completed by an approved garage).
- Taxi meter certificate (for all vehicles fitted with a meter).
- Insurance certificate or cover note, showing the use as public hire.
- For proprietors who do not hold a current driver’s licence with West Suffolk Council: Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check dated within one month (unless already provided in the last annum).
How to pay
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 'New Vehicle Licence'. Each supporting document and proof of payment should be added as an attachment.
Incomplete applications will be rejected. The fee will be refunded which will take up to five working days.
West Suffolk Council aim to process a new vehicle licence within 16 working days from receipt of a complete application. Please do not contact us to chase your application’s progress within this window.