If you want to run a private hire or minicab business in the UK, you need a private hire operator licence. This guide explains what that means and how to get one.
Who needs an operator licence?
Anyone who takes private hire bookings and arranges for a driver to fulfil them needs an operator licence from the relevant licensing authority (your local council, or TfL in London). There are three separate licences in private hire: the operator licence, the driver licence, and the vehicle licence — you typically need all three running legally.
What licensing authorities look for
- A fit-and-proper operator (background and DBS checks).
- A registered operating base and booking records.
- Proof you keep accurate records of bookings, drivers and vehicles.
- Appropriate insurance.
- Data protection and customer-record handling.
The record-keeping requirement
This is where many operators come unstuck. Authorities require you to keep detailed booking records — who booked, when, which driver and vehicle, pickup and destination. Dispatch software keeps all of this automatically, so an audit is painless. Our private hire dispatch software stores every booking, plus driver licence, insurance and MOT expiry dates with reminders.
Typical steps to apply
- Contact your local licensing authority for their application pack.
- Complete the operator application and pay the fee.
- Provide your operating base details and insurance.
- Pass background/DBS checks.
- Set up compliant booking and record-keeping (software makes this easy).
How software keeps you compliant
Beyond the licence, staying compliant day-to-day is the real challenge. The right system tracks document expiries, keeps booking records audit-ready, and helps you manage driver vetting — so you keep your licence and your reputation. New to the tools? Read the best software for private hire operators.
Always check the exact requirements with your specific licensing authority, as rules vary by area.
