Private Hire Operator Licensing

What is a Private Hire Operator's Licence?
Private hire operator's licences are required by individuals or firms which take bookings for the hire of private hire vehicles. The law requires that a licensed operator must be licensed by the same authority licensing the vehicles and drivers working within its control.

Private hire vehicles may only be pre-booked, and may not be hailed in the street or stand and ply for hire. Their fares are not regulated by the city council, and must be the subject of agreement between passenger and driver before a journey commences. They may only be driven by the holder of a private hire driver's licence.

The licence conditions require the front doors of licensed private hire vehicles to to be clearly marked with a sign indicating that the vehicle is licensed and bearing the name and telephone number of the operator. The vehicle also has a white and blue licence plate on the rear, the details of which are reproduced on a sticker in the windscreen. No Southampton licensed private hire vehicle may have a roof sign of any description.

How do I apply for a licence?
An application form can be found in the related documents links on the right of this page. You are strongly advised to seek the advice of the licensing team before completing the application form.

A form for notification of the change of address of an existing licence holder can be found in the related documents links on the right of this page.

Contact information

Email: licensing@southampton.gov.uk

Telephone: 023 8083 2792

Fax: 023 8083 4061

Postal address:
Licensing Team
Southampton City Council
PO Box 1344
Southampton
SO15 1WQ

Document Exchange: DX 115710 Southampton 17

Personal callers:
Licensing Team
Southbrook Rise
4-8 Millbrook Road East
Southampton
SO15 1YG

Opening hours:

Members of the licensing team will normally be available at Southbrook Rise to assist personal callers on weekdays between 09:00 and 12:00 and between 14:00 and 16:00. We may be available at other times by prior appointment.