Important note:
- Epsom & Ewell licensed Hackney Carriages can only be driven by persons in possession of a current Epsom and Ewell Hackney Carriage drivers licence.
- Epsom & Ewell private hire vehicles can only be driven by person in possession of either an Epsom & Ewell Hackney Carriage or Private hire drivers licence
Requirements
Before applying for a licence you should read our Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy (see documents section below). Application fees are non-refundable.
- All vehicles being licensed for the first time that meet the TFL Ultra Low Emission Zone requirements.
- All Private Hire Vehicles which are being presented for first licensing may be no older than six years old from the date of application. For older vehicles an exception may be made if the vehicle is considered by an authorising officer to be in an excellent condition (see 'exceptional vehicle' guidance in downloads section below) .
- All Hackney Carriage must be wheelchair accessible, and must be fitted with a taximeter that must be capable of complying with licence condition and registering a fare scale approved by the Council. Since December 2022 we no longer require hackney carriages to be 'purpose-built' taxis.
- Your vehicle must be safe, damage free, clean, tidy, and odour free.
- Your vehicle must display a ‘No Smoking’ sticker, and be fitted with a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and a spare wheel/suitable repair kit
Section 4 and Appendix D of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licencing policy available in the documents section below for a complete list of requirements.
Pre-application advice
The Council licences vehicles to a high standard, and application fees are non-refundable. If you are unsure whether a licence would be granted (e.g. whether the vehicle meets our 'exceptional vehicle' criteria) then please contact us for advice before applying by e-mailing us at licensing@epsom-ewell.gov.uk(link sends e-mail)
Additional information
Under section 50(3) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and the vehicle conditions for both Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle, the holder of the licence is required to inform the Council’s licensing team within 72 hours of any accident involving the licensed vehicle, and failure to do so is an offence. The vehicle’s licence holder or driver is required to use form provided in the Documents section below to report the accident within 72 hours. Details must be accurate and complete. The completed form can be emailed to licensing@epsom-ewell.gov.uk
Apply online
Our online process makes applying and renewing taxi and private hire licences quicker and easier. As part of the ongoing modernisation of our taxi and private hire licensing service, you can create an online account. This means that if you're a taxi or private hire driver, or applicant, you can apply for or renew an existing licence and track its progress during the application process.
We process all applications within specific parameters. For vehicles currently licensed, reewal applications are processed in order of their licence expiry date, to ensure continual licensing wherever possible. New applications are processed in order of the date we receive the application.
Applicants for a private hire vehicle licence will only ever be asked to pay the cost of an application, please see table below for fees. We do not offer a fast-track service and will never charge more than the advertised application costs.
Before you apply
You will need the following ready when you apply
- a digital copy of your Insurance Certificate showing the nominated driver is insured to undertake public hire and private hire (Hackney Carriage) or private hire (Private Hire Vehicle)
- digital copy of your MOT certificate which is no more than eight weeks old from the date of application (an exception is made for vehicles which have covered less than 2000 miles)
- digital copy of Vehicle Registration Document (V5) (or Proof of Purchase if ou have not received the V5 yet)
- digital copy of LOLER certificate (where a lift is fitted for wheelchair access)
- digital copy of your basic DBS certificate (if the proprietor is not a licensed driver with this Council)
- card payment of the application fee (a list of fees is available in the Documents section below)
Once the application is complete and paid for we will contact you to an appointment to have the vehicle inspected at the Town Hall - please allow up to three working days for us to process your application.
