Private Hire Operators Licence
In order to accept bookings for private hire vehicles, a private hire operators’ licence is required. The licence is issued for a maximum of three years ending on 31st December of the third year. The operator is required to keep a record of all bookings; further details are available in the Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.
How to Apply
Step 1 - The Application Form
The first step in applying for an operator’s licence is to complete an application form and send it to the Council complete with the application fee 
for a three year period. In order to obtain an operator’s licence for North Hertfordshire, your operating base (that is where the telephone is answered and bookings are actually taken) must be within the District of North Hertfordshire.
New Private Hire Operator Application Form (59.2KB) 
Step 2 - The CRB Disclosure
If you are already licensed as a current driver within North Hertfordshire, there is no requirement to provide a CRB disclosure as you will have already provided one in order to obtain your driver’s licence. If, however, you are not licensed as a current driver with the Council you will be required to provide a basic CRB disclosure that can be obtained online at www.disclosurescotland.co.uk
Step 3 – Operating Base Inspection
In order to ensure that you will be operating from a base within North Hertfordshire, a Council Officer will inspect your operating base to ensure that this requirement is met.
Step 4 – The Licence
Once all the relevant paperwork has been received and the inspection completed, a paper licence will be issued for a maximum period of three years ending on 31st December of the third year. (e.g. licence granted 1st July 2009 will expire 31st December 2011). The licence can either be collected from the Customer Service Centre at Council Offices or despatched by post.
If you have any questions, please contact Licensing & Enforcement via e-mail at licensing@north-herts.gov.uk 
or on 01462 474000.
