Applications
Please email TPH.Enquiries@tfl.gov.uk or call us on 0845 602 7000 to get your pack. They go out by mail, so we'll need your full postal address.
As long as you meet all the conditions, we will issue you with a licence which lasts for five years.
Operator licence types
You can choose to apply for either a 'small' or 'standard' operator's licence. The application pack is the same for both.
Small operator's licence
You can have up to two vehicles for carrying out private hire bookings.
Standard operator's licence
You can have as many vehicles as you like.
Find out about application fees.
Application criteria
Some things you should know:
- Your application must include the address of any premises in London you want to use as an operating centre. That means the place where you accept bookings
- If you employ staff, you must have employer's liability insurance cover
- If the operating centre is open to the public, you will also need public liability risk insurance
- Your premises must pass a licensing inspection. There's more information about this in the application pack
Suspending or revoking a licence
Once you've got your licence, you must continue to meet its conditions. We can suspend or revoke your licence if we feel you're not up to standard.
Legislation
Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 (PDF 225KB)
The Private Hire Vehicles (London) (Operators' Licences) Regulations 2000 Statutory Instrument 2000 (PDF 73KB)
The Private Hire Vehicles (London) (Operators' Licences) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (PDF 13KB)
The Private Hire Vehicles (London) (Operators' Licences) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (PDF 82KB)
The Private Hire Vehicles (London) (Operators' Licenses) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (PDF 35KB)
The Private Hire Vehicles (London) (Operators' Licenses) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 (PDF 172KB)
Transport for London

