Private Hire operators

This page is intended for operators currently licensed by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council. The application process is mapped out for you below and has been broken down into a number of stages for ease. 

Six stage application process

You will be bound by the terms below, so please ensure you read all the stage names to read and understand the full procedure information before applying.

Stage 1) Read and understand our policy, conditions and regulations concerning private hire licensing.  

We have put extensive information regarding the licensing process, our fees, our policies and condition on our webpages to help our customers. We strongly advise all customers to read and understand our licensing webpages relevant to your application before proceeding to apply for a licence.

Key information is contained within our Private Hire Policy and Conditions Policy (PDF).

Before a licence will be granted you will be asked how you intend to ensure compliance with private hire regulations and be asked to provide further details on how you will be keeping your records e.g. suitable book, proprietary software etc. Note the records must not be capable of being overwritten. 

Stage 2) Criminal record checks.

As part of your online application you may be required to upload a copy of a Basic or Enhanced Disclosure Criminal Records check for all directors or business partners named in the application that is no older than 6 months old. You can apply online for the basic disclosure from Disclosure Scotland. If the applicant or anyone else named in the application has already undergone a criminal records check as part of a driver licence application then a basic disclosure will not be required. 

For further information or if you wish to discuss becoming a private hire operator prior to making a formal application you can discuss any questions you may have with a Licensing Officer please email us at licensing@reigate-banstead.gov.uk.   

Stage 3) Check you have the required information, documents and means of making payment before commencing your application.

In stage 4 you will make your online application and payment to us via a webform hosted by a company called Idox.  We recommend you ensure you have the following to hand before starting to make you application.

1. Unique alphanumeric renewal code* (see below for further information on this code)
2. Means of making an online payment e.g. credit or debit card and you have the permission of the cardholder to do so.
3. Evidence of your Right to Work in the United Kingdom e.g. Passport etc.
4. Complete a tax check.
5. If applicable, Information on any offences or convictions e.g. what it was for, when it was, what was the outcome etc.
6. If you have previously made any applications to be an Operator with us or another authority you will need to provide the details.
7. If applicable, you may need to provide details of any Planning Permission obtained (including reference number and date granted) that permits you to operate your proposed business from the address you will provide in your application.
8. Details of how many vehicles you intend to operate from the premises. You will be required to upload details of these as part of your application.
9. Details of how many drivers you intend to operate under this licence. You will be required to upload details of these as part of your application.
10. If applicable, electronic copies of any required Basic or Enhanced Disclosure Criminal Records checks in digital form to upload (PDFs or photographs are fine)
11. If applicable, electronic copies of any Public Liability Insurance only where there is provision of an area available to the public e.g. reception area/waiting area etc.
12. Our Guide to Making an Application Guidance Document

* To renew your licence you will need a unique alphanumeric code that looks similar to this e.g. NJT0LWMV0K890. If you do not have a code like this on a recent email from the licensing team please call licensing on 01737 276672 and we will provide you with this code so you can proceed with your licence renewal. 

To assist you in making your application we have developed a guidance document with handy hints and a walkthrough screen by screen of the online application process. We strongly recommend you familiarise yourself with this document prior to making our application in Stage 4. 

Private Hire Renewing Operators Application Advice Document (PDF)

Stage 4) Renew an operator licence. 

You can apply for a one year or five year Operator Licence via the green button below:

Renew an Operator's Licence

Stage 5) Become licensed.

Once all enquiries have been completed and we are satisfied you are a fit and proper person to hold a licence we will finalise your application. After an administration processing period we will be able to create your licence.  We will then email you  your Licence.  There is no need to call licensing yourself, we will contact you as the administration processing period can vary depending on applicant numbers.