Wheelchair accessible vehicles
Please do not apply for non-wheelchair accessible vehicles, as there is no waiting list to pre-register for a non-WAV licence.
When the target of 10% has been reached the following process will occur:
- A notice will be published on this page that the Council are accepting Saloons (non-wheelchair accessible vehicles).
- All existing drivers will receive an email with a link to the website notice at the same time.
- It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure we have an up to date email address. We will accept no responsibility for claims made that a driver did not receive an email and has been disadvantaged.
- Applicants must complete an application for a new vehicle specifying the vehicle details and that they are the registered keeper.
- Applications will not be accepted if the driver does not own the vehicle.
- Applicants must make payment for the plate at the time of application.
Please refer to the Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy for full details.
How to apply for a licence
All vehicles that are to be used as taxi or private hire vehicles must be licensed by the council. To be licensed, the vehicle must:
- be roadworthy
- have a valid MOT certificate (if applicable)
- be insured
- be fitted with a taxi meter that is capable of registering a fare scale approved by the Council if it is to be used as a Taxi
- be no more than five years old from the date of first registration when licensed by the Council
Licences are granted for a maximum period of 12 months and your vehicle will need to be tested each time you apply (testing involves a MOT test and an emissions report from a valid MOT testing station).
Once a vehicle reaches seven years of age, licences will only be issued for a six-month period and will be subject to testing at each subsequent application.
Step 1 - Application Form
Complete and submit the application form to the Council accompanied by the following documentation:
- insurance certificate - including the name of the driver and the appropriate usage cover
- the vehicle license fee - Please use online payment system. If you are unsure of the correct fee please email the licensing department for guidance
- V5c (logbook) - stating your name and address (or the company's name and address if operating as part of a business)
- MOT pass certificate (not older than 2 months from the start of the new plate)
Step 2 - Compliance Test
The payment must be made prior to allocation of the available appointments (appointments are made back to back), this fee is non-refundable. In the event of failure to attend a booked appointment the applicant will need to rebook and pay a non-attendance fee.
Compliance Tests will be undertaken by licensing officers. Please refer to our page listing the available dates.
Once you have paid and have a receipt number, please email licensing@north-herts.gov.uk to request the next available appointment stating your full name, address, contact details and Plate number.
Step 3 - Issuing of the Licence
Once all the relevant paperwork has been received and the vehicle meets the council’s requirements, a six month or one-year paper licence and plate will be issued in accordance with the policy. Please note the plate must be displayed on the back of the vehicle, in accordance with council policy, at all times.
You will be contacted once your application is granted and provided with collection details. Please do not try to contact us about your plate - calls or emails chasing plates will not be returned.
If you have any questions, please email licensing@north-herts.gov.uk