You must apply to renew your licence before it reaches the expiry date in order to continue using it.
You cannot apply to renew your licence after the expiry date of your licence has passed. If this is the case, you must apply for a new licence and the vehicle will have to meet the wheelchair accessible requirements of the Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy.
Licences are granted for a maximum period of 12 months and your vehicle will need to be tested each time you apply (testing involves an MOT test and an emissions certificate 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.
How to renew your licence
Step 1 - Application
You must submit your renewal application including supporting documents no later than 14 days prior to the current licence expiry date.
To submit your application you will need the following:
- insurance certificate (including the name of the driver and the appropriate usage cover) for the renewal of a vehicle; your insurance certificate must have a minimum of 10 days cover from the date of renewal
- 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)
Application fee
Once you have submitted your application you will need to pay the appropriate fee.
- If your vehicle is between 6.5 - 7 years old at the time the new plate would be issued please email licensing@north-herts.gov.uk for the correct fee.
- If your vehicle is over 7 years old you will only be entitled to a 6 month plate.
To make payment for your licence click on the below link and under 'all shops' select 'Taxi Trade', please ensure you select the correct fee for your vehicle.
Step 2 - Compliance Test
Compliance tests will be undertaken by Licensing Officers.
Payment must be made prior to allocation of an appointment (appointments are made back to back). If you are unable to attend the appointment please notify us as soon as possible by emailing Licensing@north-herts.gov.uk
The compliance test fee is non-refundable. Failure to attend an appointment without notification will result in having to rebook and pay a non-attendance fee.
Once you have paid you will receive confirmation of the time and date of your appointment. If you do not receive your booking confirmation within 2 working days of making payment, please email licensing@north-herts.gov.uk with your payment reference and vehicle details.
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 will be issued in accordance with the Policy. Additionally, a vehicle licence plate will be issued which must be displayed on the back of the vehicle, in accordance with Council Policy, at all times.
If you have supplied all of your documents by the Wednesday prior to your Compliance Test, you will be issued your plate on the day provided the vehicle passes the test. You must be able to hand your old plate back at the time the new plate is issued to you.
If you have not supplied your documents in accordance with the above you will be contacted once the application is granted, you will then be provided with collection details.
Please do not call to chase up your plate, these calls will not be returned.
If you have any questions please email the licensing department.