Apply for a taxi or private hire licence

Application Processing Timescale

New Applications are processed in the order they are received.  We are currently processing applications received in February/March 2025.  Delays in processing applications are usually caused by the applicant not submitting all the required information.  Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that you supply all the information that is requested.  Average processing times for applications, dependent on external factors, varies from between 4-8 weeks.

Please read our taxi licensing policy (PDF, 2 MB)(opens new window) before making your application. As part of your application, you will be asked to tick a box which states that you have read this information.

Step 1: Submit an application for a Hackney Carriage/ Private Hire Drivers Licence

To submit your application for a Hackney Carriage/ Private Hire Drivers Licence you will need to complete the online application form. You must also upload the following documentation at the end of the application process:

• DVLA driving licence (held for at least 12 months (both sides))
• A valid UK or Irish passport. For applicants who are not UK nationals by birth or by naturalisation must also produce a Home Office check code in order for us to check your right to work status, along with your passport.
• National insurance number (either the number card, official national insurance number letter from the DWP or the national insurance letter obtainable from the government gateway website)
• Bank statement (no older than 3 months), or council tax bill (current year).
• DVLA mandate check code
• HMRC tax check code (from 4 April 2022 if applicable). Please read the 'tax checks' section for full information.
• Recent colour passport-sized photograph (The photograph must include your head & shoulders and be taken with a white/pale background).
• Change of name deed poll, or marriage certificate if you have been known by another name.
• A certificate of good character (COGC) from the relevant Embassy if you have spent 3 or more continuous months outside of the UK since turning 18. The COGC must be in English.

The application form allows up to 32MB of files to be uploaded. Should you not upload all of the required documentation, your application will be delayed.

Please note that upon submission of your application and supporting documentation noted above you will receive an email with a link on to make a payment for your licence (either 1 or 3 years), Enhanced DBS check (step 2), the Essential Training (step 3), and the DVLA mandate check. Details of the fees involved can be found here. You will need to retain your DSFX number from your application form in order to make payment.

IMPORTANT:  Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email acknowledgement.  This means that your application has been successfully submitted. Please do not contact us as your application will have joined our queue.  When we are ready to process your application, you will be contacted by a member of the team.

Step 2: Enhanced DBS Check

Note: Our DBS checks are completed via an online portal provided by Zellis.

Following the submission of your application form you will then receive information via email and text message from Zellis, our DBS provider, containing a link to the DBS portal along with a password to access your account in order to complete your application for an Enhanced DBS check.

Upon logging in, you will need to complete all sections of the DBS form and complete the digital ID verification.

Note: All documents (including your DVLA driving licence) must be in your current address. These are the requirements of the DBS and not the Council. We are unable to process your DBS application without these.

DBS certificates are valid for a period of 2 months from the date that they're issued.

Once you have received your DBS certificate you must register with the DBS Update Service. You must retain proof of your subscription to the DBS update service, and provide a copy of this to us by emailing taxilicensing@sthelens.gov.uk

What if I already have a DBS certificate that is registered with the DBS Update Service?

If you already have a "other workforce taxi driver" Enhanced DBS certificate that is registered with this DBS update service you will need to email us a copy of each page of the certificate, along with evidence of your subscription. You must also complete our application for online checking of DBS certificates form (PDF, 39 KB) in order to give us your consent to perform a check on your DBS.

Step 3: Complete the Taxi Training

After you have made payment for your application (following the completion of step 1) you will be booked onto the essential training, which is comprised of safeguarding, and a disability awareness.

You will need to bring the following original documents with you to the training:

• DVLA driving licence.
• A valid passport.
• National insurance number (either the number card, official national insurance number letter from the DWP or the national insurance letter obtainable from the government gateway website)
• Bank statement (no older than 3 months), or council tax bill (current year).
• Recent colour passport-sized photograph (The photograph must include your head & shoulders and be taken with a white/pale background).
• Change of name deed poll, or marriage certificate if you have been known by another name.
• A certificate of good character (COGC) from the relevant Embassy if you have spent 3 or more continuous months outside of the UK since turning 18. The COGC must be in English.

Step 4: Obtain a Group 2 Medical Assessment from a GP who has access to your medical records.

The Group 2 Medical Assessment form which you must take to your appointment with your G.P. can be downloaded here. (PDF, 578 KB)

Medical assessments are valid for a period of 2 months from the date they're completed. Only pages 1 and 2 of the medical assessment need to be returned to us.

Step 5: Collect your licence

Once you have registered with the DBS update service, obtained a group 2 medical assessment, completed the essential training, submitted your application for a Hackney Carriage/ Private Hire Drivers Licence, and provided all required original documentation you will be notified when you can collect your licence from St Helens Town Hall  (providing there are no instances that would trigger a referral to the Licensing & Environmental Protection Committee in line with our policies).