up 
down 
Vehicle Licence New and Transfer Applications
For Hackney carriage or private hire vehicles
A licence is required for vehicles seating up to 8 passengers and which can be used to pick up people in the street or from a taxi rank
Applications must be accompanied by the following documentation:
- provision of suitable vehicle insurance
- certificate of compliance – list of approved garages
- proof of ownership
- visual examination & meter test
Download Application Forms
Private Hire Vehicle Licence Application
Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence Application
At present, visuals are not being conducted in the normal way.
If you are wishing to change your vehicle, a video/pictures of the vehicle must be uploaded and sent to licensing@thanet.gov.uk, these photos must be taken on the day you are sending them and must include all four sides and the interior. Once this is accepted, compliance paperwork will be sent to you via email.
A check on the vehicle will be made at a later date.
Application paperwork can be scanned and emailed to licensing@thanet.gov.uk. Please indicate what your enquiry is about in the subject line of the email. You can then make payment by bank transfer – the details are as follows:
National Westminster Bank PLC
Sort Code – 60 14 05
Bank Account – 67834000
Payee – Thanet District Council
Your reference – your licence number ie LN/ or your plate number and whether HC or PH or your full name – your licence will then be emailed to you
OR all documents can be left in the post box outside the main Council offices with a cheque payment or confirmation of a bank transfer. Your licence and documents will be returned to you by post
The cost of a vehicle licence is £285.00 and the licence will now expire one year after the date of issue.
Updated information 22 April 2020
If at any time you need to return your private hire plate and close the licence please leave the plate and a covering letter in the post box directly outside the main Council offices in Margate. A refund of the plate deposit will be dealt with as soon as practicably possible.
Further Information
- Hackney Carriages – Conditions of Licence
- Hackney Carriages – Byelaws
- Private Hire Vehicles – Conditions of Licence
- Vehicle Assessment Guidelines
- Limo Guidelines
General information can also be found under Latest News