Apply for a private hire vehicle licence

Who can apply?

To apply for a vehicle licence, you need a private hire driver licence and the vehicle you want to use as a private hire must:

• be less than 5 years old
• a maximum of 10 years old

Please note, private hire vehicles need an annual MOT from 3 years old.

When a private hire vehicle is 7 years old it needs a MOT every 6 months from its date of registration.

Before you start

Private hire cars must be pre-booked. Both the private hire vehicle and the driver must have separate licences. 

Find out how to apply for a private hire driver licence.

If you're interested in applying for a private hire licence, contact our Customer Services team to check availability on 0141 577 3005 or email customerservices@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk.

How to apply

An individual or a company or partnership may apply to licence a vehicle.

For company or partnership applications, ID must be submitted for all partners, directors and managers.

To apply, fill out the relevant application form:

• Download the individual private hire licence application form (PDF, 250 KB)(opens new window)
• Download a company/partnership private hire licence application form (PDF, 371 KB)(opens new window)
• Download Directors Extra Pages (PDF, 199 KB)
• Download Patners Extra Pages (PDF, 199 KB)
• Download Guidance Notes (PDF, 339 KB)
• Download Right to Work List (PDF, 137 KB)

Once you've completed your application, please bring it and supporting documentation along to a drop-in. We can check everything is correct and let you know if we need any more information to process your application. 

Drop-in will be held every four weeks at the Barrhead Council Offices between 9.00am and 4.00pm (View the list of dates). If you need assistance in between either of those dates email celicensing@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk.                                                                                                                                                                             Capacity at drop-ins will be very limited with delays likely. Only attend drop-ins for new applications or if your renewal is due within 4 weeks. For enforcement issues please contact our Enforcement Officer directly on 07967 211128. Enforcement issues will not be dealt with at drop-ins.
                                                                                                                                                                          Please familiarise yourself with the undernoted checklists. You must bring the listed information/documentation (hard copy) to the drop-in. Applications that are incomplete will not be accepted and you will be asked to come back at a later date.                                                                                                                                                    Read the PHD/TD checklist (PDF, 71 KB)(opens new window)Read the PHC/TL checklist (PDF, 70 KB)(opens new window)

If you require further help with your application you can contact celicensing@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk  

What happens next?

We aim to process your application as soon as possible.

Legislation allows for consideration of the application within 3 months and a decision within 6 months.

If you don't hear from us about the outcome of your application within a reasonable period email celicensing@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk for an update.