Apply for a taxi licence

Find out how to apply for a taxi licence. (Plates)

Taxis are allowed to pick up fares from the street without pre-booking. Both the taxi and the driver must have separate licences. 

Find out how to apply for a taxi driver licence.

Who can apply?

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

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

Please note, taxis need an annual MOT from 1 year old.

Please note, the process for vehicles that are 7 years old to receive a MOT every 6 months from the date of registration has been suspended for 2 years.

Before you start

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

Duration of licence

Cost

1 year 

£249

2 years 

£475

3 years

£673

1 year (wheelchair accessible vehicle)

£116

2 years

£221

3 years

£325


How to apply

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

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

To apply, fill out the relevant application form:

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

Drop-in sessions

Drop-in will be held every four weeks at the Barrhead Council Offices between 9.00am 11.30am and then from 1.00pm until 3.30pm (View the list of dates and the documentation you're required to bring with you.). 

Please note drop-in sessions are for renewal applications only. 

Enforcement

Enforcement issues will not be dealt with at drop-ins. For enforcement issues you should contact our Enforcement Officer directly at celicensing@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk 

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.

Last modified on 21 March 2025