How to Apply for a Wolverhampton Private Hire Operator Licence

Step by step

1. 1

   Secure a booking office (or satellite office)

   You need a suitable base from which bookings are taken and records kept, with planning permission or lawful use where needed. The council can also suggest a satellite office option — ask the licensing team whether a satellite office arrangement suits your operation.

2. 2

   Decide: landline or no phone numbers

   A landline is optional. If you choose to have one, the council requires it to be manned during operating hours — not left to ring out — and the area the number is registered to should match your licensing area (for example, a London 020 number means a TfL operator licence is needed). If you choose not to have a landline, that's fine, but you must not advertise any phone numbers at all — no landline, mobile or VoIP — on your website or adverts; bookings must come through your app or online booking only.

3. 3

   DBS checks

   Directors, partners and the applicant need a basic DBS check (or as the council currently requires). Staff taking bookings or dispatching may also need checks under the council's policy.

4. 4

   Booking records and systems

   Keep a compliant record of every booking: date, time, pick-up, destination, passenger name, driver, vehicle and fare. Keep complaints and lost property records, and only dispatch Wolverhampton-licensed drivers and vehicles.

5. 5

   Insurance and policies

   Arrange public liability and, if you employ staff, employer's liability insurance. Prepare safeguarding, complaints and data protection policies.

6. 6

   Apply and pass the inspection

   Apply on the council portal, pay the fee and be ready for a licensing officer to check your base, phone line, records and policies.