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Taxi and private hire - operators licence

On 1 April the single new council for North Yorkshire launched replacing Scarborough Borough Council and other local authorites in North Yorkshire.

To find your Councillor or to view minutes, meetings and agendas please visit the North Yorkshire Council website.

A private hire operator's licence allows the holder to receive bookings (by telephone or other means) and to send private hire vehicles for pre-arranged hire.

Both the vehicle and driver sent to complete the booking must also be licensed by us.

Application forms and fees

Eligibility criteria

In order to be a lawful private hire operator, you must have the following licences in place:

  • Private hire operator's licence
  • Private hire vehicle licence for all vehicles involved in private hire work
  • Dual driver's licence for all persons driving any licensed private hire vehicles

Application evaluation process 

The operator’s licence will remain in force for a period of five years unless we specify a lesser period, revoke or suspend the licence. The licence is not transferable.

There shall be sufficient off-street parking made available for the number of vehicles to which the application relates.  

If you have a second ‘satellite’ base as an operator’s office (whether it is a business or residential address) within the same controlled district, let us know and it will be added to your licence.  We reserve the right to charge for every additional office.

With the application form you will need to include:

Please note it is the applicant’s responsibility to contact the planning department regarding planning permission.

Please note:

  • You must tell us of any change of vehicle details that is different to those stated on the current licence.
  • You must tell us in writing about of drivers within 48 hours.
  • You must tell us within 7 days about of home address whether permanent or temporary.
  • You must tell us in writing about any intended change of business premises.

Renewal applications

Renewal applications are sent out 8-10 weeks before licence expiry.

If you do not receive your renewal application 6 weeks before expiry, please contact us on 01723 232323 or email licensing.services@scarborough.gov.uk to request a replacement to be sent to you.

Will tacit consent apply?

No. It is in the public interest that the we must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us, please contact us.

Right of appeal

An applicant aggrieved by the refusal of the Council to grant an Operator’s licence or by any condition attached to the grant of such a licence may appeal to a Magistrates Court.