Vehicle licences
What is a taxi (Hackney carriage)?
Hackney carriages are more commonly known as taxis. They stand on a taxi rank, may be hailed in the street or can be pre-booked directly or through a licensed private hire operator. Hackney carriages are regulated under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 and amended under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
Private hire vehicles
Can only take bookings through a licensed private hire operator prior to the journey. They cannot stand on a taxi rank or be hailed in the street. Private hire drivers, vehicles and operators licences must be issued by the same Licensing Authority and are regulated under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
A vehicle licence is granted to the owner of the vehicle.
You do not need to be a licensed driver to hold a vehicle licence but you must be a licensed driver, with the same Licensing Authority, in order to drive the vehicle.
Your vehicle must pass a Vehicle Suitability Test (VST) and MOT before a licence will be granted.
If you have any questions about the application process please email [email protected].
Taxi vehicle licence - Lewes District Council
Fees
Please download the list of fees below.
Taxi licensing fees for Lewes District Council 2026-2027 (PDF, 129 KB)
How to apply
To apply for a vehicle licence you will need:
- Completed application form
- Registration document (V5 logbook/green slip)
- Valid insurance certificate
- CCTV compliance certificate
- Meter calibration certificate (Hackney Carriage vehicles)
- Vehicle suitability test & MOT certificate
For instructions on how to apply for a vehicle licence please email [email protected] with the registration of the vehicle you want to licence.
Taxi vehicle licence - Eastbourne Borough Council
Fees
Please download the list of fees below.
Taxi licensing fees for Eastbourne Borough Council 2026-2027 (PDF, 125 KB)
To apply for a vehicle licence you will need:
- Completed application form
- Registration document (V5C logbook/green slip)
- Valid insurance certificate
- CCTV compliance certificate
- Meter calibration certificate (Hackney Carriage vehicles)
- Vehicle suitability test & MOT certificate
For instructions on how to apply for a vehicle licence please email [email protected] with the registration of the vehicle you want to licence.
Taxi vehicle licence - Make an application
Apply for a vehicle licence
You'll need to provide copies of the below:
- Registration Document (V5 log book)
- Valid Insurance Certificate
- Valid CCTV compliance certificate
- Meter Calibration Certificate (Hackney carriage vehicles only)
You will be taken to the online portal where you can complete your application, upload the documents and pay the relevant fee.
Once your application has been accepted you will be contacted with instructions on how to pay the livery fee and book your VST.
Apply to renew a vehicle licence
You'll need to provide copies of the below:
- Valid Insurance Certificate
- Valid CCTV compliance certificate
- Meter Calibration Certificate (Hackney carriage vehicles only)
Apply to renew a vehicle licence
You will be taken to the online portal where you can complete your application, upload the documents and pay the relevant fee.
