Private Hire Operators Licences

A private hire operator is a person/company who makes provision for the invitation or acceptance of bookings for private hire vehicles.

Private hire operators can be contacted by phone, email, website or through an app, or have an office where a customer can go to book a journey. A private hire vehicle can only be dispatched to a customer by a licensed private hire operator.

Private hire operators are regulated under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

To operate as a private hire operator you may need to apply for planning permission to make sure that, if your business is run from home, it will not cause nuisance or obstruction to your neighbours.

The premises you operator from must be within the Licensing Authority boundary, and you have been given authority from the owner to operate from this location.

If you have any questions about the application process please email [email protected].

Downloadable documents

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Guidance Eastbourne Borough Council (PDF, 1 MB)

Taxi licensing fees for Eastbourne Borough Council 2026-2027 (PDF, 125 KB)

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licensing guidance - Lewes District Council (PDF, 1 MB)

Taxi licensing fees for Lewes District Council 2026-2027 (PDF, 129 KB)

Apply for a private hire operator licence

You'll need to provide copies of the below:

A basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate (unless you are an existing licensed driver who has a valid and current enhanced DBS certificate)
A written financial reference
Letter of authority from premises owner (if applicable)
Insurance certificate as per guidance (if applicable)

Apply for a private hire operator licence

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 processed you will be contacted to book a premises visit before your licence can be granted.