Services
Licences - private hire vehicle operator
The majority of Private Hire Cars (PHCs) within West Lothian will require to be licensed. However, cars used exclusively for wedding and funerals or used to carry passengers under a contract for its exclusive hire for a period of not less than 24 hours are exempt from the licensing requirements. Anyone may apply for a PHC licence, and subject to a mandatory background check and a suitable vehicle being certified as complying with the private hire conditions, a licence may be granted.
The council revised its policy in relation to suitable PHC vehicles in November 2009. Any vehicles being licensed or replaced must now comply with the specification in that policy. Non compliant vehicles will be phased out by 31 January 2015.
The specification for PHC vehicles is attached to the guidance notes with the application form below. Please read the guidance notes and the private hire licence conditions which are both available to download below before completing and lodging your application.
Applications must be determined by the council within 6 months of receipt. However, most applications are dealt with in a shorter period.
Licence fees:
Fees for a licence application or renewal received after 1 April 2013
- Initial grant (1 year) £315.68
- Renewal (1 year) £301.19
Updated: 1 May 2013
Downloadable documents
- Advertising On Hire Cars (PDF, 8 KB)
- Application for a Replacement Taxi/Private Hire Vehicle (Business) (PDF, 416kb)
- Application for a Replacement Taxi/Private Hire Vehicle (Individual) (PDF, 447kb)
- Application for CCTV (PDF, 231kb)
- Application for Change of Address (PDF, 52kb)
- Application for change of registration (PDF, 15kb)
- Application for Duplicate Licence/Identity Badge/Change of Details (PDF, 32kb)
- Application for Replacement Plates and Holders (PDF, 33.5kb)
- Application for the Grant/Renewal of a Taxi/Private Hire Car (Individual) (PDF, 964kb)
- Application for the Grant/Renewal of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Licence (Business) (PDF, 991kb)
- Conditions Attached to Hire Car Cars and Drivers (Revised October 2011) (PDF, 317kb)
- Hire Car Fees from 1 April 2013 (PDF, 42kb)
