Operator licence
To become a Private Hire Operator within the Sunderland you need to complete an online application form, and be able to upload copies of the relevant documentation when the form is submitted.
Planning Permission
To become a Private Hire Operator within Sunderland you must have premises that have current planning permission for use as a private hire booking office.
Before making an application, you should read the Statement of Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licensing Policy 2023 (pdf) and in particular Private Hire Operators Licence Conditions .pdf.
Right to work check
You must also prove you have the right to work in the UK and be able to provide original evidence to support this. The right to work check is carried out by the Customer Service Network via appointment at City Hall (Please note COVID 19 restrictions are currently in place at this building, please check www.sunderland.gov.uk before making your visit).
The Home Office, via the UK Border Agency, has compiled a list of documents (PDF) [19KB] (opens new window) which prove someone has the right to remain and work in the UK.
The CSN will inspect your original document, and take a certified copy, this copy must be uploaded to the other documents section of your application form.
If you are not currently a licensed driver with Sunderland City Council you will need to complete a DBS check please follow our online guidance;
In line with DfT guidelines, we also require information to be provided on all Directors of the company, as well as the Company Secretary, you can do this by completing the attached form (PDF) [43KB] (opens new window) and uploading this along with a copy of their DBS certificate to the other documents section of the online application form.
The payment for the Operator Licence is dependent upon the number of vehicles to be operated, and the form will work out the fee for you. To make payment you will need to have a debit or credit card at hand.
If you have a current Operator licence and need to renew it, please complete our application form online:
To access this form you will need the reference number that we sent to you in the renewal email.
The reference number is unique to your application, please do not try and use a reference number from a different Operator licence, or a reference number that has been sent to somebody else.
The reference number consists of 13 characters and is made up of both letters and numbers, the form is case sensitive, so please input this into the form using capital letters
This is an example reference number: QV12XQCBN8Y02 (please do not try and use this one)
Before you apply...
You will need to have access to a debit or credit card to make an online payment as part of the application process.
You will also need to upload a copy of your DBS Certificate and provide the required information for each Director of the company, as well as the Company Secretary, which is uploaded to the additional documents section of the form.
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