Taxis and Private Hire Cars - Apply for a licence

Fees and duration

These fees apply from 1 April 2025.

Licence fees

Taxi Operator’s Licence: £506
Private Hire Car (PHC) Operator’s Licence: £506
Taxi Driver’s Licence: £326
PHC Driver’s Licence: £326

 

Vehicle inspection fees

Vehicle inspection: £114
Breakdown: £95 + 20% VAT (£19)
Vehicle inspection with MOT: £134
Breakdown: £95 + VAT (£19) + MOT (£20, non-VAT)

 

Vehicle re-test fees 

Vehicle re-test (inspection only): £54
Breakdown: £45 + 20% VAT

  • Applies if vehicle is re-presented after the next day following the original inspection.
  • Valid for 14 days from original inspection. After that, a full inspection and fee is required.

Vehicle re-test with MOT: £59
Breakdown: £45 + 20% VAT + MOT (£5, non-VAT)

  • Applies if vehicle is re-presented after the next day following the original inspection.
  • Valid for 14 days from original inspection. After that, a full inspection and fee is required.

Vehicle re-test fees (if not completed with 14 days of original inspection)

Vehicle re-test: £114
Breakdown: £95 + 20% VAT (£19)
Vehicle re-test with MOT: £134
Breakdown: £95 + VAT (£19) + MOT (£20, non-VAT)

Other fees

Meter test: £87.60
Breakdown: £73 + 20% VAT
Substitute vehicle (excludes inspection): £77
External taxi/PHC licence plate: £30
Knowledge test re-sit: £77
Identification badge: £24
Copy of licence: £24
Taxi/PHC booking office licence: £404

 

Temporary Licences

Temporary licences are charged at 50% of the full application fee. They are valid for a maximum of 6 weeks.

Need Help?

If you have any questions about these fees or how to apply, please contact the licensing team or visit our Taxi and PHC Licensing page.

How to apply

Apply for a licence

Forms and guidance

View taxis and private hire cars guidance, tests and forms

View substitute taxi and private hire cars guidance, conditions, and forms

Contact us

Unlicensed vehicles operating as taxis or PHC’s within The Highland Council area

This is a Police matter and should be reported to:

Non-emergencies – 101

Crimestoppers (anonymous) – 0800 555 111

Or alternatively, a complaint can be submitted to Police Scotland

Location of taxi ranks or concerns in relation to road markings for taxi ranks or unauthorised parking of taxis or PHC’s within The Highland Council area

This is dealt with by the Council’s Community Services

Roads department who can be contacted at: parking@highland.gov.uk

Enforcement related issues for licensed taxis or PHC’s within The Highland Council area

This is dealt with by the Council’s Trading Standards department who can be contacted at: trading.standards2@highland.gov.uk

Other enquiries

If you are unsure which department your enquiry or complaint in relation to taxis or PHC’s should be reported by: