Apply for or renew a licence
In accordance with the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, a Taxi Licence or a Private Hire Car Licence, issued by The Highland Council as licensing authority, is required for the operation of a vehicle as a Taxi or a Private Hire Car.
A licence is not required where a vehicle is being used:
- in connection with a funeral or wedding
- for carrying passengers under a contract for its exclusive hire for a period of not less than 24 hours. For clarification no other hire or tour should take place within 24 hours of the previous tour or hire starting
Apply for or renew a licence online
View taxi and PHC guidance notes
Operator's licence and driver's licence
The vehicle and the driver each require to be separately licensed.
The licence for the vehicle is referred to as an operator’s licence and each vehicle operated as a Taxi or a Private Hire Car requires a separate licence. An operators licence can be issued to an individual, company or partnership.
The holder of an Operator’s licence must also obtain a Taxi or Private Hire Car Driver’s licence in order to drive the vehicle their operator’s licence is valid for.
View taxi and PHC licence conditions
Licence duration
Once granted, a licence is valid for 3 years. Licences may be issued for a shorter period in certain circumstances, such as if the Licensing Committee determine that the licence be issued for a lesser period than the 3 year, or if the applicant has a restriction on their right to work.
Highland Licensing Committee
Applications for which objections or representations are received, or applications which are outwith the Council's policy may require to be referred to the Council's Licensing Committee to be determined.
View Highland Licensing Committee dates
Find out more about the Highland Licensing Committee
Licence renewal
It is the responsibility of the licence holder to ensure that they submit an application for renewal prior to their existing licence expiring.