Vehicle licences

Hackney carriage vehicle licence

Hackney carriage vehicle licences are issued by us for operation within the Southend-on-Sea City only.

Please note: We have a limit of 276 hackney carriage plates, we are currently at our maximum capacity and cannot accept further application.

To apply for a new hackney carriage vehicle licence, you will need to contact the licensing team. The licensing team can be reached on 01702 215005.

Private hire vehicle licence

Private hire vehicle licences are issued by us for operation within the Southend-on-Sea City only.

You can apply for a new private hire vehicle licence online.

Before you apply please ensure you have read the private hire vehicle conditions which can be located below.

What you will need when you apply online:

  • details of your suitable vehicle
  • details of all proprietors of the vehicle being registered
  • details of convictions, spent convictions, police cautions, formal cautions, Fixed Penalty Notices for any traffic offences
  • a copy of a valid MOT test certificate issued within the last 14 days (issued by an authorised provider)*
  • a copy of valid Motor Insurance
  • a copy of the vehicle 'V5' registration document
  • a copy of any rental agreements
  • debit/credit card to pay the relevant fee

All copy documents will need to be uploaded during the application process, please ensure you have a scanned copy available or a photograph to upload when prompted to in the application process.

Please note: You will need to bring the original documents with you for your appointment with a hackney carriage Officer.

*Currently our authorised provider is Autorama, Tickfield Avenue, Tickfield Industrial Estate, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6LL

Once you have submitted your application form, the hackney carriage office will contact you to verify that the application is valid and schedule an appointment with a hackney carriage officer to inspect your vehicle and finalise the application process.

Hackney carriage vehicle and private hire licence renewal

To renew your vehicle licence, please apply online.

The following supporting documents you need are:

  1. Proof of motor insurance.
  2. Valid MOT certificate (issued by an authorised provider).
  3. Valid vehicle test.
  4. The relevant fee.

If your vehicle fails an MOT, you should report this online. 

Please contact the licensing team via email licact2003@southend.gov.uk or by telephone 01702 215005 with any enquiries.

Vehicle specifications

Vehicle requirements and conditions can be found in the licence conditions:

Online forms - vehicle licences

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