New Operators License

You must submit your application using our online portal. Register your details within the portal (if applying for the first time). Complete the online application form ensuring all relevant documents/evidence are uploaded:

• Business details: Name, address, contact information. If an applicant is a limited company or a limited liability partnership, you must provide the company registration number so we can check details with companies’ house.
• Proof of right to operate: May include proof of ownership, tenancy agreement or lease agreements.
• Fit and Proper Person Test: You must meet Sefton Council’s standards, which may include background checks & checks on your Right To Work.
• Insurance: Evidence of appropriate public liability insurance. You are required to have public liability insurance to the value of £2million. If you are planning to have employees, you must upload your Employee Liability Insurance documents.
• Planning Permission: Premises MUST be located within Sefton Borough and require planning permission. You will either have to upload your planning permission documents or a letter from the planning department that confirms planning permission is not required before you can proceed with your application. You may submit a request for a waiver letter from the planning department by completing this form: Private Hire Operator: Planning Waiver Letter Request. The current fee payable for a waiver letter is £160, payable to the planning department, as per their instructions.
• Vehicle door signs: Applicants must upload a sample design of their preferred door signs as part of their application. N.B. Operator door signs must be displayed on either both the front or both the rear doors of the vehicle whilst working.  The signs must not exceed the maximum dimensions of 61cm x 25.4cm (24 inches by 10 inches). The signs must include; the statement “PRIVATE HIRE ONLY” in 25mm (1 inch) high letters or larger along at least three quarters (75%) of the sign’s length, the operator name and method(s) of contacting the operator. (N.B. describing the vehicle as a TAXI or CAB and displaying the telephone number of a mobile phone carried within the vehicle is prohibited) N.B. You will also need to bring full-size door signs with you when you come to Bootle One Stop Shop to complete your application.

As a preliminary step to processing your application, our enforcement team will visit your proposed licensed premises to confirm that they are as described, within the borough & suitable for purpose. The enforcement team will address any problems regarding the premises with you during their visit. Once they are satisfied with the premises, they’ll let our taxi administration team know so that we can proceed with your application.

When we are ready to complete your application, we’ll let you know by email. The email will be sent to the email address provided in your application.

Once you have received this email you can drop in to complete your application at Bootle One Stop Shop, 324 Stanley Road, Bootle, L20 3ET.We are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

During your visit, you will be asked to pay the licence fee via an online link so you MUST have access to your emails, be able to log on to your portal account and bring a payment card with sufficient funds to cover the licence fees:

Remember, you must also bring original, full size door signs for inspection.

Subject to successful completion of your application, your licence will be produced and