Taxi or Private Hire Vehicles Licence
If you have never held a taxi or private hire vehicle licence before or you do not currently have such a licence you need to apply for the grant of a licence.
If you currently hold a taxi or private hire vehicle licence which has not expired but is due to expire then you need to apply for a renewal of the licence.
A full licence is generally granted for a period of three years although we have the discretion to grant it for a shorter period.
Before completing an Application Form please read our Guidance Notes (Word) and Schedule of Conditions (PDF).
If you currently hold a taxi or private hire vehicle licence and your circumstances/details have changed, or if you have a new vehicle, then you need to tell us about this by completing a vehicle substitution form.
Vehicle Substitution (PDF) Vehicle Substitution (Word)
Please note - As an operator you must keep a log of who is driving the licensed vehicle on any journey. This list should be made available for inspection if requested.
Renewal of a licence
Please note it is the licence holders responsibility to be aware of the expiration date of their licence and make a full renewal application a minimum of 30 days before their existing licence expires. Failure to apply in a timely manner could result in requiring a new grant application which may be a higher cost to the applicant.
Changes private hire vehicle (only) renewal applications
New tax legislation came into effect on 2 October 2023 which now requires the Local Authority to confirm that the applicant has completed a tax check before making a decision on issuing a renewal licence.
In Scotland, this applies to all renewal applications made on or after 2 October 2023
If you do not give the licensing authority a valid tax check code your licence will expire on whichever of the following dates is the latest:
- 28 days after the licensing authority asked for your tax check code
- the date your licence expires
Our guidance notes have been updated to reflect the changes and give further information.
You can complete your Tax Check by clicking the green START NOW button at the bottom of the page on this link :
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/complete-a-tax-check-for-a-taxi-private-hire-or-scrap-metal-licence
Covid 19 Protection Screens in Vehicles
Please see the following July 2021 guidance regarding partition screens in vehicles before contacting Licensing or Fleet Services
Partition Screens Guidance - July 2021 (PDF)
If you wish to fit a screen between the rear passenger area and driver area of your licensed vehicle please complete the following form.
Vehicle Screen Form (PDF) Vehicle Screen Form (Word)
You must ensure that your insurance company is aware of the adaptation.
Please return your completed forms to licensing@moray.gov.uk ensuring your license number and vehicle registration are clear and legible. A copy of the form will be forwarded to fleet services where safety checks e.g. visibility etc may be added to you next vehicle checks.
Procedure
If applicable, you may need to read our Rules in Relation to Disclosure of Spent Convictions (pdf) before making your application. You require to sign and date the declaration at the bottom of the application/substitution form. This is a very important part of the form and you should note that it is a criminal offence to make a false declaration for which you can be prosecuted and fined up to £2,500.
Once you have completed the form, you should send it with the appropriate fee to:
Governance, Strategy & Performance, The Moray Council, High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BX.
Your application will be copied to Police Scotland for their observations. If no objection or observation is made on your application by the Police within 21 days and where appropriate the vehicle has been tested, we will proceed to issue your licence.
If an observation or objection is received, your application will be referred to the Governance, Strategy & Performance Committee of the Council where elected members will consider the matter. You will be given an opportunity to attend this meeting and put your case in support of your application.