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 and Schedule of conditions.

All application forms, guidance and schedule can be found here: Taxi Licences Forms and Guidance.

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.

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.

CCTV in Licensed Vehicles

Please see guidance on the Installation and Operation of CCTV Systems in Licensed Taxis and Private Hire Cars here.

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:
Licensing, Governance, Moray Council, High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BX
Or by email to: licensing@moray.gov.uk

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 Licensing 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.