Before submitting your application please ensure you have the following documents ready, as they are required to complete a new application: 

• a copy of your full vehicle registration document (V5C) or proof of ownership (this can be in the form of a receipt for payment of the vehicle). The V5C must be in the name of the person applying for a licence, (must be in your name or the business owner's). If you can only submit the V5C’s green slip, then we would also need proof of ownership/payment as well.
• MOT certificate and certificate of compliance - these must be less than 1 month old when you make your application and issued by one of our approved garages 
• a valid insurance certificate - this certificate must cover hire and reward, (cover for 
  spouse/partner is not permitted unless they have a driver licence).
• a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate is needed for non-driver applicants, this must be no older than 1 month old. 
• CCTV installation certificate – this must be from one of our CCTV approved suppliers. 
• Proof of right to work in the UK for non-drivers/business owners.

We will contact you if your application is missing any information or documents.  

These fees would need to be paid when collecting the licence and plate. 

• New licence - £195
• Renewal - £155
• replacement plate - £37
• replacement door signage (2 x stickers) - £37
• internal vehicle notice - £10 

To renew your licence, please allow 21 days for processing. Applications should not be submitted more than one month before the expiry date.

MOT and Certificate of Compliance, must be issued no longer than one month before the application (See our website for the current list of approved garages.)

If your vehicle licence has expired and you apply after the expiry date, a new application will be required.

For further details please contact taxis@scambs.gov.uk.

When we have processed and approved your application, we will issue you with the licence. We will order the licence plate and signs needed for you from our supplier.  

Once we make the order, this usually takes around 7 days to be delivered to your home address. 

When you get your licence  

When you get your licence, you must display:

Hackney carriage - White rear plate, door signs, fare card, internal notice 

Private hire vehicles - yellow rear plate, door signs, internal notice, operator name, and contact details must be shown on the driver and front passenger door 

A licence will only be granted if it is Euro 6 compliant, or the vehicle falls into the zero or ultra-low emissions category. 

By no later than 1 December 2030, all licensed private hire and hackney carriage vehicles must be zero or ultra-low emission. This aspect will be kept under review and may be modified by us before December 2027. 

Ultra-low emission vehicles

These are plug-in hybrid vehicles or Extended Range Electric Vehicles (E-REV) with CO2 emissions less than 75g per km.

Zero-emission vehicles

These emit no emissions. These include battery electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and electric vehicles.

The garages currently approved to carry out these inspections are:

If there is a fault with the CCTV system then this must be reported to us within 24-hours. If the fault is not fixed within 5 working days, the vehicle will be suspended (out of use) until the CCTV system is fully working. 

All hackney carriages and private hire vehicles, except for exempt vehicles, must have CCTV cameras fitted into the vehicle and must be supplied and fitted in by a company who can meet the specifications. Such companies who state they can provide the installations include the following:  

1. 4eyez Taxi CCTV Systems 
   • Telephone: 0114 299 8694 
   • Email: bookings@4eyez.co.uk.
2. CabCams/AC Security Systems 
   • Telephone: 0208 391 8360
   • Email: sales@acss-uk.co.uk (next day appointments available)
3. S.A.F.E. Systems CCTV
   • Telephone: 01706 551212
   • Email: info@safesystemscctv.co.uk (appointments available within 2 weeks of booking)
4. MCD Security Systems
   • Telephone: 01274 271 888
   • Email: sales@mcdsecurity.co.uk

General Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability

Information for Guidance Only

The information provided on this platform is for general informational and signposting purposes only. It does not constitute professional advice under English law.

No Endorsement or Recommendation

Reference to any specific commercial product, process, service, or trader does not constitute or imply an endorsement, or recommendation by us. We remain entirely neutral regarding all external entities listed and have no relationship with any of these firms.

Independent Due Diligence

Users are solely responsible for conducting their own due diligence, verification, and background checks before engaging with, hiring, or purchasing from any third-party company or service provider.

Statutory Rights and Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we accept no liability for any loss, damage, or dissatisfaction arising from your interaction with external resources, which you use entirely at your own risk.

Fees

• CCTV unit prices start at around £400 to £500. 
• Installation costs range from £100.  

Some suppliers are able to provide finance or can supply rental options. 

More information: 

• CCTV Passenger Privacy Notice April 2023 [PDF, 0.1MB]
• CCTV In Taxis And PHV Standard Operating Procedure [PDF, 61Kb]

There are currently a very small number of Tesla vehicles licensed which are owned/leased by Otto Cars which have had CCTV installed previously. Otto will remain the data controller for these vehicles, and we will have access to any data subject to specific incidences as referred to in the privacy notice. 

You will need to register your vehicle as a licensed vehicle with the Parking Control team.

When completing the form please ensure you select yes as applicable when the form asks if you have any outstanding PCNs, this will inform us once you have registered your vehicle and we can look to cancel any Penalty Charge Notices. 

If you experience any issues with uploading your details, please email parkingcontrol@cambridgeshire.gov.uk 

Private hire vehicles without a licence plate may include: 

• chauffeurs/ prestige-type services (for example limousines) 
• carrying out a pre-existing, written contract (pre-existing meaning signed at least 10 working days before the dates of hire) 
• providing a regular service (whether to a person or to a business) 

A plate exempt vehicle does not require any signage or CCTV.  

In order to apply for plate exemption an applicant must complete and submit the private hire vehicle plate exemption declaration form [PDF, 30Kb].

If you have an executive vehicle exemption, you must not use the vehicle for standard private hire work – doing so may lead to your licence being revoked. 

You can only work under an operator that is verified by us that only undertakes chauffeur/prestige type services. Operator licences can be verified by emailing taxis@scambs.gov.uk. 

Regulations require that we submit details about your vehicle and licence to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).