Licencing Procedure
How will my application be assessed?
In order for TfL to consider whether you are ‘fit and proper’ to be licensed, your application and associated documentation will be fully assessed by TfL’s Licensing Team. For information on the decision making process and the relevant policy please refer to TfL’s licensing guidelines.
This can be found at http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tph by selecting the section entitled ‘Publications’. It is recommended that you review this document on a regular basis as it is updated.
Where do I send my completed application?
There are 3 ways for you to do this:
- You can post it directly to the PCO using the pre-addressed envelope. You will need to include in your Application Form the details of your debit/credit card in order for TfL to take the application fee (as detailed below). If you have downloaded the Application Pack, please read the postage instructions provided in the pack (staple documents, enclose in an A4 envelope, send to London Taxi and Private Hire, Palestra, 4th Floor Green Zone, 197 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8NJ)
- Alternatively, you can use the Check & Send service provided by the Post Office® on behalf of TfL.Please note that not all Post Offices will offer the ‘Check and Send’ service. For your nearest Post Office® branch offering this service, please check on: http://www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder
- Our recommendation is to use the Full Services of PCO-Licence London’s Application Forms Services. Our team of professionals has been proven to reduce the number of unnecessary errors and omissions made in the application process, which can lead to delays and understandable frustrations for applicants.
- We can fast-track and monitor your application
- We offer the Special One-Stop Shop Service, which is convenient as it allows you to get your Topographical Skills Certificate and get all the paper work done at the same time.
How much will my Application cost?
There are three elements to the total payment of your application.
| CRB disclosure on-line application | £56.85 to be paid to TMG CRB prior to application (See ‘TMG CRB – Introductory Letter’) |
| Licence application fee (non refundable) | £150 |
| Grant of Licence fee | £100 |
Payments can be made via credit or debit card by completing the appropriate section in the application form. Other payment options are available via the Post Office® ‘Check and Send’ service. These include payments by postal order and cash. The Post Office® will also accept payments by all major credit and debit cards (except Mastercard).
How long do I wait to receive my PCO Licence?
It generally takes 12 to 16 weeks for your PCO licence application to be fully processed.
What Do I Do If I Still Haven’t Received My Application Pack Or Licence?
You should contact Transport For London on the telephone or email address below:
Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays) 08:00 – 17:00
Telephone: 0343 222 4444 / Email: tph.enquiries@tfl.gov.uk
What happens if my application is refused?
You will be notified in writing by Transport for London (TfL) that your application has been refused. The letter will include:
- A confirmation that your application has been refused
- The reason(s) for the refusal
- Your right to appeal the decision which includes what you need to do to appeal and the timeframe within which your appeal should be submitted
We advise to read through the letter carefully, and if you believe you have reasons to appeal, we recommend that you complete the appeal as soon as possible. You have 21 days to present an appeal. You may want to seek legal advise.
Refund of application fees
If the refusal is upheld, you will only get refunded the ‘grant of licence’ fee of £100. The licence application fee of £150 and the CRB fees are non-refundable.
Furthermore, please note that in the case of an unsuccessful appeal against a decision by TfL to refuse a Licence, it is likely that the driver/applicant will be ordered by the court to pay TfL’s legal costs.