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My Norwich
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If you have an emergency that cannot wait please call 01603 786056. For heating and hot water enquiries, please call 01603 258617. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Taxi (hackney carriage) and private hire licensing

We are responsible for the licensing and enforcement of taxis (hackney carriages) and private hire vehicles in Norwich and ensure that drivers, proprietors and operators are fit to hold such licences.

Vehicles are subject to mechanical tests and drivers undergo regular Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and medical checks.

Licence application tax check 

From 4 April 2022 there is an addition to the licence application requirements. You’ll need to complete a tax check with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you’re:

  • renewing a licence
  • applying for the same type of licence you previously held, that ceased being valid less than a year ago
  • applying for the same type of licence you already hold with another licensing authority

You will need to set up a Government Gateway user ID and password and complete a tax check and obtain the tax check code to give to us. 

To find out what you need to do please see Changes for licence applications from April 2022 on Gov.uk

We cannot proceed with your application or renewal until the tax check is completed and we have received the tax check code. Please note, we only receive confirmation that you have completed the check with HMRC and we do not have access to information about your tax affairs. 

If you’ve not registered to pay tax on earnings from your licensed trade, please see Self assessment tax returns on Gov.uk to check if you need to register as soon as possible.

If you are applying for a licence for the first time, you will not need to complete the tax check. However, you will need to read HMRC guidance on what you need to do to be properly registered for tax in the future and you’ll need to confirm you have done this. Once you licence becomes due for renewal then you will then be required to complete a tax check.

More about taxi and private hire licensing

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