Taxi licence in Glasgow: cost, how to apply and how long it takes
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 23 August 2026 · Facts checked against Glasgow City Council's own published pages on the date above
Glasgow City Council charges £202 for a 3-year taxi driver's licence or private hire car driver's licence, whether it's a new grant or a renewal, with a lower £85 fee for a temporary grant (Glasgow City Council, 23 August 2026).
Glasgow only accepts applications online, and licensing here runs under Scottish law rather than the English and Welsh systems.
This page sets out Glasgow's own published fees - for the wider system, see our taxi and private hire hub, and for the general driver process, see how to become a taxi driver.
This is general information sourced from Glasgow City Council's own website, not professional or legal advice - always confirm current fees and requirements with the council directly before you apply.
What's different about taxi licensing in Glasgow?
Glasgow operates under Scottish civic government licensing law rather than the English and Welsh taxi and private hire vehicle framework, and applications can only be lodged online - there's no paper or in-person route (Glasgow City Council, 23 August 2026).
Scotland also uses the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) scheme for its equivalent of an enhanced DBS check, rather than the DBS itself, which is an England-and-Wales system - worth knowing if you're used to how licensing works south of the border.
What does a Glasgow taxi or private hire driver licence cost?
Glasgow prices its taxi driver's licence and private hire car driver's licence identically, according to the council's fees and charges document (Glasgow City Council, 23 August 2026).
Vehicle licence fees and PVG-related costs are published separately in the council's full fees and charges document. Read Glasgow City Council's fees and charges page →
✓ Checked against Glasgow City Council, 23 August 2026
What do you need to apply in Glasgow?
| Requirement | Glasgow's standard |
|---|---|
| Application method | Online only - Glasgow City Council does not accept paper or in-person applications |
| Background check | Scotland uses the PVG scheme rather than DBS - check the council's guidance for current PVG requirements |
| Guidance documents | Separate "Guidance for Taxi Driver and Private Hire Car Driver's Licence" available on the council's site |
How do you apply for a Glasgow taxi licence?
You apply directly to Glasgow City Council, online only (Glasgow City Council, 23 August 2026).
- Read the council's guidance for taxi driver and private hire car driver's licences.
- Prepare your PVG scheme membership and any other required background checks.
- Lodge your application online - no paper or in-person route is accepted.
- Pay the relevant fee - £202 for a 3-year grant or renewal, or £85 for a temporary grant.
How long does a Glasgow taxi licence take?
We couldn't confirm a published working-day processing timescale on Glasgow City Council's main taxi licensing pages during our research (Glasgow City Council, 23 August 2026) - contact the council's licensing section directly for a realistic estimate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Glasgow taxi licence cost?
£202 for a 3-year taxi driver's licence or private hire car driver's licence, new grant or renewal, or £85 for a temporary grant.
Can I apply for a Glasgow taxi licence by post or in person?
No - Glasgow City Council only accepts applications lodged online.
Does Glasgow use DBS checks like English councils?
No - Scotland uses the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) scheme rather than the DBS, which is an England-and-Wales system.
Is the fee the same for a Glasgow taxi and private hire car licence?
Yes - both are priced identically at £202 for a 3-year grant or renewal, according to the council's fees and charges document.
Where do I actually apply for a Glasgow taxi licence?
Directly with Glasgow City Council, online only - there's no fee-saving shortcut, and you don't need a paid service to submit it.
apply for licence is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Glasgow City Council, GOV.UK or any government body. This page is general information, not legal or professional advice - for anything specific to your application, contact Glasgow City Council's licensing team directly.