Taxi licence in Portsmouth: cost, how to apply and how long it takes
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 23 August 2026 · Facts checked against Portsmouth City Council's own published pages on the date above
Portsmouth City Council charges £133 for a 1-year private hire driver licence grant or renewal, or £349 for 3 years, effective from 1 April 2026 (Portsmouth City Council, 23 August 2026).
Each attempt at the knowledge/safeguarding test costs £34, and there's a separate £12 DBS administration fee on top of the DBS check itself.
This page sets out Portsmouth's own published fees and requirements - 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth?
Portsmouth combines the knowledge test with a safeguarding assessment into a single "Knowledge/Safeguarding Test" charge, rather than pricing local-area knowledge and safeguarding separately - and you pay the £34 fee for every separate attempt (Portsmouth City Council, 23 August 2026).
The council also splits out a distinct £12 DBS administration fee from the underlying DBS check cost, so budget for both when you apply.
What does a Portsmouth private hire driver licence cost?
Portsmouth's private hire licence fees page, effective from 1 April 2026, lists the driver's licence fee alongside the test and DBS charges (Portsmouth City Council, 23 August 2026).
All figures shown are effective from 1 April 2026. Read Portsmouth City Council's full private hire licence fees page →
✓ Checked against Portsmouth City Council, 23 August 2026
What do you need to apply in Portsmouth?
| Requirement | Portsmouth's standard |
|---|---|
| Knowledge/safeguarding test | Mandatory, £34 per attempt |
| DBS check | Required, plus a £12 administration fee |
| Licence term | Your choice - 1 year or 3 years |
Portsmouth's published fees page doesn't itemise a separate medical fee - confirm the council's current medical standard and process directly with its licensing team.
How do you apply for a Portsmouth taxi licence?
Portsmouth City Council publishes dedicated guidance for private hire driver licence applicants alongside its fees page (Portsmouth City Council, 23 August 2026).
- Read the council's private hire driver licence guidance to confirm current document requirements.
- Book and pass the knowledge/safeguarding test (£34 per attempt).
- Apply for your DBS check and pay the £12 administration fee.
- Submit your application and pay your chosen term's licence fee - £133 (1 year) or £349 (3 years).
How long does a Portsmouth taxi licence take?
Portsmouth City Council's published fees page doesn't set out a fixed working-day processing timescale (Portsmouth City Council, 23 August 2026) - so confirm current turnaround with the council's licensing team once you've booked your knowledge/safeguarding test.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Portsmouth taxi licence cost?
£133 for a 1-year private hire driver licence grant or renewal, or £349 for 3 years, effective from 1 April 2026, plus a £34 knowledge/safeguarding test and £12 DBS administration fee.
Do I pay the knowledge test fee every time I resit in Portsmouth?
Yes - the £34 knowledge/safeguarding test fee applies to each separate attempt.
Is there a separate DBS fee in Portsmouth?
Yes - Portsmouth charges a £12 DBS administration fee on top of the underlying DBS check cost.
Can I choose my Portsmouth taxi licence term?
Yes - you can choose a 1-year licence at £133 or a 3-year licence at £349.
When did Portsmouth's current taxi fees take effect?
From 1 April 2026, as published on the council's private hire licence fees page.
apply for licence is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth City Council's licensing team directly.