Taxi licence in Sefton: cost, how to apply and how long it takes
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 23 August 2026 · Facts checked against Sefton Council's own published pages on the date above
Sefton Council charges £126 for a 3-year taxi or private hire driver licence, whether new or renewal, plus a separate £50 application fee that applies to new drivers only, under fees effective from 1 April 2026 (Sefton Council, 23 August 2026).
The council also sets a minimum renewal fee of £60 for any shorter licence length.
This page sets out Sefton'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 Sefton 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 Sefton?
Sefton separates its one-off new applicant fee (£50) from its driver licence fee itself, so a first-time applicant pays more up front than someone simply renewing an existing licence (Sefton Council, 23 August 2026).
Sefton also guarantees a floor on renewal pricing - a minimum of £60 applies to any renewal, whatever length you choose, so shorter renewals aren't proportionally cheaper below that point.
What does a Sefton taxi or private hire driver licence cost?
Sefton's fees, effective from 1 April 2026, separate the driver licence fee from the new-applicant charge (Sefton Council, 23 August 2026).
Vehicle and operator licence fees, plus DBS and medical costs, are published in the council's full fee schedule PDF. Read Sefton Council's taxi licensing information →
✓ Checked against Sefton Council, 23 August 2026
What do you need to apply in Sefton?
| Requirement | Sefton's standard |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £50, payable by new drivers only, on top of the driver licence fee |
| Minimum renewal cost | £60, whatever length of renewal you choose |
| DBS check, medical, knowledge test | Covered on the council's "New Drivers" page - exact figures not confirmed on the pages we could access |
How do you apply for a Sefton taxi licence?
You apply directly to Sefton Council, following its published guidance for new drivers (Sefton Council, 23 August 2026).
- Read the council's "About Taxi Licensing" page and its dedicated "New Drivers" guidance.
- Gather the documents and checks listed - DBS, medical and knowledge test requirements.
- Submit your application and pay the £50 new applicant fee on top of the driver licence fee.
- Pay your driver licence fee - £126 for a 3-year licence, once approved.
How long does a Sefton taxi licence take?
We couldn't confirm a published working-day processing timescale on Sefton Council's main taxi licensing pages during our research (Sefton Council, 23 August 2026) - contact the council's licensing team directly for a realistic estimate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Sefton taxi licence cost?
£126 for a 3-year driver licence, new or renewal, plus a separate £50 application fee for new drivers only, effective from 1 April 2026.
Is there a minimum renewal fee in Sefton?
Yes - the council sets a minimum renewal fee of £60, whatever length of renewal you choose.
Do renewing Sefton drivers pay the £50 application fee?
No - the £50 application fee is only charged to new drivers, not to those renewing an existing licence.
Where can I find Sefton's full taxi fee schedule?
In the council's published fee schedule document, updated for 1 April 2026 - available via Sefton Council's taxi licensing pages.
Where do I actually apply for a Sefton taxi licence?
Directly with Sefton Council - 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 Sefton Council, GOV.UK or any government body. This page is general information, not legal or professional advice - for anything specific to your application, contact Sefton Council's licensing team directly.