Taxi licence in Walsall: cost, how to apply and how long it takes
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 23 August 2026 · Facts checked against Walsall Council's own published pages on the date above
Walsall Council is unusual in offering a short-term driver licence option - from £27.50 for 3 months up to £180 for the full 3 years for a private hire or hackney carriage badge, or up to £190 for a dual badge - on top of a £60 driver training course and test, and a £61.72 DBS application (Walsall Council, 23 August 2026).
The council warns it can take up to 2 months for your licence to be issued once you've applied.
This page sets out Walsall'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 Walsall 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 Walsall?
Walsall offers more term-length choices than most councils - 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 2 years or 3 years - rather than just an annual-or-3-year split, which can suit drivers who want to test the trade before committing to a longer badge (Walsall Council, 23 August 2026).
The council also flags that processing can take up to 2 months, longer than many other authorities publish, so factor that into your planning.
What does a Walsall taxi or private hire driver licence cost?
Walsall's fees page lists driver licence costs by term length, with a slightly higher rate for a dual badge covering both hackney carriage and private hire (Walsall Council, 23 August 2026).
You can pay online, and Walsall notes it can take up to 2 months for your licence to be issued. Read Walsall Council's full fees page →
✓ Checked against Walsall Council, 23 August 2026
What do you need to apply in Walsall?
| Requirement | Walsall's standard |
|---|---|
| Driver Training Course (DTC) | Mandatory, £60, includes the test |
| Hackney carriage knowledge test | Mandatory for hackney carriage applicants, £30 |
| DBS check | Mandatory, £61.72 |
| Licence term | Your choice - 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 2 years or 3 years |
How do you apply for a Walsall taxi licence?
Walsall Council runs a dedicated online application route for private hire, hackney carriage and dual badge drivers (Walsall Council, 23 August 2026).
- Book and complete the Driver Training Course (£60), including the test.
- Sit the hackney carriage knowledge test (£30) if applicable to your badge type.
- Apply for your DBS check (£61.72).
- Choose your licence term - from 3 months up to 3 years - and pay online.
- Allow up to 2 months for your licence to be issued.
How long does a Walsall taxi licence take?
Walsall Council says it can take up to 2 months for your licence to be issued once you've applied and paid online (Walsall Council, 23 August 2026) - longer than the timescales some neighbouring councils publish, so apply well ahead of when you need to start driving.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Walsall taxi licence cost?
From £27.50 for a 3-month private hire/hackney carriage badge up to £180 for 3 years (£190 for a 3-year dual badge), plus a £60 driver training course and a £61.72 DBS application.
Can I get a short-term taxi licence in Walsall?
Yes - Walsall offers 3-month, 6-month, 12-month, 2-year and 3-year terms, giving more flexibility than councils that only offer annual or 3-year options.
How long does a Walsall taxi licence take to process?
The council says it can take up to 2 months for your licence to be issued once you've applied.
What's a dual badge in Walsall?
A single licence covering both hackney carriage and private hire driving, priced slightly higher than a single-type badge at each term length.
Do I need a knowledge test in Walsall?
A hackney carriage knowledge test (£30) applies to hackney carriage applicants; all applicants also complete the £60 Driver Training Course and test.
apply for licence is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Walsall Council, GOV.UK or any government body. This page is general information, not legal or professional advice - for anything specific to your application, contact Walsall Council's licensing team directly.