Apply for a taxi operator licence

Anyone applying or renewing a taxi operator licence (TOL) or to make changes to an existing licence must do so online. Paper applications are no longer accepted.

Before you start

To access DVA Online you must have a nidirect account and have had your identity verified. You will then be able to log in to the service and link your licences. To find out more about identity assurance and the documents you need to verify your identity see:

Identity assurance

If you already have an account, or need to create an account, you can log in to the service using the green button below.

Your driver licence details also need to be right to use the online service. More information about keeping your driving licence up-to-date can be found at:

Keeping your driving licence up-to-date

Additional information

Manage my DVA taxi and bus account

If you already have a nidirect account and a current taxi operator licence you can renew or make changes through DVA Online. Customer guidance is available at:

Manage my DVA taxi or bus account

Apply for a licence

You should apply for your TOL at least eight weeks before you wish to start operating, to allow time for the application to be processed. The application fee is £140.

There are two types of operator’s licence:

small operator - a maximum of two taxi vehicles available for use at any one time
large operator - no restrictions on the number of taxi vehicles available for use at any one time

You cannot change the type of operator’s licence once it has been assessed – you need to send a completely new application if you want to upgrade or downsize your operations. Further information and guidance on the application process can be found in the Taxi Operator Handbook at:

Taxi Operator Handbook

For information on how an application for a TOL is assessed see:

Assessing an application for a taxi operator licence

Grant of a licence

If your initial application for a TOL is successful, you will need to pay for the ‘Grant of Licence’. The cost is based on the type of licence, the length of licence, and the number of vehicles in your business.

To note: You must have at least one person available who holds a valid Taxi Driver Licence and at least one vehicle available with a valid PSV before you can complete the grant stage of your application.

To find more information about the fees see:

TOL Fee Guide

For queries about applying for a taxi operator licence, email: TaxiandBusLicensing@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk

For queries about your identity check, email: nida@nidirect.gov.uk

To find out how personal information you send to the passenger transport licensing division will be handled when using this service go to: DVA passenger transport licensing division privacy notice.

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