You must renew your licence prior to the date of expiry. To ensure the continuity of your licence, you must submit all documents no later than 10 working days before to the expiry date. Failure to submit the necessary paperwork or make payment will result in your licence expiring.

Reminders to renew your licence will be sent out by email 2 months before the expiry date. It is your responsibility to renew on time and reminders are sent out as a courtesy. If you do not keep your email address up to date you will not receive any reminders.

You are required to renew your licence on an annual basis.

New check and scan service

If you need assistance with your renewal application, we now offer a check and scan service by appointment only.

For a fee of £25, we will check that all your documents are in order and we will scan your application for you. It is your responsibility to ensure you bring all the necessary documents to the appointment. You will see a member of staff in the reception at the Civic Offices in Bournemouth.

Bookings are now available on request. 

If you would like to book an appointment, please call 01202 123 789. You will need to pay the fee at this time and an appointment confirmation will be emailed to you.

Vehicle requirements

From 1 January 2024, if your vehicle does not meet the Euro 6 emission standard or equivalent you must replace it prior to the renewal date in 2024.

As of 31 December 2024, all hackney carriages will need to meet the new BCP livery requirements and private hire vehicles can no longer be white in colour.

How to renew your vehicle licence

Valid renewal applications must be fully submitted prior to the expiry of your vehicle licence. A valid application includes all necessary paperwork and the payment.

If nothing is submitted by the expiry date, your licence will be deemed lapsed. If you do not submit all the necessary paperwork before the expiry date your licence will be suspended until we receive it all.

The following must be provided:

• fully completed vehicle licence renewal application form
• DVSA MOT Certificate
• Mechanical Inspection Certificate (Southcote Road/Hatchpond)
• DVSA vehicle registration document V5 – all pages
• certificate of motor insurance showing hire and reward cover - insurance must be valid at renewal date and for at least 2 weeks after renewal date
• a basic DBS check for all proprietors named on the renewal form if they are not licenced drivers
• proof of payment of the appropriate renewal fees

For wheelchair accessible vehicles, you will also need to provide:

• a valid LOLER certificate confirming hoist/lifting equipment has been inspected
• a certificate of training for each named driver as evidence that each driver is fully aware of the safe method for loading, securing and unloading of wheelchair users for this vehicle 

Training can be done at Value Training Group or Dorset Council Training team by emailing dorsettraveltraining@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk - be sure to state the reason for your enquiry is Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle training and provide your full name and contact details.

We will be unable to process your renewal until we receive all of the above documents and proof of payment.

If insurance, MOT or mechanical check certificates expire in the 14 days following the renewal date, the licence will not be issued until updated documents are received.

What happens next

If all the necessary documents are received and payment has been made, you will be issued with a licence for one year.