Taxi or Private Hire operators

The Council is responsible for the processing of all licence applications including taxi operators.

Completed application forms will only be accepted if delivered in person by the applicant to the

Community Hub, William Patrick Library, 2-4 West High Street, Kirkintilloch, Glasgow, G66 1AD or Community Hub, Bearsden Library, 69 Drymen Road, Bearsden, G61 3QT, Community Hub, Bishopbriggs Library, 170 Kirkintilloch Road, Bishopbriggs, G64 2LX or Community Hub, 46 Main Street, Lennoxtown, G66 7JJ together with the appropriate fee. Proof of ID will also be required to be shown along with appropriate authority if the applicant is a company or partnership.

In respect of partnerships, all partners are required to attend in person and produce appropriate ID in order for the application to be processed.

In addition to the delegated powers to grant licences, the Council's Civic Government Appeals Board is the licensing authority for miscellaneous applications under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 which include the licensing of taxi operators.

The standard conditions which attach to a taxi operator's or private hire operator's licence are published within the documents section of this page.

Payment Details

A licence fee of £550.00 is payable for 3 years.

Application fees are non-refundable in the event that your application for a licence is unsuccessful.

Apply for 

Please view attached forms.

Failed Application Redress

If you wish to appeal against a decision you may do so to the local sheriff within 28 days of the decision. The sheriff can only uphold an appeal if they consider that the licensing authority:

  • erred in law
  • used incorrect material fact when making their decision
  • acted contrary to natural justice
  • didn't exercise their discretion in a reasonable manner

Appeals against a sheriff's decision can be made to the Court of Session within 28 days of the decision.

Licence Holder Redress

If you wish to appeal against a decision you may do so to the local sheriff within 28 days of the decision. The sheriff can only uphold an appeal if they consider that the licensing authority:

  • erred in law
  • used incorrect material fact when making their decision
  • acted contrary to natural justice
  • didn't exercise their discretion in a reasonable manner

Appeals against a sheriff's decision can be made to the Court of Session within 28 days of the decision.

Consumer Complaint

If you wish to appeal against a decision to grant a licence and you are a valid objector, you may do so to the local sheriff within 28 days of the decision. The sheriff can only uphold an appeal if they consider that the licensing authority:

  • erred in law
  • used incorrect material fact when making their decision
  • acted contrary to natural justice
  • didn't exercise their discretion in a reasonable manner

Appeals against a sheriff's decision can be made to the Court of Session within 28 days of the decision.

Have you got the drive to take your career in a new direction?

Are you ready to go places? The Council is encouraging applications for new Taxi Operator Licences to increase the number of vehicles available locally.Leaflet of a taxi with text: Ready to go places in 2024? Take your career in a new direction by becoming a taxi driver in East Dunbartonshire. The Council is encouraging applications for new taxi operator licences. Find out more details and apply – visit www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/taxi-operators

You don't even need to have a car or insurance before you apply – you can sort all of that when it is confirmed a licence will be granted.

You can apply for up to two Operator Licences. Once confirmation has been given that all checks are complete, you will then need to submit full vehicle details – including registration number, insurance information and proof of ownership – prior to the licence being granted and plates being issued.

Anyone who is intending to drive a taxi also requires a separate Taxi Driver Licence from the Council.

Councillor Gordan Low, Convener of the Policy and Resources Committee and Council Leader, said, "We're keen to increase the number of taxis available locally – helping to support residents, businesses and schools who rely on their vital services.

"Work is taking place to support the trade and encourage potential new operators, including flexibility as regards vehicle ownership and insurance before a licence is granted. If you're interested, please get in touch and find out more."

To apply, download an application form – please note you do not have to fill in all of Section 4 of the form if you do not own a vehicle at this stage, but you most confirm the make and model of the vehicle you intend to use to ensure that it is permitted.

Taxi Fare Review

East Dunbartonshire Council ("the Council") undertook a review of taxi fares in East Dunbartonshire. Following the periods of consultation (18 October 2018 to 15 February 2019), the Council reviewed the existing scales and determined that the fare scales should remain unchanged. These scales are set out in the Fare Card which become effective from 17 May 2019.