Badge and licence rules

When you are licensed you receive a PHV driver's licence and a PHV driver's badge (also called photographic ID). The handbook sets out how to handle both.

Your licence

• It normally lasts three years. If it is shorter, the letter that comes with it explains why.
• Keep it at home in a safe place and give a copy to each licensed private hire operator you work with.
• If a police officer or TfL Authorised Officer asks to see it, you must let them see it there and then, or within a maximum of seven days.
• Operators must keep copies of your PHV driver's licence and your driving licence.
• It can come with conditions, for example extra medical checks. They are explained in the letter sent with it. Keep the letter and follow the conditions, or the licence may be revoked.
• Respond to letters, emails and other contact from TfL.

Your badge

• Wear it at all times when you are working as a PHV driver. That includes waiting for a booking and travelling to pick up a passenger.
• Make sure other people can clearly see it.
• The exception is if TfL has given you an exemption. You then receive an exemption notice, which you must carry at all times when working.
• It shows your name, photograph, licence number and the date your licence period ends. Passengers can check it against the details your operator gives them.
• If a passenger asks for your licence number, let them see your badge so they can write it down. It includes Braille so a vision-impaired person can know you are licensed.
• It is for you only. You must not let anyone else use it to carry out bookings.

If your badge or licence is lost or stolen

1. Report it to TfL immediately.
2. If your badge was stolen, also report it to the police and ask for a crime reference number.
3. Without your badge you cannot continue working as a PHV driver.
4. TfL will replace it. If you then find the original, you must return it to TfL.

Who owns them

Your badge and licence remain TfL's property at all times, including after they expire. You must return them when they pass the expiry date or when you are no longer licensed.

If your licence is suspended or revoked

If it is revoked, return it to TfL within seven days. If you do not, or if it was suspended or revoked with immediate effect, TfL may send an Authorised Officer to take it. If you own a licensed private hire vehicle, TfL may also decide to revoke the vehicle licence when public safety is at risk. See what you must tell TfL for the things you need to report.

Renewing soon? See licence delays and early renewal.