How to check a TfL private hire operator

A genuine London private hire operator should have a TfL operator licence. Checking the operator behind a quote is a useful step, particularly when you are using a business for the first time.

Use TfL's licence checker

TfL provides a public licence checker covering private hire operators, drivers and vehicles. If you want independent confirmation of an operator's status, use the TfL checker and compare the details with the information supplied by the operator.

What Cab Exchange displays

Cab Exchange operator profiles are designed to show the operator's trading name, TfL operator licence number, licensed/public operating address, telephone number and marketplace verification status, alongside reviews and relevant profile information.

Our verification is a marketplace access control. Customers can still perform their own check using TfL's public licensing information.

Check the booking confirmation too

The operator licence is only one part of a private hire journey. Once the operator has handled the booking, TfL says the customer should receive a booking confirmation before the journey starts. That confirmation should contain specified details about the driver and vehicle.

When the vehicle arrives

Compare the arriving vehicle and driver with the information provided in the operator's booking confirmation. TfL says licensed private hire vehicles normally display licence discs and private hire drivers carry TfL-issued identification.

Why Cab Exchange verifies operators before quoting

Allowing an unverified account to price customer enquiries would undermine trust in the exchange. Cab Exchange therefore uses an operator verification status before marketplace bidding is enabled, and can suspend marketplace access if an operator's status or details become a concern.

Official sources and further reading

Guides are general information, not legal advice. Licensing rules and operator requirements can change; check TfL for the current position.