Whether you’re starting fresh or switching from another licensing authority, registering your vehicle with Wolverhampton City Council for Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) use is a crucial step. This guide breaks down everything you need: vehicle age limits, required documents, inspections, and costs — plus insider tips to speed things up. 

1. Vehicle Eligibility: Age & Type 

To qualify for a Wolverhampton PHV license, your vehicle must: 

• Be under 10 years old from the date of registration

• Be in excellent condition with no major damage

• Have at least 4 passenger doors

• Not be a category S or N write-off 

Popular choices:

• Toyota Prius

• Hyundai Ioniq

• Kia Niro

• BYD Atto 3 (Read: Top EVs for Uber in London – Auto Express)

🔗 Haven’t got your driver license yet? Wolverhampton PHV Driver License Guide

2. Required Documents Checklist

Before you book your inspection, have the following ready:

• V5C (logbook) with your name and correct address

• MOT Certificate 

• Insurance Certificate for private hire use 

• Vehicle Inspection Certificate (done through authorized providers)

• Proof of road tax 

• Bill of Sale (if newly purchased)

Optional but useful:

• Service history log

• HPI report to show vehicle is clear of finance 

3. The Vehicle Inspection Process

Wolverhampton only accepts inspections from TaxiPlus and NSL Testing.

What they check:

• Body condition, tyre tread, seatbelts, wipers, lights

• Emissions compliance 

• Roadworthiness (brake test, suspension)

💡Tip: Wash your vehicle thoroughly before inspection — even minor untidiness can affect pass rates.

4. PHV Plate Fees and Payment Info

Costs associated with vehicle registration:

• Vehicle License Fee: ~£140/year

• Plate Issuance: £35

• Admin Fee: £25–£30

• Optional delivery fee for plate

All payments are made via the Wolverhampton PHV Portal.

5. Submitting Your Vehicle Application

Once all inspections and documents are in hand:

• Register/login at Wolverhampton PHV Portal

• Upload required docs

• Choose “New PHV Vehicle Application”

• Enter vehicle info exactly as in V5C

• Book plate fitting or delivery

Turnaround time: 3–5 working days if no issues arise.

💡Tip: Start your vehicle application while waiting for your driver license. They can run in parallel to reduce downtime.  

Can I Work in London With a Wolverhampton PHV Plate?

Yes! Wolverhampton drivers can legally operate in:

• London

• Manchester

• Birmingham

• and most other cities

It’s one of the most flexible PHV licensing options available in the UK. 

🔗 Want to see how Wolverhampton stacks up against London? Wolverhampton vs. London PCO Licensing – Costs & Benefits Compared

Ready to Hit the Road?

Once your vehicle is approved and plated, you’re legally set to start accepting bookings on platforms like Uber, Bolt, and Ola.

🔗 If you haven’t started your driver license application yet, Click here to start your PHV licensing journey from the beginning!