Changing or exchanging an SPSV vehicle licence

There are five steps in changing the vehicle on an SPSV licence

Step 1 – Overview
You can change the vehicle associated with an SPSV licence, provided the replacement vehicle is roadworthy, suitable for use as an SPSV and suitably equipped. Check the Suitable Vehicle List and the Initial Suitability Inspection Manual in our Forms and Guide section for more details.

Step 2 – What to do with the vehicle being replaced
Before you dispose of the vehicle that you are replacing on the licence, you should:

1. Remove the tamper-proof discs from the front and rear windows of the vehicle
2. Remove the roof sign (if applicable)
3. Remove the taximeter and printer (if applicable)
4. Remove the taxi branding from the front doors of the vehicle (if applicable)

Remember you must bring the tamper-proof discs with you to the Initial Suitability Inspection of the replacement vehicle;

Step 3 – Required documentation
You must have the following to hand when calling to book the Initial Suitability Inspection for the replacement vehicle, as you will need to give the details over the phone:

• Your PPSN;
• An insurance certificate for the replacement vehicle; and
• An NCT certificate for the replacement vehicle.

You will be unable to book an Initial Suitability Inspection unless your documentation is valid and verifiable online.

Book an appointment by calling 0818 064 000. Booking appointments may be made only by the licence holder; security questions will be asked to confirm the caller’s identity. The NTA validates all documentation online at the time of booking, and verifies your ownership of the vehicle or your legal right to use and possess it.

When booking your appointment, you will also be required to pay the licence and inspection fees by credit or debit card.

Step 4 – Submitting the vehicle for its Initial Suitability Inspection
The Initial Suitability Inspection takes place at one of the vehicle licensing centres around the country.

Make sure that you have all the following required documentation before you attend the vehicle’s Initial Suitability Assessment:

• Original certificate of insurance in the name of the prospective licence holder
• Proof of ownership or legal entitlement to use of the vehicle for a period of not less than 12 months will be required at all Licence Renewal Inspections for all SPSV vehicle licence categories. Consult Guide G6 for further details.

Once you have satisfied the NTA’s licensing conditions and your vehicle has passed the Initial Suitability Inspection, the licence details are updated and the Licensing Inspector applies tamper-proof licence discs to the front and rear windows of the replacement vehicle. The licence period for the replacement vehicle starts from the date of its Initial Suitability Inspection, irrespective of the expiry date of the licence for the previous vehicle.

You must not begin operating the replacement vehicle as an SPSV before you have completed the change-of-vehicle licensing process.

Inspections can be rescheduled or cancelled for free at any time prior to the last working day before the inspection. On the last working day before the inspection they can be rescheduled or cancelled for a fee of  €45. It is not possible to cancel or reschedule on the day of the inspection. If you fail to arrive for your scheduled appointment you will lose 100% of the booking fee. 

Step 5– Taximeter verification and sealing (taxis and wheelchair accessible taxis only).
Once the vehicle has passed the Initial Suitability Inspection and the licence has been issued, you should make an appointment with Legal Metrology Services to arrange verification and sealing of the taximeter. You should retain any verification appointment letter in the vehicle until the taximeter is verified and sealed.

It is a criminal offence to operate without a current spsv vehicle licence. A conviction for this offence attracts a penalty of up to €5,000.

Age rules