Licence delays, goodwill payments and early renewal

TfL has told drivers that some licence applications took longer than normal. Two notices from early 2026 explain what TfL is doing about it, offer a one-off goodwill payment to some drivers, and ask renewing drivers to apply early. This guide puts them in plain English. It is a summary, not legal advice, and TfL's notices are the authority.

What notice 06/26 says about renewals

Notice 06/26 is dated 24 March 2026. TfL says it has increased staffing, set up quicker escalation routes, and focused mainly on renewals. It says it has reached a "consistently steady operating position" and aims to review renewal applications within around 10 working days of receipt.

TfL says drivers due to expire within the next six weeks remain a priority. It still asks everyone to renew as early as possible. In its words, applying early "significantly reduces the risk" of not being re-licensed in time.

The notice also says TfL continues to issue short-term PHV driver licences "where appropriate" and where specific criteria are met, to support existing drivers. The notice does not list those criteria. If your licence is close to expiry and your renewal is not finished, ask TfL through your online account or the contact details in your correspondence.

TfL's licence page adds that for existing drivers, applications are processed in order of licence expiry date. It says there is no fast-track service and that anyone offering one for an extra cost is acting fraudulently, and it gives an email address for reports.

What notice 06/26 says about new applications

If you are applying for the first time, TfL says new applications have taken longer to progress. After you pass all your assessments, TfL does a detailed review that can bring requests for more evidence. It says it is working through these cases in date order of the assessment result, and that it checks each new application for missing documents within 10 working days. The notice gives no overall timescale for a new licence, and we have not found one from TfL.

TfL lists things that can slow an application: unclear or incomplete documents, slow replies, unpassed assessments, out-of-date contact details and use of the wrong email address. It also says some steps depend on others, such as GP availability for medicals and DBS processing times.

The goodwill payment scheme (notice 03/26)

Notice 03/26 is dated 22 January 2026. It says new licensing software and recovery from an earlier cyber security incident led to delays for some existing drivers. TfL introduced a one-off goodwill payment for existing taxi and PHV drivers who were affected.

TfL's criteria, in summary:

• You were an existing taxi or PHV driver whose renewed licence was issued between 1 September 2024 and 31 December 2025.
• Your renewal was successful, and you are now licensed and have stayed licensed.
• You had a period when you were not licensed.
• You passed any mandatory assessments before your licence expired.

Payment equals a refund of the application and grant of licence fees. TfL says a higher amount applies if you had more than seven days without a licence. The amounts are in the notice. First-time applicants are not included. TfL says eligible licensees will be contacted directly and sent a cheque, and do not need to apply. If you think you qualify and have heard nothing, contact TfL. We cannot confirm timings or individual eligibility.

What drivers should do

1. Know your expiry date. It is on your badge. Put it in the licence reminder calendar.
2. Apply early. TfL gives no minimum notice period in these notices, so check its licence page. Our renewal planner helps you work back from your date.
3. Plan the slow parts. Book your medical if you are due one, and have your DBS and tax check details ready. See medical requirements and DBS and the Update Service.
4. Send complete, readable documents and reply fast. Use only the email addresses in TfL's letters, or upload through your online account.
5. Do not assume you can work after expiry. The notices do not say you can. Our renewing your licence guide covers badge and licence rules. Ask TfL in writing if you are unsure.

What we cannot confirm

• How long applications are taking today. The notices date from January and March 2026, and later notices may exist. Check TfL's notices page.
• The criteria for a short-term licence in any individual case.
• Whether you are eligible for the goodwill payment, or when it will arrive.
• Any right to work while a renewal is pending. Notice 03/26 says taxi drivers who applied before expiry could keep working under legislation, and does not say that for PHV drivers.

For fees, see our fees overview. For the whole process, see how to get a PHV licence.