Vehicle for Hire (Taxi)
A Vehicle for Hire (Taxi) endorsement is required for any business that transports passengers for a fee in for-hire vehicles, including:
- Taxicabs, which are motor vehicles that transport people for a fee and do not have a fixed route or fixed starting and ending points.
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Cabulances that transport riders confined to a wheelchair or otherwise physically restricted so they cannot be safely transported by public mass transportation, taxicabs, or automobiles.
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Riders transported by cabulance must:
- Be stable.
- Not be incapacitated from medications.
- Not need oxygen or medical attention en route.
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Riders transported by cabulance must:
- Any other vehicles used for transporting passengers for payment.
Endorsement exemptions
Businesses that operate the following types of vehicles do not need a for hire endorsement:
- Auto stages.
- School buses operating exclusively under a contract to a school district.
- Ride-sharing vehicles.
- Licensed limousine carriers.
- Vehicles used by nonprofit organizations to transport the elderly or people with disabilities and their attendants.
- Vehicles used by auto transportation companies.
- Vehicles used to provide courtesy transportation at no charge to and from parking lots, hotels, and rental offices.
- Vehicles licensed as excursion service carriers and charter carriers of passengers.
Licensing requirements and additional supporting documents
- Business License Application.
- For Hire Addendum signed by the local approving authority, or a copy of your local jurisdiction license.
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Gather the following documentation:
- Vehicle registration (copy) for each vehicle.
- Certificate of Insurance.
- The owner name and firm/trade name must be the same on the Business License Application, Vehicle Registration Certificate, and insurance.
- The use class on the Vehicle Registration Certificate must be “F/H” or “CAB”.
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The insurance information must:
- Include your policy number.
- Have policy effective and expiration dates that show current coverage.
- Display the name of the insurance company.
- Show minimum combined single limit coverage of $325,000 or split limit coverage of $300,000/$100,000/$25,000.
- Show year, make and complete VIN number of each car, which must match Vehicle Registration Certificate.
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List the certificate of holder as - State of Washington, Department of Licensing, PO Box 9039, Olympia, WA 98507-9039.
State endorsement |
Fee |
For Hire Permit |
$110 |
For Hire Vehicle Certificate |
$55 per vehicle |
Taxi Meters |
$40 per meter |
Additional fees
State tax registration | $0 |
Registering your business name as a trade name | $5 |
Business License Application fee | Variable fee |
How to apply
Online
Online assistance
Setting up your business licensing and tax account
How to add a state endorsement
By mail
Complete the licensing requirements above and mail to:
Business Licensing Service
P.O. Box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034
Resources
Business Licensing Service
360-705-6741
Regulatory questions
Department of Licensing
Phone: 360-664-6466
Fax: 360-570-7053