A Vehicle for Hire (Taxi) endorsement is required for any business that transports passengers for a fee in for-hire vehicles, including:
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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:
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Be stable.
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Not be incapacitated from medications.
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Not need oxygen or medical attention en route.
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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:
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Auto stages.
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School buses operating exclusively under a contract to a school district.
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Ride-sharing vehicles (Uber, Lyft, etc.).
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Licensed limousine carriers.
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Vehicles used by nonprofit organizations to transport the elderly or people with disabilities and their attendants.
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Vehicles used by auto transportation companies.
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Vehicles used to provide courtesy transportation at no charge to and from parking lots, hotels, and rental offices.
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Vehicles licensed as excursion service carriers and charter carriers of passengers.
Licensing requirements and additional supporting documents
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Business License Application.
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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:
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Vehicle registration (copy) for each vehicle.
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Certificate of Insurance.
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The owner name and firm/trade name must be the same on the Business License Application, Vehicle Registration Certificate, and insurance.
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The use class on the Vehicle Registration Certificate must be “F/H” or “CAB.”
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The insurance information must:
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Include your policy number.
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Have policy effective and expiration dates that show current coverage.
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Display the name of the insurance company.
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Show minimum combined single limit coverage of $325,000 or split limit coverage of $300,000/$100,000/$25,000.
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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.
Change in name or address
Complete the For Hire/Limousine Name or Address Change form to report a change or address. When completed, email a copy of this form and any required documents to forhire@dol.wa.gov or fax to 360-570-4954.
State endorsement
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Fee
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For Hire Permit
(Required only if your city or county doesn’t endorse for-hire businesses.)
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$110
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For Hire Vehicle Certificate
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$55 per vehicle
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Taxi Meters
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$40 per meter
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