Help/Assistance

Other sources of help, information, and references:

Subject matter expert contact information:

(360) 664-6466

forhire@dol.wa.gov

Taxi

(Vehicle for Hire)
Description/Purpose

The permit authorizes for hire operators to operate for hire vehicles.

Triggers and activities which would require this permit

Any individual or business that transports passengers for a fee must have a For Hire permit, including:

  • Taxicabs, which are motor vehicles that transport people for a fee and don’t have a fixed route or fixed starting and ending points.
  • Cabulances that transport riders who are confined to a wheelchair or otherwise physically restricted so they can’t be safely transported by public mass transportation, taxicabs, or automobiles.
  • Any other vehicles used for transporting passengers for payment.
Costs/Fees
see details
110

$110.00 - One-time application fee

Statutory Details: WAC 308-89-060

RCW 46.72

Prepared from information and data submitted for calendar year 2024.

Application Information

Submitted applications must include a signed addendum (https://dor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Docs/forms/BLS/700200.pdf); vehicle registration certificates (https://www.dol.wa.gov/business/taxis/docs/taxi-registration-sample.pdf) and certification of liability insurance.

Taxi/For Hire permit applications are submitted to the Department of Revenue Business Licensing Services (DOR) and jointly processed by DOL and DOR.

Apply online with the Department of Revenue (dor.wa.gov)

You will need:

  • A valid email address, if you'd like your license and vehicle certificates emailed to you for faster service
  • Supporting documents shown below, ready for upload.
  • Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit/debit card (transaction fee charged) or bank account information for E-check to pay:
    • Applicable BLS fees
    • For Hire license, vehicle certificate, and taxi meter fees

Apply by mail:

  1. Complete or obtain the following:
  2. Mail the completed forms and supporting documents with a check/money order payable to the Department of Revenue for the BLS fees and the for hire license, vehicle certificate, and taxi meter fees to:
          State of Washington
          Business Licensing Service
          PO Box 9034
          Olympia, WA 98507–9034
Agency Analysis
111
n/a
n/a
13
n/a
13
n/a
2
see details

DOL considers applications backlogged if they have not been touched for 14 business days after being received.

Prepared from information and data submitted for calendar year 2024.

Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average days from Receipt to Complete: 16.3
Maximum days from Receipt to Complete: 150

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average days from Complete Application to Decision: 1
Maximum days from Complete Application to Decision: 1


(Summary results based on 780 submittals in 2024)

Published Decision Time
n/a

1 day
Statutory Details: None

Prepared from information and data submitted for calendar year 2024.

Legal authority
Contacts
Department of Licensing, Transportation Services - Taxis
PO Box 9034
Olympia WA 98507-9039
Email: forehire@dol.wa.gov
Website: https://www.dol.wa.gov
Telephone: (360) 664-6466
* Credential details last updated 8/14/2023
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