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For-Hire Vehicles

The City of Tacoma requires that all owners of for-hire vehicles maintain a current For-Hire Vehicle license and a current City business license while operating within the city limits of Tacoma. 

 

Drivers of for-hire vehicles in Tacoma must have a valid City of Tacoma For-Hire Driver license at all times when picking up passengers.

 

New Vehicle License Application Process

 

Step 1:  Establish Affiliation with a Company

Obtain a Letter of Intent from a Transportation Services Company to use their name and colors. If you plan to open your own Transportation Services Company, visit the For-Hire Transportation Service Company page to get started

 

Step 2:  Prepare the Vehicle

Using the for-hire vehicle requirements as a guide, ready the vehicle for operation, i.e., paint, obtain insurance, install meter if needed, obtain Certificate of Safety etc. 

 

Step 3:  Apply for City License

Once the vehicle is ready submit an application and additional requirements to Tax & License at 747 Market Street, #212, Tacoma, WA.   

Step 4:  Vehicle Inspection and License Approval

If the vehicle is a metered vehicle, a City of Tacoma Tax & License Compliance Officer will contact the for-hire vehicle owner to schedule an inspection of the vehicle.  Once the vehicle passes inspection, the license will be approved, and a plate issued.   

 

If the vehicle is not metered a plate will be issued after the application is processed and license approved. 

 

Step 5: Done!

 

Vehicle License Renewals

Vehicle licenses are valid from July 1 - June 30.  A renewal notice will be mailed out in June with a due date of July 31st.  If you will not be renewing your vehicle license, the plate must be returned to the Tax & License office by June 30th. 



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