For-Hire Transportation Service Companies operating in Tacoma are an essential part of the City’s overall transportation system. The Tacoma Municipal Code regulates for-hire companies, drivers and vehicles to provide for a safe, fair and efficient operation in the city.
The City of Tacoma issues licenses to for-hire drivers, for-hire vehicles and for-hire transportation service companies doing business in Tacoma and/or unincorporated Pierce County.
Application Process for a For-Hire Transportation Services Company
Step 1: Color Scheme Approval
Submit a Color Scheme Request Application to the Tax & License division for approval. The proposed color scheme will be reviewed and the applicant will receive notification of approval or denial within two to four business days.
Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle
Upon approval of the color scheme and 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. Complete packet of information can be printed here.
Step 3: Apply for City Business License
Once the vehicle is ready, submit a City of Tacoma Business License Application and the additional requirements listed below 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!
Quarterly Trip Fee Report
Per Tacoma Municipal Code 6B.220.140.A.2.a for-hire transportation service companies shall pay a $.10 per ride fee for all rides originating in the City of Tacoma for each vehicle not meeting the criteria of an ‘Accessible for-hire vehicle’ as defined by subsection 6B.220.130. Quarterly Reports are due to the City Tax & License Division every quarter.
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.