Transportation Service Companies
For-hire Transportation Service Companies in Tacoma are a vital part of the City’s transportation system. The Tacoma Municipal Code regulates for-hire companies, drivers, and vehicles to ensure safe, fair, and efficient operations within the city. The City of Tacoma licenses for-hire drivers, vehicles, and transportation service companies conducting business in Tacoma and unincorporated Pierce County.
Application Process for a For-Hire Transportation Services Company
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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.
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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.
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Once the vehicle is ready, submit a City of Tacoma Business License Application and the additional requirements listed below to:
Tax & License
747 Market Street, Room 212
Tacoma, WA 98402.- Copy of the Motor Vehicle Registration
- Copy of Insurance Policy or Certificate of Insurance
- For-hire vehicle license fee of $75 (per vehicle)
- Meter Inspection fee of $50 (if meter in vehicle)
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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.
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 30.
For-Hire Dispatch Records
Per the Tacoma Municipal Code (TMC) 6B.220.180 maintenance of dispatch services is required and per TMC 6B.220.160 allows the Director to examine any records related to compliance of for-hire transportations services. To learn more review License Rule 1004, For-Hire Dispatch Records.