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: Review Vehicle Requirements
Step 2: 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 you must submit an application to the Tax & License office for approval prior to registering your vehicles.
Step 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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.