Taxi and Vehicle for Hire Permits

Process Overview

Obtain a business license, submit the Fleet Management Permit Application, and pay the Permit Application Fee at:
The Emeryville Cashier Counter
1333 Park Ave, Emeryville
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm; 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Please note that the fee is due before the application can be processed and is non-refundable. Payment by cash, check, or card. The permit must be secured before any vehicle permits can be sought.
Schedule the Taxicab Safety Inspection by calling 510.596.3723. You will be notified by mail of the date and time for the inspection. There are only 150 vehicle permits available in the city on a first come, first serve basis, so companies are encouraged to immediately schedule their safety inspections upon completion of the Fleet Management Application Process. Bring exact cash for the Taxicab Safety Inspection Fee to the inspection.
Every taxi driver in the fleet must submit a Taxi Driver’s Permit form and pay the Taxi Driver's Annual Permit fee to:
The Emeryville Cashier Counter
1333 Park Ave, Emeryville
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm; 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Please note that the fee is due before the application can be processed and is non-refundable. Payment by cash, check, or card. The permit must be secured before the applicant can drive in the city. The Taxi Driver's Permit forms can also be submitted along with the Fleet Management Permit Application.

Required Documents

The following documents are required as part of your Fleet Management Permit Application:

Certified Copy of a current and valid Fictitious Business Name Certificate/Statement (i.e. DBA - Doing Business As...)
Proof of Payment for business license
Information for up to ten vehicles, including make, model, year, mileage, license plate, and copy of the current registration.* Also include a photo of the proposed color scheme for each taxicab.
Insurance information: insurance must name the registered owner of the vehicle, fleet management permittee, and any permitted taxi drivers for at least $100,000 for a combined single limit per accident (see section 4-8.1.8 of the Tax Ordinance for complete text on Insurance Requirements).
Taxi Driver’s Permit form (AKA background checks) for each driver in a fleet. If these are submitted separately, they must be accompanied by written acknowledgment from the Fleet Manager naming such drivers as employees under their Fleet Management Permit and acknowledging that the Fleet Manager will ensure these drivers comply with the Taxicab Ordinance. Taxi Driver's Permits must be renewed every calendar year; they are valid January - December. Taxi Driver's Permit applications must include:
- The name and current address of applicant
- Criminal records (if applicable)
- Recent photograph (taken no later than 6 months prior to the date of the application)
- Complete set of fingerprints
- Drug and alcohol test results for all drivers must be submitted directly to the Police Department along with the Taxi Driver's Permit

License Fees

All fees except the Taxicab Safety Inspection Fee must be processed through the Cashier Desk, 1333 Park Ave, Emeryville. Please note that fees are effective 7/1/2022 and are subject to change; you are responsible for double checking the amount on Emeryville’s Master Fee Schedule.

Business License Fee: The operational permit fee is $59 plus an annual business license tax of $200. There is a $10 annual renewal fee.
Non-refundable Fleet Management Permit Fee: $377 - Certified Copy of Emeryville Police Department Vehicle Inspection Report (to be used by other cities): $53
Taxi Driver’s Annual Permit Fee: $187/driver
Taxicab Safety Inspection Fee: $91/vehicle - this fee must be paid in exact cash on the day of the vehicle inspection