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Specific business licensing information for for-hire driver, vehicles and taxicabsA King County taxicab for for-hire vehicle license is required of any taxicab or for-hire vehicle whose driver(s) operate(s) in the following areas: all of unincorporated King County, Sea-Tac International Airport, and the city limits of Auburn, Bellevue, Burien, Enumclaw, Federal Way, Kenmore, Kirkland, Maple Valley, Redmond, Sammamish, SeaTac, and Shoreline. Operating a taxicab is defined as picking up passengers in these jurisdictions. At this time, King County has a moratorium on the issuance of new taxicab licenses; however, licenses can be transferred. Taxicabs and for-hire vehicles must be insured, meet safety standards, and have meters inspected and sealed. All drivers operating King County licensed taxicabs must have a King County for-hire driver's license. Drivers operating City of Seattle licensed taxicabs and for-hire vehicles must have a City of Seattle for-hire driver's license or a City of Seattle endorsement on their King County license. The City of Seattle contracts with King County to perform the licensing of for-hire drivers on behalf of the City. To apply for a license, a driver must be 21 years of age, have a Washington State driver's license, pass a written examination, attend a 2-day training program, be fingerprinted, and pass a physical examination conducted by a medical doctor. In addition, those seeking a City of Seattle license must attend association training, pass an oral examination, and purchase a City of Seattle Business License. Applications are accepted in person only at the downtown Licensing office. If you are applying for a new license, please arrive at the downtown Seattle office before 3:00 p.m. to ensure enough time for processing. Please bring the following:
|
King County Only |
King County/City Endorsement |
City of Seattle Only |
| License Fee - New |
$186 cash* |
$236 cash* |
$136 cash |
| License Fee - Renew |
$100 cash* |
$150 cash* |
$50 cash |
| Letter from Company |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
For Non-US Citizens: INS Card with Employment Authorization |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Washington State Driver's License |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Association Training Certificate - New Only |
N/A |
Yes |
Yes |
| Oral Exam Fee - New Only |
$35 (paid to South Seattle Community College) |
$35 (paid to South Seattle Community College) |
$35 (paid to South Seattle Community College) | * Effective January 1, 2010, the King County license application fee has increased to $100 for renewal applications and to $181 for new applications. * Per City of Seattle Ordinance #123472/Bill 117003, effective January 1, 2011, every applicant/driver with either a Seattle-only or dual Seattle/King County For Hire license will pay a $50.00 annual license fee for the city endorsement. Dual licenses will pay the $50.00 annual City of Seattle fee in addition to the regular King County fees. Upon successful completion of the written and/or oral examination and the 2-day training, a temporary license will be issued. Final license approval requires the following:
|
King County Only |
King County/City Endorsement |
City of Seattle Only |
| Physical Examination - New |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Physical Examination - Renew |
Every 3 years |
Every 3 years |
Every 3 years |
| City of Seattle Business License |
N/A |
$90
|
$90 | The Licensing Office has received information that due to a large number of new drivers, there is a severe shortage of King County and City of Seattle taxicabs available. Read more. (PDF) Public Disclosure Requests: To make a public records request to the Records and Licensing Services Division, mail or fax your request to: Sean Cockbain King County Records and Licensing Services Division 411 King County Administration Building 500 4th Ave Seattle, WA 98104 FAX 206-296-4029 For questions or comments regarding information found on this Web page, contact Jeannie Chow or call (206) 205-6171. |