A King County taxicab or 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 | $175 cash | $175 cash | $175 cash |
| License Fee - Renew | $80 cash | $80 cash | $80 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) |
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 | $80 |
$90 |
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 206-296-3185
For questions or comments regarding information found on this Web page, contact Jeannie Chow or call (206) 296-2710.