Licence - taxicabs - vehicle for hire - limousines - Uber

Businesses can apply for new licenses online or in-person by booking appointments. Visit toronto.ca/Licences and search for your licence category for more information or to book appointments. 

Driver Training Accreditation Program

New driver licence applicants for taxicab, limousine and private transportation company (PTC) such as Lyft and Uber need to successfully complete a approved driver training program approved by the City, as a requirement of licence issuance. 

Licensing of Vehicle-For-Hire

You will need a licence from Municipal Licensing & Standards (ML&S) if you are:

  • Taxicab owner, operator or broker
  • Limousine owner or service company
  • Private transportation company (PTC), for example Uber or Lyft

More information on vehicle-for-hire licensing is available on the City of Toronto website.

Taxicab and Limousine drivers

Taxicab and limousine driver applicants must  have a valid Province of Ontario Class G (or higher) driver's licence and have at least three years of driving experience.

You must provide:

  • Two pieces of government-issued identification, one of which must demonstrate proper work status
  • An original Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check issued by a Canadian Police Service within 280 days before you submit your application
  • Certificate of completion of a City approved driver training program
  • Application fee

Further information on taxicab or limousine driver (Vehicle-for-Hire -Driver) including requirements, who can apply, how to apply, application fees can be found on the City of Toronto website.

Private Transportation Company Drivers (PTC)

The City does not issue PTC driver's licenses directly to individuals. The PTC will apply for a PTC driver's licence on your behalf. Contact your PTC for more information on the documents you need to submit.

Information such as a criminal record check and driver's record will be shared with the City.

You will need a PTC driver's licence even if you have a vehicle-for-hire driver licence to drive a taxicab or limousine. A separate licence is required for every PTC you are a driver for. Contact your PTC directly if you have question about your application.

More information on drivers for Private Transportation Companies (PTC)  including screening criteria, application feeds, safety standard certificates can be found on the City of Toronto website.

Renewal 

Your licence is valid for one year and needs to be renewed on the anniversary of the date that the licence was first issued. Renew your licence by the renewal date to avoid paying late fees. If you fail to renew your licence within 90 days of the renewal date, your licence will be cancelled and you will have to reapply.

Change in licence ownership

Licenses issued by ML&S are not transferable. The new owner must make a new application with ML&S to issue a new licence.

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