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Application process and fees
Learn about the application process and fees associated with for-hire licenses and permits. If you will drive for a taxi or for-hire company, you will need a license. If you will drive for a transportation network company (TNC), you need a permit.
Taxi or for-hire driver license
First time applicants must complete all of the steps below.
If you are renewing your license, complete the application step only.
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Prepare for the exam
Prepare for the exam by:
Download, print, or screenshot your confirmation of completion to submit with your application.
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Pass the exam
Pass the for-hire exam by scoring 80% or higher or by answering a minimum of 32 questions correctly. Download, print, or screenshot your confirmation of completion to submit with your application.
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Submit your application
New and renewal applications can be submitted online through the Seattle Services Portal.
You can submit an application online on your own or you can email ForHireDriver@kingcounty.gov to schedule an appointment with our staff to guide you through the process.
Please note: if your state driver license number has changed since your last application, you will need an appointment with us in order to complete the online process.
First time portal users must complete the registration process (step-by-step details are available).
- Register for a Seattle Services Portal account
- Provide identity verification information to obtain secure access to your records
- Select "Claim Your License Record(s)" to link any existing licenses (for-hire license, medallions, etc.) to your account
New applicants can use this new application help guide to submit a license application.
Renewing drivers can use this renewal help guide to submit a license renewal.
During the application process, have a credit or debit card for the license application fee and your Washington State Driver License ready to verify your identity and eligibility (out of state exceptions may be allowed with Military or Student ID). You will also be asked to acknowledge the Disclosure Regarding Background Investigation and to provide a passport quality photo of yourself or take a photo in our office.
Want help? Review how to guides and frequently asked questions or email us at ForHireDriver@kingcounty.gov.
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Complete Defensive Driving Course (DDC)
Within 60 days of submitting your initial application, you must:
- Complete the DDC
- Mail, fax, or email your certificate to ForHireDriver@kingcounty.gov.
- If you pre-paid the discounted course fee with your for-hire license application, you can login at Safety Serve.
- If you did not pre-pay for the course, you can get started by choosing the course from available courses at Safety Serve.
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Display your medallion/license
The medallion license plates with the current year decal must be affixed to the outside of the vehicle.
The for-hire driver license must be visible to passengers inside the vehicle.
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) certification
To obtain the WAV endorsement on your regional for-hire driver's license, you must submit proof you have successfully completed a director-approved training for providing for-hire transportation services in wheelchair accessible vehicles. After you complete WAV training, you may request to add the WAV endorsement during your initial application process, at renewal, or by submitting an amendment.
Renewal
Your taxi or for-hire driver license expires one year from your original application date. Your license must be renewed each year.
Application fees
King County processes applications and collects regional for-hire driver license fees for King County and on behalf of the City of Seattle.
Please note, if you are using a credit card, there is a convenience fee that is charged by our banking service provider as well as the credit card interchanges that facilitate the transaction. No part of the convenience fee goes to King County.
There are no application fees associated with obtaining a TNC permit. The Licensing and Regulation fee is paid through a per-trip fee of $0.23 (County) or $0.18 (City of Seattle) collected by the TNC. The TNC also pays a $0.10 per-trip fee for the Wheelchair Accessible Services Fund.
| Regional for-hire driver's license (taxi and for-hire drivers) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual regional for-hire driver's license fee - County | $25 |
| Annual regional for-hire driver's license fee - City | $25 |
| Third-party background check fee | $24 |
| Third-party driving history report fee | $16 |
| Total | $90 |
| Other related fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| License/permit replacement | $5 |
| License late fee - County & City | $17 |
| National Safety Council's DDC online exam The fee is discounted if you add it to your license application. |
$9 if added to application $41.25 direct with DDC |
| City of Seattle Business License | Annual fee varies |
Transportation Network Company (TNC) driver permit
To get a TNC driver permit, you must first sign up with a Transportation Network Company (TNC). The TNC will send your application to King County for you. The process includes training and exam requirements and a vehicle inspection. Throughout the application and renewal processes, all communication about your application will come from your TNC. Your TNC will tell you when to come to King County's office to pick up your vehicle decal (endorsement sticker) and permit, which includes taking your photo. You must display your permit and vehicle decal for your passengers to see.