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King County Washington home

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Taxis: Taxicabs are vehicles that transport people for compensation and accept multiple forms of payment, such as cash or credit card. Passengers can choose the route and destination. Taxicabs have signs or lettering that include the words "taxi," "cab," or "taxicab." Fares may be calculated by time and distance using a taximeter or may be a flat rate. The fare type must be agreed upon before starting the trip and must remain visible on the screen during the trip. Taxicabs can be requested through a dispatch system or online app or can be hailed from the street.

Transportation Network Company (TNC) Vehicles: TNC vehicles also transport people for compensation, but they connect with riders only through a smartphone app. Fares are set by the TNC. Passengers see and pay fares in the app. Cash payment and street hails are not allowed.

Taxicab drivers must have a regional for-hire driver's license.

TNC drivers must have a for-hire permit and a vehicle endorsement. 

Your TNC will tell you the status of your application. King County does not provide the application status to individuals.

The Application fees section of the Taxi driver application process and fees page shows the regional for-hire driver's license fees for taxi drivers. TNC drivers must check with their TNC about the for-hire permit and vehicle endorsement application process.

No. To drive for multiple TNCs, you must apply separately with each company. However, you will only be issued one for-hire permit to drive for both companies.

All personal vehicles used for TNC operations need to be inspected by an approved mechanic. Please consult with your TNC.

If you sell or replace a vehicle, notify your TNC. If you plan to use the new vehicle as a TNC, you must pass a vehicle inspection and provide the registration to your TNC. The TNC will provide the new information to King County to obtain a new vehicle endorsement (decal). Vehicle endorsements cannot be transferred from the old vehicle to the new vehicle - you must get a new one.

Please refer to our For-Hire Permit and Decal Display page. It explains what is on the permit and decal and where to put them.

If you receive a Notice and Order of Violation from King County that includes a civil penalty, mail your payment to:

King County Licensing
201 S. Jackson St., Suite 206
Seattle, WA 98104

Make your check or money order payable to King County Licensing. Do not mail cash. Include the FE number and for-hire driver number from the violation notice on the payment.

If you disagree with the terms of the violation and want to appeal, complete a Statement of Appeal and mail it to the address on the back of the violation notice. Appeals must be received by the "Appeal By" date in the violation.

A Notice and Order of Violation from King County will include the King County logo at the top of the page. If you do not see a King County logo, check to see if the notice has a City of Seattle or Port of Seattle logo and, if so, follow the instructions in the notice to respond.

If you are applying with a TNC, the TNC will provide your DDC completion information to King County with your for-hire permit application.

For taxi drivers, if you pre-paid the discounted rate for the online Defensive Driving Course with your for-hire driver license application, you can access the course online. If you have not pre-paid for the course and plan to pay the full retail price, you can purchase the Defensive Driving Online 10th Ed on the National Safety Council's website.