Vehicles for Hire & Delivery
The For-Hire Policy and Enforcement Division of LADOT is dedicated to providing convenient, safe, and reliable transportation options in Los Angeles. We fulfill this obligation by managing all aspects of permitting including driver certification, motor vehicle inspections, fleet management, and compliance auditing.
The Los Angeles municipal code is the official source of information regarding the regulations enacted by the City of Los Angeles for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety.
The For-Hire and Policy Enforcement division has provided the following links for reference:
Chapter VII Article 1, Public Transportation
Sec. 71.06.1 Application Processing and Other Fees
DocumentsTaxi service is an integral part of the for-hire transportation network in Los Angeles. The For-Hire Policy and Enforcement Division oversees the regulation and enforcement of local rules for permitted taxi service. Taxi service rules and advertising policy are in the documents section.
Steps to become a Taxi driver:
Prior to undergoing the driver permit approval processing by LADOT, you must be hired by a company authorized to operate in the City of Los Angeles. Complete any paperwork required by the taxi company during the hiring process.
Step 2: LADOT Permit Application Process
The taxi company will submit an application for you to LADOT online via the LADOT TAVIS portal. You must have the following original documents, (no photocopies allowed) for this online application process to be completed:
- Valid California Drivers License, Class C or higher
- Drug test program certificate and drug test results
- Proof of Federal right to work documents that meet the Federal I-9 requirements. Examples of documents include but are not limited to:
- Passport
- United States Birth Certificate
- Alien Registration card (Green card)
- Social Security card
- Payment of non-refundable processing fee of $106.00 (current fee but subject to change)
- Completed California Dept of Justice Livescan form for mandatory California DOJ and FBI background check
After the taxi company has completed the online permit application process they will print a hard copy of the completed LADOT driver / attendant application document. You must sign this application and a taxi company representative will also sign. The taxi company will then schedule an application review by LADOT staff.
Step 3: LADOT Permit Processing
LADOT will review and approve your driver application and issue a driver permit. A taxi company representative will pick up your permit when it is available. Once you receive your permit, then you are authorized to drive as long as you meet all other taxi company requirements.
Step 4: LADOT Driver Customer Service and Safety Seminar
At the time of your initial processing by LADOT you will be scheduled for the LADOT Driver Customer Service and Safety seminar. You must bring the following to the seminar:
- Valid California Driver’s License or other acceptable identification
- Pen or pencil
You may continue to work before your scheduled seminar date.
The City of Los Angeles regulates private ambulance and other non-emergency medical transportation modes to ensure safe and reliable service for those who need additional care.
How to obtain a Non-Taxicab Driver/Attendant Permit:
(Ambulance Driver/Attendant, Litter Van Driver/ Attendant, Non-Ambulatory Driver, Private Transportation Vehicle (PTV) driver, Motor Bus Driver)
Prior to undergoing the driver permit approval processing by LADOT, you must be hired by a company authorized to operate in the City of Los Angeles. Complete any paperwork required by the company during the hiring process.
Step 2: LADOT Permit Application Processing
The company will submit an application for you to LADOT online via the LADOT TAVIS portal. You must have the following original documents, (no photocopies allowed) for this online application process to be completed:
- Valid California Drivers License, or California DMV issued ID card (for Attendant Permits only)
- Proof of Federal right to work documents that meet the Federal I-9 requirements. Examples of documents include but are not limited to:
- Passport
- United States Birth Certificate
- Alien Registration card (Green card)
- Social Security card
- Payment of non-refundable processing fee of $106.00 (current fee but subject to change)
- Completed California Dept of Justice Livescan form for mandatory California DOJ and FBI background check
Ambulance Driver
- Valid Medical Exam (DL-51) card
- Valid CA State-issued EMT-1 or above card
- Valid CA Ambulance Driver Certificate
Non-Ambulatory Driver
- Valid CPR and First Aid cards (Red Cross equivalent or EMT-1 or above)
Ambulance Attendant / Litter Van Driver / Attendant
- Valid CA State-issued EMT -1 or above card
Motor Bus Driver
- Valid Class B CA Driver’s License
- Valid Medical Exam (DL-51) card
Step 3: LADOT Permit Processing
LADOT will review and approve your driver application and issue a driver permit. A company representative will pick up your permit when it is available. Once you receive your permit, then you are authorized to drive as long as you meet all other company requirements.
LADOT maintains safe and equitable transportation options for all community members. We work to provide vehicles that are modified and equipped to serve passengers who cannot access traditional modes of transportation.
How to obtain a Non-Taxicab Driver/Attendant Permit:
(Ambulance Driver/Attendant, Litter Van Driver/ Attendant, Non-Ambulatory Driver, Private Transportation Vehicle (PTV) driver, Motor Bus Driver)
Prior to undergoing the driver permit approval processing by LADOT, you must be hired by a company authorized to operate in the City of Los Angeles. Complete any paperwork required by the company during the hiring process.
Step 2: LADOT Permit Application Processing
The company will submit an application for you to LADOT online via the LADOT TAVIS portal. You must have the following original documents, (no photocopies allowed) for this online application process to be completed:
- Valid California Drivers License, or California DMV issued ID card (for Attendant Permits only)
- Proof of Federal right to work documents that meet the Federal I-9 requirements. Examples of documents include but are not limited to:
- Passport
- United States Birth Certificate
- Alien Registration card (Green card)
- Social Security card
- Payment of non-refundable processing fee of $106.00 (current fee but subject to change)
- Completed California Dept of Justice Livescan form for mandatory California DOJ and FBI background check
Ambulance Driver
- Valid Medical Exam (DL-51) card
- Valid CA State-issued EMT-1 or above card
- Valid CA Ambulance Driver Certificate
Non-Ambulatory Driver
- Valid CPR and First Aid cards (Red Cross equivalent or EMT-1 or above)
Ambulance Attendant / Litter Van Driver / Attendant
- Valid CA State-issued EMT -1 or above card
Motor Bus Driver
- Valid Class B CA Driver’s License
- Valid Medical Exam (DL-51) card
Step 3: LADOT Permit Processing
LADOT will review and approve your driver application and issue a driver permit. A company representative will pick up your permit when it is available. Once you receive your permit, then you are authorized to drive as long as you meet all other company requirements.
The city of Los Angeles continues to innovate as the technological environment changes. The For-Hire Policy and Enforcement Division has incorporated new systems to improve community access to resources.
MyLA311 is the city of Los Angeles customer service portal to manage various requests and concerns from the community. If you have a concern or comment regarding your trip with a for-hire vehicle, submit a service request here.
TAVIS is the information system used by LADOT to manage for-hire vehicles, companies, drivers, rules, and regulations. Permitted companies have access to their TAVIS portal by visiting the link here.
The Los Angeles municipal code is the official source of information regarding the regulations enacted by the City of Los Angeles for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety.
The For-Hire and Policy Enforcement division has provided the following links for reference:
Chapter VII Article 1, Public Transportation
Sec. 71.06.1 Application Processing and Other Fees
In early 2020, the Los Angeles dockless mobility program was transferred to the For-Hire Policy and Enforcement Division. To learn more about the developments of this program, click here.
A wide variety of for-hire transportation options exist in Los Angeles. LADOT works to provide these resources to our community members as they evolve. To learn more about these options click here.
