Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Permit

• Wheelchair Accessible Service Provider Permit Application Packet, including:
  • Traffic warrant check from Municipal Courts
  • Proof of insurance: ACORD 25 form from your insurance agent
  • Criminal history check: certain items in a 10-year history may require a hearing to authorize or deny. The hearing is conducted in compliance with the Texas Occupations Code standards.
  • Must have a valid contract with a permitted vehicle-for-hire company before issuance
• Method of payment: cash, check, cashier’s check, money order, or debit/credit card

1. Bring the completed application packet and payment to the Houston Permitting Center.
2. Obtain a numbered ticket from the Information Desk. Please wait in the lobby until your number is called.

Wheelchair accessible vehicle inspections are required when placing a new vehicle into service and annually thereafter at permit renewal. This is done after all paperwork is submitted for the permit to the customer service representative, and payment for the permit and inspection has been made.

Present vehicle at ARA inspection location in Lot W, 100 Bagby St. Vehicle must comply with all requirements in the ordinance for that vehicle type.

If the company has more than 10 vehicles, customer will be notified via phone of available inspection dates.

Inspections are done on a first come, first served basis in the inspection line. Scheduled inspections for more than 10 vehicles may be done at the company's location rather than ARA inspection line.

If inspection failed, the applicant may make the repairs and come back for re-inspection.

• Renewal packet (mailed 45-60 days prior to expiration date), including:
  • Vehicle add/drop form
  • Proof of insurance
  • Registration or bill of sale
  • Other forms as instructed in the notice
• Method of payment: cash (in person only), check, cashier’s check, money order, or debit/credit card

It is the responsibility of the owner/operator to contact the ARA department prior to expiration date if renewal packet is not received.

1. Bring the completed renewal packet and payment to the Houston Permitting Center.
2. Obtain a numbered ticket from the Information Desk. Please wait in the lobby until your number is called.

Mail the completed renewal packet and payment (check or money order only) to:
City of Houston
ARA - Vehicles for Hire
PO Box 1561
Houston, TX 77251-1561

A customer service representative will provide verification when renewal is successfully processed and when to return for vehicle inspection. 

Renewal paperwork must be completed and payment made to renew.

• Renewal packet (mailed 45-60 days prior to expiration date), including:
  • Vehicle add/drop form
  • Proof of insurance
  • Registration or bill of sale
  • Other forms as instructed in the notice
• Method of payment: cash (in person only), check, cashier’s check, money order, or debit/credit card

It is the responsibility of the owner/operator to contact the ARA department prior to expiration date if renewal packet is not received.

1. Bring the completed renewal packet and payment to the Houston Permitting Center.
2. Obtain a numbered ticket from the Information Desk. Please wait in the lobby until your number is called.

Mail the completed renewal packet and payment (check or money order only) to:
City of Houston
ARA - Vehicles for Hire
PO Box 1561
Houston, TX 77251-1561

A customer service representative will provide verification when renewal is successfully processed and when to return for vehicle inspection. 

Renewal paperwork must be completed and payment made to renew.