Taxi Permit

Instrument Reference Number
ARAVFH1029
Areas of Interest
Valid Period
1 year (May 1-April 31)
Inspection
Required
Renewal
Required
Plan Review
Not Required
Fee
$474.28
Admin fee
$32.16
Renewal fee
$474.28
Processing Time
2-5 business days
About

A taxicab permit is assigned to a taxicab vehicle operated by a permitted taxicab company.

After Approval

Permit decal is placed on the windshield by ARA Regulatory Investigator. Decal must stay in place for one year.

Conditions and Exceptions

An applicant must not be the owner of a revoked vehicles for hire company within the previous year.

All required documentation must be presented at the time of application.

Vehicle inspection is required. Vehicle must meet parameters in the ordinance.

Permit fee may be paid in three installments: $150.00 due April 1; $150.00 due May 1; and $150.00 due June 1.

Apply What you need
  • Vehicle add/drop form
  • Proof of insurance
  • Registration or bill of sale
  • Payment for permit and inspection fee prior to inspection
Apply in Person Steps
  1. Bring the required forms 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.
Inspection What you need

Taxi 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.

Inspection Schedule by Phone Steps

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

Inspection Conditions & Exceptions

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.

Renew What you need
  • Renewal packet (mailed 45-60 days prior to expiration date), including:
    • Schedule of vehicles
    • 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.

Renew in Person Steps
  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.
Renew by Mail Steps

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. 


Source URL: https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/aravfh1029