A passenger transportation licence is needed to operate taxis in British Columbia. This web page has forms and information for different types of taxi applications: Taxi Applications |
APPLY | Start a New Taxi Service |
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Application Guide | Step ANew taxi licence |
Branch Forms | Step B |
Board Forms | Step C
|
Send | Step DSend your application to the Branch in Coquitlam. |
APPLY | Amend a taxi licence to add vehicles or change a service |
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Application Guide | Step AGuide 2: |
Branch Forms | Step B |
Board Forms |
Step C
|
Send | Step DSend your application to the Branch in Coquitlam. |
APPLY | Change Taxi Rates or Rules |
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Did You Know? | The Board uses a Taxi & Limousine Cost Index (TLCI) to identify rate increases that taxi licensees can request without making a Change of Rates application. Go to the TLCI webpage to get information about TLCI reviews and whether a TLCI rate increase is available. If a TLCI increase is available, this page provides request forms and deadlines. |
Application Guide | Step AGuide 3: |
Branch Forms | Step B |
Board Forms | Step C
|
Send | Step DSend your application to the Branch in Coquitlam. |
Temporary Operating Permit for Extra Vehicles
(TOPs)

Sometimes a licensee needs extra taxis, limousines or other passenger directed vehicles (“PDVs”) for a short time. Temporary Operating Permits (TOPs) allow for this.
The Board makes decisions on TOP applications it gets from licensees with a PDV special authorization. The test is “urgent and temporary need”. More information about TOPs is provided below.
PT Board Permits
- Reference Sheet: Temporary Operating Permits (TOPs)
- Form: Temporary Operating Permit Application
- Advisory: Festive Season TOPs for Taxis in BC
- Policy: O.P. II.6: Festive Season TOPs
- Form: Festive Season (Dec. 1 – Jan. 15) TOP Application
PT Branch Permits
The Registrar of Passenger Transportation also has authority to issue some TOPs. This includes TOPs for substitute vehicles. See the PT Branch website for details.
- PT Branch Website: TOPs (including General Passenger Vehicles)
- Form: TOP Application (Substitute Special Authorization Vehicle)
Taxi Application Materials
Taxi Information
- Accessible Taxis
- Eco-Friendly Taxis
- Operators
- Standard Rules for Taxis (BC)
- Taxi Bill of Rights
- Taxi Cameras
- Taxi Rates
- Taxi Rates Issues (contracts, coupons, service fees, etc)
For Applicants