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
  • Start a
    New Service
  • Amend
    a Licence
  • Change
    Rates

  • TOP
  • More
    Information
APPLY Start a New Taxi Service
Application Guide

Step A

Guide 1:  

New taxi licence
Branch Forms

Step B

Special Authorization Application Package
Board Forms

Step C

  1. Required:
    PDV Forms Package
  2. Optional:
    Board Optional Forms Package
Send

Step D

Send your application to the Branch in Coquitlam.
APPLY Amend a taxi licence to add vehicles or change a service
Application Guide

Step A

Guide 2:  
Amend a taxi licence
Branch Forms

Step B

Special Authorization Application Package
Board
Forms

Step C

  1. Required:
    PDV Forms Package
  2. Optional:
    Board Optional Forms Package
Send

Step D

Send your application to the Branch in Coquitlam.
APPLY Change Taxi Rates or Rules
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 A

Guide 3:  
Change taxi rates or rules
Branch Forms

Step B

SA Application to Change Rates & Rules for PDVs
Board Forms

Step C

  1. Required:
    PDV Forms Package
  2. Optional:
    Board Optional Forms Package
Send

Step D

Send your application to the Branch in Coquitlam.

Temporary Operating Permit for Extra Vehicles
(TOPs)

Sample Temporary Operating Permit

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

  • Application Basics
  • Application Guides
  • Board Reference Sheets
  • Board Forms
  • Branch Forms
  • Bulletin
  • Operational Policies
  • Rules of Practice and Procedure
  • Legislation
  • Options after a Decision
  • Branch Information for Applicants