Become a Taxi Driver

Welcome!

Thank you for your interest in becoming a taxi driver with the SFMTA. It is easy to become a new taxi driver and the SFMTA does not charge a fee. Below are instructions on how to apply. 

If you have any questions, please contact our office at 415.646.4621 or email us at SFTaxi@sfmta.com.

We look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,
Taxi Services Team

New Taxi Driver Application Process

To be eligible, you must:

- Have a valid California driver’s license
- Have held a valid driver’s license in the United States for one year before you apply
- Have attained the age of 21
- Submit a drug test and receive negative results
- Submit Live Scan fingerprint background check*
- Pass a written test

What you need to do:
1. Complete the Becoming a Taxi Driver online training
2. Print and complete the Public Passenger Vehicle Driver Permit Application
3. Print the Live Scan Form here and go to one of the listed authorized facilities to complete
4. Print the Drug Test Form here and go do the drug test at one of the listed authorized facilities

Following your submission of the Drug Test and Live Scan:
5. Once SFMTA receives notification of results, Taxi Services will contact you to make an appointment for your written test.
6. Your appointment will be held at the Taxi Window at 1 South Van Ness, 7th Floor and, you will need to come to SFMTA to complete your written test and receive your Taxi Driver Permit (ACard).

• The Taxi Driver Permit is free.
• Be sure to bring in your completed Public Passenger Vehicle Driver Permit Application here.
• Be sure to bring in your valid California Driver’s License (CDL).
• Taxi Services will need to verify that you have held a United States Driver’s License for at least one year.
• You need to pass a short written exam to test your knowledge of the New Taxi Driver Online Training class.
• Your picture will be taken for your Taxi Driver Permit.

7. Once you receive your Taxi Driver Permit, you will need to contact a Color Scheme (Taxi Company) to begin driving a San Francisco Taxi!

*To be a qualified driver, you must have no prior convictions of a crime that would, in the judgment of the SFMTA, present a risk to public safety if the permit is granted, including but not limited to convictions involving sexual assault, the use of a vehicle in the commission of a felony, fraud, violence against a person, reckless disregard for public safety, two or more recent convictions of drug-related offenses, or two or more recent convictions of driving under the influence, whether or not such convictions occurred while driving a Motor Vehicle for Hire. The SFMTA may, in its discretion, issue a permit notwithstanding prior convictions if, following review of an individual case, it determines that the applicant or Permit Holder does not pose a current risk to public safety

Updated: Feb 2021