How to Find a Taxi License Number
To operate a taxicab in the City of Detroit, Michigan, you must obtain special licenses and pay certain fees. Taxi cab drivers in Detroit are either independent business people or employees of one of the taxicab and limousine companies. Some of the required licenses are obtained from the State of Michigan, and some of the licenses must be obtained from the City of Detroit. Even if your taxicab service or company is not headquartered in the City of Detroit, you must have a chauffeur's license and you or your company must possess a City of Detroit public vehicle license and a City of Detroit bond plate.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- State of Michigan chauffeur operating licence
- City of Detroit public vehicle license
- City of Detroit bond plate
- City of Detroit taxi cab inspection certificate
- A purchased or leased taxi cab vehicle
- City of Detroit taxi cab meter
Instructions
-
-
1
Whether you purchase or lease your own cab or are going to apply for employment with a taxi or limousine company, you must have a State of Michigan chauffeur license. Apply for the license at any State of Michigan Secretary of State Office. You must pass the chauffeur driver test and pay a $35 fee.
-
2
You will need a City of Detroit public vehicle license to display on the enclosure window on the interior of the taxi cab. The license is placed next to your chauffeur license in a special clear envelope and is obtained from the City of Detroit Business License Department. The cost of the license, which is set annually by the Detroit city council, is approximately $300.
-
-
3
Either you or your employer will have to secure a surety bond from the City of Detroit Licensing Department. Upon payment of the bond fee, which is set annually by the city, you or your company will receive a bond plate, which must be affixed in an easily visible spot on the trunk of your taxi. The cost of the bond varies depending on the person being insured, and on whether the bond is for an independent driver or through a taxi or limousine company. Current rates are available by request in person at the City of Detroit Licensing Department.
-
4
Your taxi cab meter is regulated by the City of Detroit. Taxi cab fares are set by ordinance in the City of Detroit and your meter will be reset and inspected by law for proper calculation every year.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Give yourself plenty of time to obtain the proper licenses from the State of Michigan and the City of Detroit. If you are seeking employment from a taxi cab or limousine company, you may be eligible for training classes.
If you want to be an independent taxi cab operator, you may want to become a member of one of the taxi cab drivers' associations to receive fare pickup requests from the larger cab companies.
If you carry additional packages not belonging to passengers for a fee, you may be required to obtain an additional business license from the State of Michigan Public Service Commission.
Using your taxi to operate a private jitney service is illegal in Detroit.
