Ground Transportation Regulation

The Austin Transportation Department regulates ground transportation services within Austin to enhance safety and provide access to service for all users.

COVID-19 Permitting Office Closures

As part of Austin Transportation's concerted efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, we are currently operating by appointment only until further notice.

To schedule an appointment or if you have any additional questions, please contact the following staff:
- John.Lopez@AustinTexas.gov or (512) 974-1438
- Shameca.Thompson@AustinTexas.gov or (512) 974-9121
- Paul.Baldwin@AustinTexas.gov or (512) 974-7956
- Steve.Ingenito@AustinTexas.gov or (512) 974-2891
Our office issues new/renewal Chauffeur Permits. Please scan and submit the following documents to the email addresses above:
- Completed and notarized Chauffeur Application
- Texas 3A Driving Record
- Copy of valid driver's license
For any for-hire vehicles that need a renewal City inspection, please email our office a copy of your vehicle's most recent passing State inspection prior to scheduling an appointment.

About Us

Ground transportation includes all vehicle-for-hire services such as taxi, pedicabs, shuttle service, limousine service, charter service, electric low-speed vehicles, group cycle, horse-drawn carriage, and touring/sightseeing companies.

Permitted ground transportation service providers [updated Aug. 14, 2020]

Contact the Ground Transportation Permitting Office

Address: 1501 Toomey Rd, Austin, TX, 78704
Phone: (512) 974-1551

Report a ground transportation issue

To report an issue with a vehicle for hire such as a taxi, pedicabs, shuttle service, limousine service, charter service, electric low-speed vehicles, group cycle, horse-drawn carriage, and touring/sightseeing companies please complete the online Ground Transportation Complaint Form or email Parking@AustinTexas.gov.

Apply for, renew, or amend a chauffeur's permit

Need a new, renewal or amended chauffeur's permit? Complete and submit a Chauffeur Permit Application.

Applicants interested in chauffeur permitting should note the following:

Chauffeur permits may be renewed within 30 days prior to the expiration date. There is no grace period on expired chauffeur permits.
The office does not provide copies of any documents.
The chauffeur permit application should be notarized in Travis County prior to submitting for review to the Ground Transportation Office.
If the applicant is not a U.S. citizen, the applicant must bring a Green Card, Resident Card, I-90, employment authorization, or Social Security card along with a Texas driver's license.
Applicants must provide proof of a successfully completed defensive driving course for any moving violation convictions that occurred within the past 3 years.
Applicants must have a certified driving record from all states resided in within the past 3 years.
If you have recently renewed your driver's license and are due for an extension, the applicant must schedule an appointment prior to their permit expiring.
Methods of payment accepted: credit and debit card, exact cash, money order, cashier's check and personal check (as long as it is not a temporary check). Make checks payable to the City of Austin.

Apply for Operating Authority / Charter Bus Service Permit

All applications are processed in the order as received. Processing can take anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks, depending on workflow. Incomplete applications are not accepted.

For operating authorities only, we will accept notaries outside of Travis County.

All Charter Bus Service drivers must possess a valid CDL with passenger enforcement.

All applications must include an accord certificate of insurance that has a policy number and a fleet list attached.

Permitting Fees

Chauffeur Permit New/Renewal: $20
Lost or Stolen: $10
Operating Authority New/Renewal: $100 ($50 before 10/1/21)
Charter Bus Service New/Renewal: $100 ($50 before 10/1/21)
Notary Service: $6 (New fee effective 10/1/21)

Vehicle Immobilization (Booting)

The State of Texas allows municipalities to regulate booting as long as local regulations meet certain minimum requirements. Additional information can be found at these links: