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.
Mobility Services Permitting Office (1501 Toomey Road, Austin, TX 78704)
- To schedule an appointment or if you have any additional questions please contact staff at John.Lopez@AustinTexas.gov or by phone at (512) 974-1438 or Shameca.Thompson@AustinTexas.gov and (512) 974-9121.
- Our office is now issuing new/renewal Chauffeur Permits. Please scan your completed and notarized Chauffeur Application, Texas 3A Driving Record, and a copy of your valid driver's license to our office at the email addresses above.
- 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: exact cash, money order, cashier's check, and personal check (as long as it is not a temporary check). We do not accept debit or credit cards. 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: $50
- Charter Bus Service New/Renewal: $50
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:
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