Ground Transportation Regulation

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 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 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, cashiers 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 

• Operating Authority Application
• Charter Bus Service Permit Application

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:

• Company Booting Immobilization Service Licence Application
• Licensed vehicle immobilization companies
• City Code relating to vehicle immobilization
• Adopted vehicle immobilization rules
• Background information on vehicle immobilization rules

Find other services related to ground transportation

 View other available ground transportation-related services.