For-Hire Vehicle Permits and Requirements Information

Applicants must:

• Complete and submit a Taxicab or Other Private For-Hire Vehicle Permit Application via email to FHVApermits@sdmts.com. FHVA will reply by the following business day.
• Pay all the required fees per the FHVA Fee Schedule. All fees are non-refundable.
• Pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check from CA DOJ and FBI
• Submit and receive approval for a fictitious business name (DBA)
• Provide evidence of insurance that meets FHVA minimum requirements 
• Meet all other regulatory and equipment requirements specified in MTS Ordinance No. 11
• Obtain a Business Tax License from the cities where the vehicles will operate, which will be required to be submitted to the Sheriff’s Licensing Division at the completion of the permit issuance process with MTS

• To ensure the safety and comfort of passengers, to receive the initial operating permit and to renew permits annually, every MTS permitted vehicle must complete a mechanical safety inspection
• Mechanical safety inspections must be performed by certified mechanics at state approved Bureau of Automotive Repair facilities. 
• In addition, Regulatory Inspectors conduct random field inspections year-round to ensure vehicles are in a good state of repair and in compliance with applicable rules and regulations. Regulatory Inspectors also ensure that drivers of permitted vehicles have a valid Identification Card issued by the Sheriff’s Licensing division. 
• For more information on required vehicle inspections, please call 619-398-9573 or e-mail Regulatory Inspector Joe Ross at Joseph.Ross@sdmts.com.

Permit Holders may, at any time and at no charge, place their vehicles under “temporary surrender” (non-operation) status. MTS will provide proof that the vehicle is placed in temporary surrender. Please call 619-557-4524 or e-mail Regulatory Inspector Joseph Ross at Joseph.Ross@sdmts.com to request an appointment and instructions on how to complete the process. Permit holders may submit this proof to insurance companies or taxicab dispatch services for the purpose of suspending insurance premium or, if applicable, dispatch subscription payments while the vehicle is not operating. 

View For-Hire Vehicle Administration Request to Surrender Medallion Form

As a condition of permit renewal, per Ordinance No. 11, permit holders are required to submit a signed annual statement form.

Permit holders may submit the annual statement form via the following:

By e-mail to: MTSFHVADOCS@sdmts.com

By mail to: For-Hire Vehicle Administration, 100 16th St. San Diego CA, 92101-7490

Drop-Off: For-Hire Vehicle Administration main office lobby (RED) drop box located at 100 16th St. San Diego CA 92101-7490

Failure to submit the required annual statement may result in permit suspension or revocation.

Per Ordinance No. 11, Permit Holders must notify FHVA of any changes in their address, phone numbers, or e-mail information. Please complete the Change of address, telephone number and e-mail address form and return to FHVA via the following: 

By e-mail to: MTSFHVADOCS@sdmts.com 

By Mail to: 
For-Hire Vehicle Administration
100 16th St.
San Diego CA, 92101-7490 

Drop-Off: For-Hire Vehicle Administration main office lobby (RED) drop box located at 100 16th St, San Diego CA, 92101-7490

If you plan to drive any of FHVAs permitted vehicles, you will need to apply for a Sheriff’s Issued Driver Identification card. Please contact the San Diego Sheriffs Licensing Division (Additional Services) for more information.

Note: First you will need to obtain an FHVA permit to start the Driver Identification Card application with the Sheriffs department.

If you plan to work at the San Diego Airport, you will need to apply for an Airport Ground Transportation permit. Note: First you will need to obtain an FHVA permit to start the application with the Airport. You can also request information via email at: gtpermits@san.org.

Required Driver Training classes are held via webinar and require a one-time $40 fee payable to MTS. No Cash is accepted. 

Payment in the form of check or money order payable to MTS may be mailed to: 100 16th St. San Diego, CA 92101. 

If you prefer to submit your payment in person, please call 619-398-9595 or e-mail Regulatory Inspector Mark Palmer at mark.palmer@sdmts.com to ensure staff is available to receive your payment. 

Training classes for Taxicab, LSV, and Jitney drivers are held every last Friday of each month at 10 a.m. Training Classes for Non-emergency Medical and Charter drivers are held every first Friday of every month at 10 a.m. In order to sign up for a training class, drivers must e-mail: MTSFHVDTraining@sdmts.com or call 619-235-2651 and provide the following information:

• Driver Name, phone number and e-mail (training link will be sent to driver’s e-mail)
• California Drivers License number
• Company Name (DBA)