Taxi, For-Hire and Transportation Network Companies (TNCs)
Records and Licensing in-person services are closed and is moving!
The King County Licensing Office is currently closed for walk-in service. Please contact your taxi association, for-hire company, or TNC company for updates. Review how we have temporarily adjusted services, email questions to forhiredriver@kingcounty.gov, or call us at 206-263-1982.
Records and Licensing Services is moving to a new location in Pioneer Square, King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson St. Suite 206, in preparation for the opening of a new Customer Service Center in 2023.
All services continue to be provided online, by phone, or by U.S. mail for now and there may be service delays. Tips to manage during this time are available here.
Our 2021 For-Hire Transportation Annual Report is now available!
All for-hire drivers, vehicles, and the companies they drive for must be approved by King County and follow King County for-hire transportation regulations and rules. In addition to the overview of for-hire transportation below, you can review our detailed list of licensed/registered providers.
Transportation network companies (TNC)
TNCs are app-based ride services with fares set by the TNC. They connect riders with drivers, and accept only electronic payment, through a smartphone app. Currently licensed providers:
Taxis
Taxicabs are painted one solid color and can be hailed from the street or dispatched from a phone call. Fares are calculated based on time and distance, measured by a taximeter. Currently licensed providers:
For-hire or flat-rate vehicles
Unlike taxis, for-hire vehicles charge a fixed fare per trip (based on pick up and drop off zip-codes in a published rate book) and are painted at least two colors. Currently licensed providers:
Limousines, town cars, executive vehicles, luxury vehicles, and classic cars are not regulated by King County. Visit Washington State Department of Licensing external link to learn more about these services.
