Vehicle for Hire Driver Licensing

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To maintain public safety and fair competition, the City has a responsibility to ensure that the drivers who are providing vehicle-for-hire services are either licensed by the City or screened by transportation network companies.

Becoming a Driver

A City of Edmonton-issued Driver’s Licence is required to operate a vehicle for hire in the city of Edmonton. A City Driver’s Licence is required for drivers of:

Taxis or accessible taxis
Limousines
Shuttles
Private Transportation Provider (PTP) vehicles

A City Driver’s Licence is not required for drivers operating for Transportation Network Companies. To drive for a Transportation Network Company, please contact the company directly.

Need a Vehicle For Hire Vehicle Licence?

Find the details on obtaining and renewing vehicle-for-hire vehicle licences.

Driver Responsibilities

Drivers are expected to understand their roles and responsibilities in delivering a safe and accessible vehicle-for-hire system in Edmonton as outlined in the Vehicle For Hire Bylaw.

This includes, but is not limited to:

Demonstrating strong customer service by being kind and courteous and taking the most economical route (unless otherwise requested)
Ensuring your vehicle is in good operating condition
Charging fares as set out in the Vehicle For Hire Bylaw
Supporting transportation options for all and not refusing rides unless warranted
Checking the vehicle for any property left behind by a passenger after each trip, and making the property available for retrieval

Remember that taxis and accessible taxis are the only types of vehicles for hire that can accept hails/flags from the street—all other trips must be pre-arranged.

Licence Application and Renewal

The initial licensing and subsequent renewal of a City-issued driver's licence share the same requirements and process. Renewals can only be processed within 45 calendar days of the expiry date.

Application and Renewal Process

Step 1: Obtain a police information check (PIC) from the Edmonton Police Service (EPS). Your PIC cannot be more than 90 days old.

Step 2: Complete the application form.

Step 3: Send your documents (application form, police information check, Vehicle for Hire Driver Training Program Certificate, and a copy of your Alberta Driver’s Licence) to the Edmonton Service Centre:

Email to businesslicenceapplications@edmonton.ca
Mail or drop off at:
Edmonton Service Centre
2nd Floor, Edmonton Tower
10111 104 Avenue NW
Edmonton AB T5J 0J4

Applications and renewals are generally processed within five (5) business days. All applications and renewals are processed in the order in which they are received. Applications and renewals will not be processed in person.

Step 4: Once your application has been processed, you will receive an invoice.

Step 5: Pay the licensing fee.

Step 6: Your licence will be mailed to you.

Questions about your application or renewal?

Email us at businesslicenceapplications@edmonton.ca
Call us at 780-442-5054

Driver's Licence Requirements

Class 1, 2, or 4 provincial operator’s licence
Proof of the Vehicle for Hire Driver Training Program certificate (starting April 1, 2025)
Photograph (passport style) taken within the last 30 days
- Use of plain white, grey or blue background (no patterns)
- Head between the bottom of the chin and the top of the head must be at least 1/3 the height of the frame
- Head must face the camera with full face in view (eyes open)
- No hats, headphones, headbands or head coverings (exception is for religious or medical purposes)
- Photos cannot be altered or electronically edited (no filters or digital editing)

Only for accessible taxi drivers:

Proof of an accessible taxi driver training certification (to be noted on the driver’s licence)

Screening Criteria for Drivers

Any applicant who has been convicted of any of the following offences under the Criminal Code of Canada or the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) or the Cannabis Act (Canada) during the past 10 years will not be issued a licence to operate a vehicle for hire::

Any offence of a violent nature, including firearms and weapons offences
Any offence involving sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual interference, procuring or invitation to sexual touching
Trafficking
Any offence involving fraud or fraudulent transactions, conspiracy to defraud, the use of false pretences, bribery, extortion, or theft; or
Any offence relating to the unlawful operation of a motor vehicle

If the applicant’s police information check reveals a pending charge for any of the offences listed above, a licence may be issued with the following conditions:

The licensee must provide an updated police information check or other documentation confirming the status of the charge at regular intervals to the City until the charge is resolved, and

If the licensee is convicted of the charge, the licence will automatically be cancelled without prior notice to the licensee

Complaint Investigation

When the City receives a valid complaint, the Vehicle for Hire enforcement unit will start an investigation and you may be notified to provide information.

The investigation may include inspections, review of records and trips taken, review of photographs and video evidence, and other information. Evidence is compiled and reviewed in its entirety.

You are required to cooperate with enforcement officers for a thorough investigation. Failure to cooperate with an investigation may result in enforcement action.

Contact Us

Vehicle for Hire Inquiries

Mailing Address

2nd floor, 10111 104 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB
T5J 0J4

Telephone

In Edmonton: 311

Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311

Email	vehicleforhire@edmonton.ca