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
  • Check the vehicle for any property left behind by a passenger after each trip, and make 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 and a copy of your Alberta Driver’s Licence) to the Edmonton Service Centre:

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 and email the service team at businesslicenceapplications@edmonton.ca to notify them that the payment has been made.

Step 6: Your licence will be mailed to you.

Questions about your application or renewal?

Driver's Licence Requirements
  • Class 1, 2, or 4 provincial operator’s licence
  • A Police Information Check that is not older than 90 days from Edmonton Police Service
  • Photograph
    • Must be taken within the last 30 days (passport style)
    • 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.