Public Passenger Vehicles (PPV)

The City of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) ensures Chicago’s public passenger vehicles are safe, reliable and provide residents and visitors positive transportation options. 

BACP oversees the licensing of Chicago’s public chauffeurs and public vehicles including taxicabs, liveries, transportation network providers (ride-hail), charter and sight-seeing buses, pedicabs, low-speed electric PPVs, ambulances, water taxis and tour boats. 

Pay Public Vehicle and Public Chauffeur License Fees Online:

You can conveniently pay your Public Vehicle and Public Chauffeur License fees through the City of Chicago's online portal. Visit Chicago Payments Portal to get started.

 

Public Vehicle Licensing Facility Hours and 2024 City Holiday Closures

BACP’s Public Vehicle Licensing Operations Facility offers two customer service options:

  1. Walk-in Service (no appointment required) is available from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM on business days.
  2. Scheduled Appointment Service is available throughout the day on business days.
  • Providing multiple service options for license applicants and licensees aligns with BACP’s efforts to deliver efficient customer service and reduce wait times.
  • Applicants and licensees may schedule an appointment if the 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM walk-in hours are not convenient.
  • After 11:30am, BACP Public Vehicle Facility will provide services by appointment only.
  • Walk-ins without scheduled appointments will not be accepted after 11:30 a.m.
  • From December 16, 2024, to January 10, 2025, the Public Vehicle Licensing Operations Facility will offer services by appointment only.

Schedule a Public Vehicles Service Appointment    

Public Passenger Vehicle Licensing and Inspection Facilities:

The following BACP public passenger vehicle licensing and inspection facilities are open to the public with capacity limits and social distancing protocols in place:

  • Public Vehicle Licensing Operations Facility, 2350 W. Ogden Avenue, 1st Floor: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (Walk-ins without appointments will be serviced only between 8:30 am to 11:30 am)
  • Public Vehicle Inspection Facility, 2420 W. Pershing Road: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Save time and avoid a trip to Ogden! BACP encourages the processing of licenses and permits via email.  Email BACP Public Vehicle at BACPPV@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG to:

  • Submit public vehicle licensing applications and documents
  • Request to change public vehicle inspection dates
  • Sign up for public vehicle industry notices for the latest news and announcements
  • Send questions or comments on public passenger industry licensing and regulations

The Chicago Public Passenger Vehicle Study examines the taxi and ride-hail industry’s effect on the local economy, workforce, and transportation options. Click on the image below to read the Study.

Chicago Public Passenger Vehicle Study

Chicago - Ride Smart!
Chicago - Ride Smart!

View tips on smartly engaging taxis, ride-hail, and other for-hire-vehicles in Chicago. BACP ensures Chicago’s public vehicles are safe, reliable and provide residents and visitors a positive transportation experience. This page provides information for passengers, including the current taxi fare rates and how to submit a compliment or complaint.

Chicago Livery, Charter/Sightseeing, Pedicab, Ambulance, Medicar, Water Taxi/Tour Boats, Low-Speed Electric PPV, and Jitney Vehicle Licenses
Chicago Livery, Charter/Sightseeing, Pedicab, Ambulance, Medicar, Water Taxi/Tour Boats, Low-Speed Electric PPV, and Jitney Vehicle Licenses

For-hire Public Passenger Vehicles driven by public chauffeurs, commercial drivers, and captains must be licensed by BACP. This page provides an overview of the Public Passenger Vehicle Licenses issued by BACP and information on how to apply. Information is available for City of Chicago licensed public passenger vehicles: livery, charter/sightseeing, pedicab, ambulance, medical carrier, water taxi/tour boats, low-speed electric PPV, and jitney.

Chicago Public Chauffeur Licenses
Chicago Public Chauffeur Licenses

Individuals who are paid to drive a public passenger vehicle (taxicab, limousine, pedicab, etc.) must be licensed as a Public Chauffeur. This page provides information on the Public Chauffeur License and how to apply. BACP issues public chauffeur licenses to taxi, livery, pedicab, and transportation network provider/ride-hail drivers.

Chicago Taxicab Medallion License Information
Chicago Taxicab Medallion License Information

Taxicabs are vehicles licensed for hire at fare rates set by the City, which are recorded by a taximeter. A taxi may be hailed by customers on the street, cab stand, or prearranged. Taxis are driven by licensed taxi chauffeurs.

Chicago Transportation Network Providers (Ride-Hail Companies)
Chicago Transportation Network Providers (Ride-Hail Companies)

A company which connects potential passengers with the company’s affiliated TNP drivers through an Internet-enabled application or digital platform for compensation. This transportation business model is commonly referred to as “rideshare” or “ride hail”.

Chicago Wheelchair Accessible Taxicabs (WAV)
Chicago Wheelchair Accessible Taxicabs (WAV)

Learn how to request a wheelchair accessible taxicab ride. ALERT: Information on BACP’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for the City of Chicago Centralized WAV Taxicab Dispatch Service

Complaints
Complaints

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protections (BACP) processes, investigates and prosecutes complaints filed through the City’s 311 system related to consumer fraud, business licensees, and cabs and ride share operators.

Data Portal - Public Vehicle Licenses
Data Portal - Public Vehicle Licenses

Access the City of Chicago Data Portal for data on BACP licensed public passenger vehicles. Published datasets include, but are not limited to, public passenger vehicles, public chauffeurs, taxi trips, transportation network provider (TNP) vehicles, TNP drivers, and TNP trips.

Public Vehicle Advertising
Public Vehicle Advertising

Apply for Public Vehicle Advertising Permits on-line. Advertising displays on taxicab, TNP (ride-hail), livery, charter-sightseeing, and pedicab vehicles requires an annual advertising permit.

Public Vehicle Traffic Management Directives and Industry Notices
Public Vehicle Traffic Management Directives and Industry Notices

Keep Informed! Send an e-mail to BACPPV@cityofchicago.org to join the BACP Public Vehicle e-distribution list to receive notices regarding laws, events, traffic management and public safety directives, and issues that impact Chicago's public vehicle industry. Published BACP Public Vehicle Traffic Management Directives and Industry Notices are posted on this webpage.

Suburban Taxi, Livery, and Charter Bus City of Chicago Tax Registration Emblems
Suburban Taxi, Livery, and Charter Bus City of Chicago Tax Registration Emblems

Information specifically for TAXIS, LIVERIES, and CHARTER BUSES WITHOUT CURRENT ACTIVE CITY OF CHICAGO PUBLIC VEHICLE LICENSES. Suburban and Out-of-Illinois TAXIS, LIVERIES, AND CHATER BUSES picking up or dropping off passenger(s) in the City of Chicago, including Chicago airports - O’Hare and Midway International Airports, must obtain GTT/MPEA registration emblems from the City of Chicago Department of Finance (DOF).

Facts

Department:

Department Main Office

Business Affairs and Consumer Protection

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