Pay all the required fees per the MTS Fee Schedule. All Fees are non-refundable.
Pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check from CA DOJ, FBI and local agencies
Submit and receive approval for a business name (DBA)
Provide evidence of insurance that meets MTS requirements ($350,000 liability CSL)
Meet all other regulatory requirements for a taxicab owner specified in Ordinance 11
Must register fare meter with San Diego County Department of Agricultural Weights and Measures
Obtain a Business Tax License from the City of San Diego, which will be required to be submitted to the Sheriff’s Licensing Division at the completion of the permit issuance process with MTS

Vehicle Requirements

Taxi Vehicles must:

Meet all regulatory and ordinance requirements
Meet California Air Resources Board criteria for zero emission or low-emission vehicle – to be verified by a certificate affixed to the vehicle that indicates the vehicle conforms to California regulations as a low emissions vehicle or cleaner (i.e. LEV, ULEV, SULEV, TZEV, PZEV, ZEV etc.)
California registration must match the applicant(s) name. The DBA is not required to be listed on the registration card, but is encouraged.
Pass an initial permit issuance inspection and pass additional follow-up inspections

Charter Vehicles must:

Meet all regulatory and ordinance requirements
Meet California Air Resources Board criteria for zero emission or low-emission vehicle – to be verified by a certificate affixed to the vehicle that indicates the vehicle conforms to California regulations as a low emissions vehicle or cleaner (i.e. LEV, ULEV, SULEV, TZEV, PZEV, ZEV etc.)
Does not require a Global Positioning System (GPS)
Be newer than 15 model years old
May have a salvage title
California registration must match the applicant(s) name. The DBA is not required to be listed on the registration card, but is encouraged.
Pass an initial permit issuance inspection and pass additional follow-up inspections

Additional Requirements

Taxicab Applicants must have:

A method of accepting credit cards, a customer complaint system and records of all calls for service, calls dispatched, trips and complaints
A subscription to a dispatch service that is authorized by MTS
Must be able to provide passengers with receipts showing the date, amount, taxicab number, company (DBA) name and dispatch service name and phone number

Inspections

All vehicles are inspected to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. FHVA staff are looking for: