Driving a Public Passenger Vehicle in Chicago requires a Public Chauffeur License issued by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). Public Chauffeur license types include:

• Taxi  (Taxi Chauffeur)
• Livery (Restricted Chauffeur)
• Low-Speed Electric PPV (Restricted Chauffeur)
• Charter/Sightseeing Vehicle with capacity of under 16 seats (Restricted Chauffeur)
• Pedicab (Pedicab Chauffeur)

These licenses are issued for a 2-year term and assessed a $5 fee.

BACP also issues Transportation Network Provider (TNP or ride-hail) chauffeur licenses. A TNP driver must contact his or her affiliated TNP company to obtain a City of Chicago issued TNP chauffeur license.

It is against the law to operate a public passenger vehicle in the City of Chicago without the proper City license. Soliciting business without a license can lead to impoundment of your vehicle and fines. 

Public chauffeurs (taxi, livery, and ride-hail drivers) must accept passengers with service animals/dogs, as outlined in the Municipal Code of Chicago sections 9-104-130 and 9-115-180(m).  Report refusal of transportation service using the CHI 311 system (call 3-1-1, visit 311.chicago.gov, or download the CHI 311 mobile app).  For more information, visit the Mayor's Office of People with Disabilities Service Animals webpage or the American Disabilities Act Service Animals webpage.

How to Apply for a New Public Chauffeur License

• Chauffeur Licensing Criteria – Effective August 1, 2021
  

The Public Chauffeur License Application Checklist outlines all of the requirements and steps you will need to follow.

Listed below are additional documents and information that will get you on the right track to becoming a Public Chauffeur.

Download and complete the appropriate documents and submit your application by e-mail to BACPPV@cityofchicago.org  or in-person at:

BACP Public Vehicle Operations Facility

2350 W. Ogden Ave., 1^st Floor, Chicago, IL 60608

The facility is open Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

► Applicants for a NEW chauffeur license must check-in at the reception desk before 11:30 am
► Individuals may schedule an appointment by e-mailing BACPPV@cityofchicago.org
► For public safety and security, if building capacity has reached the maximum allowable, the front door may be locked to prevent more people from entering the building.

• Public Chauffeur License Checklist for New Applicants
• Public Chauffeur NEW License Application
• Pedicab Chauffeur License Checklist for New Applicants
• DOF Debt Clearance Process for Chauffeur Licensees
• DOF Affidavit of Disclosure – Fillable
• BACP Approved Chauffeur Training Course Provider List
• BACP Approved Fingerprint Agencies
• BACP Fingerprint Agency Approval Process and Protocol
• CHI MPEA TAX and GTT App Info
• Apple and Google QR Code to Download MPEA Tax Stamp App

Public Chauffeur License Renewal Information

Download and complete the appropriate documents and submit your application by e-mail to BACPPV@cityofchicago.org  or in-person.

Walk-in (without appointment) service 8:30am to 11:30am on business days.

• How to Begin Renewing a Public Chauffeur License Online 
• Public Chauffeur RENEWAL License Application
• Change Address Form 
• FAQs: Renewing a BACP Public Chauffeur License

Forms

• Lost License Affidavit Form
• Change of Address Form 
• Public Chauffeur License Surrender Form
• Public Chauffeur License Application
• Public Chauffeur RENEWAL License Application
• Public Vehicle Industry Investigation Form

• Chicago Department of Aviation Contact Form to Report Concerns and complaints:   flychicago.com/taxiincidentreport

Classes/Course Information

• BACP Approved Chauffeur Training Course Provider List
• BACP Approved Fingerprint Agencies
• Public Chauffeur Courses at Olive-Harvey College

Public Chauffeur Safety Tips

• CPD Carjacking Prevention Tips
• Public Safety Tips : Cab Operators
• Tips for Motorists
• Guidelines for Taxi Drivers Sharing the Road with Bicyclists
• Bike Safety Quiz
• Public Chauffeur Vision Zero Safe Driving Basics
• Public Chauffeur Training Curriculum Components

Public Chauffeur Licensee Information at the City of Chicago DATA Portal

Explore the City of Chicago Data Portal at data.cityofchicago.org for information 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 Chauffeur Laws

• Chauffeur Licensing Criteria – Effective August 1, 2021 
• Know Your Driver Bill of Rights Flyer
• Public Chauffeur Rules - Promulgated And Effective : September 12, 2016
• Taxi Law Flyer
• Public Chauffeur Rules Flyer
• Taxicab Uniform Lease Agreement – Jan. 1, 2020 
• TAP CARD DO'S & DON'TS
• Taxi Access Program Alert

Public Chauffeur-Taxicab Reports/Studies

• City of Chicago Releases  Public Chauffeur Training Reform Task Force Recommendations
• Taxicab Driver Fairness Task Force Recommendations
• Taxi Fare Rate Study Report