Livery, Charter/Sightseeing, Low-Speed Electric PPV, Medicar, and Jitney Vehicle License Information

Liveries are licensed public passenger vehicles that charge a prearranged rate of fare which is not based on a meter. Livery rides and fares must be prearranged and may not be street hailed or secured in cab stands.

Livery Vehicle License Requirements:

Livery Vehicle License term: January 1 to December 31.

Vehicles with a capacity of no more than 9 persons, including the driver, may be licensed as a livery. Vehicles with a capacity of more than 9 will require a charter/sightseeing license.

Prior to displaying exterior or interior advertising, required public vehicle advertising permits must be secured at the $100 annual fee per vehicle.

The Illinois Secretary of State issues license plates that are numbered 7000 to 9999 or 70000 to 73000 and contain the suffix “LY”

For each vehicle with a capacity of up to and including 9 seats, $350,000 combined single limit coverage per occurrence. Worker’s compensation insurance must be in compliance with State laws. Every insurance policy or contract for insurance must name the City of Chicago as an additional insured.

Livery Vehicle License Fees & Taxes:

• Livery Vehicle License: $500 per vehicle/1-year term
• Ground Transportation Tax: $3.50/day per taxable day
• Restricted Chauffeur License: $5/2-year term
• MPEA Kiosk App Announcement Effective March 25, 2023
• GTT Emblem Registration/Payment Method Process Instructions
• How to file the 7595 Ground Transportation Tax Annual Return

Livery Vehicle License Application Forms:

• Livery License Inspection Schedule
• Livery and Limousines Individual Application
• Livery and Limousines Corporate Application
• Place of Business Address Requirement

Livery Vehicle License Forms:

• Livery Change of Vehicle Form
• Change of Officer Application Instructions
• Change of Officer Application
• File & Pay Taxes and WAV Fees at Chicago Business Direct
• Public Chauffeur and Public Vehicle Change Address and Name Form
• Public Vehicle Advertising Permit Process Guide

Livery Vehicle License City of Chicago Laws:

Refer to Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 9-104 for livery chauffeur licensing and regulatory framework.

CHARTER/SIGHTSEEING VEHICLE LICENSE

The charter/sightseeing vehicle license is required for sightseeing vehicles used for lectured tours offered to the general public for a charge. The license is also required for charter vehicles that offer group trips arranged in advance at a fixed rate.

ORDINANCE MAINTAINS PUBLIC SAFETY AND UPDATES LAWS FOR THE CHARTER / SIGHTSEEING INDUSTRY

1. Updated Security Protocols.
2. Opens up opportunity for more individuals to be (livery and charter/sightseeing drivers).

Read more details by clicking on this image

Charter/Sightseeing Vehicles License Requirements:

• Charter/Sightseeing Vehicle License term: July 1st to June 30th.
• Vehicles with a capacity of ten or more (including the driver) may be licensed as a charter/sightseeing vehicle.

• The vehicle must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for vehicles of its size, type, and proposed use; and pass IDOT safety inspections. For stretched vehicles, the modification must comply with a manufacturer warranty program.
• The driver of a charter/sightseeing vehicle must have either an active current Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Passenger Endorsement or a City of Chicago Restricted Public Chauffeur License. Charter/sightseeing vehicle owner is in violation of the City law if an unlicensed driver is found operating the vehicle.
• Prior to displaying exterior or interior advertising, required public vehicle advertising permits must be secured at the $100 annual fee per vehicle.
• The charter/sightseeing vehicle license is required for sightseeing vehicles used for tours offered to the general public for a charge. The license is also required for charter vehicles that offer group trips arranged in advance at a fixed rate.
• Charter and sightseeing vehicles require a commercial license plate issued by the Illinois Secretary of State.
• Soliciting passengers for sightseeing tours or charter trips on the public way is not allowed, except at specific areas designated by the City of Chicago. Parking or staging the vehicle is not permitted unless in a designated area marked by the City of Chicago.
• Upon request of authorized personnel, the charter/sightseeing vehicle driver must present trip itinerary.
• Effective August 1, 2021 , Trips involving a vehicle with passenger capacity of 15+ regardless of licensing jurisdiction must engage an operational security camera meeting City’s technical specifications during the trip; have onboard a written safety plan of operation to safeguard passengers, the driver and the public – the plan must be presented to authorized personnel upon request; PLUS

• • Specifically for trips which prohibit drinking alcoholic beverages on the bus AND have a scheduled itinerary of stops: personnel trained in security protocols to ensure safety of passengers, the driver, and the public (who may be the driver) must be present on the bus during the trip.
  • Specifically for trips with drinking of alcoholic beverages on the bus (including BYOB) OR without a scheduled itinerary of stops: a licensed security guard must be on the bus during the trip, in addition to the driver.

  Charter/Sightseeing Vehicle License Fees & Taxes:

  Charter/Sightseeing Vehicle License: $500 per vehicle/1-year term Ground Transportation Tax: Vehicle capacity 11-24: $6.00 per taxable day Vehicle capacity 25 or more: $9.00 per taxable day

  Charter/Sightseeing Vehicle License Application Forms:

  2024-2025 Charter-Sightseeing, Low Speed Electric Vehicle, Medicar and Jitney Renewal Instruction and Checklist New

  Listing of Scheduled Charter Sightseeing, Medicar, and Jitney Renewal Appointment New

  Applicable Ordinance(s):

  LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC PPV (Public Passenger Vehicle) LICENSE

  Low-Speed Electric PPVs are licensed public passenger vehicles that are pre-arranged for-hire-transportation in all electric 3 or 4-wheeled vehicles which travel a maximum speed of 30 MPH. Low-Speed Electric PPV rides may not be street hailed or secured in cab stands.

  Low-Speed Electric PPV License Requirements:

  • Low-Speed Electric PPV License term: July 1 to June 30
  • Vehicles with a capacity of no more than 10 persons, including the driver, may be licensed as a Low-Speed Electric PPV.
  • For each vehicle with a capacity of up to 9 seats (including the driver), $350,000 combined single limit coverage per occurrence. For each vehicle with a capacity of 10 seats (including the driver), $1 million combined single limit coverage per occurrence. Worker’s compensation insurance must be in compliance with State laws. Every insurance policy or contract for insurance must name the City of Chicago as an additional insured.
  • Commercial advertising on Low-Speed Electric PPVs must have applicable public vehicle advertising permits.

  Low-Speed Electric PPV License Fees & Taxes:

  • Low-Speed Electric PPV License: $500 per vehicle/1-year term
  • Ground Transportation Tax: $3.50/day per taxable day
  • Restricted Chauffeur License: $5/2-year term

  Low-Speed Electric PPV License Applications:

  • Low-Speed Electric PPV License Application Form for Individuals
  • Low-Speed Electric PPV License Application Form for Companies
  • Place of Business Address Requirement

  Applicable Ordinance(s):

  • Refer to Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 9-114 for Low-Speed Electric PPV licensing and regulatory framework.
  • Refer to Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 9-104 for restricted chauffeur licensing and regulatory framework.
  • Low-Speed Electric Public Vehicle Fact Sheet

  MEDICAL CARRIER (Medicar) VEHICLE LICENSE

  A medicar license is required for vehicles designed and equipped for non-emergency transportation and used for the purposes of receiving medical attention. For example, a vehicle used to transport an individual from a residence to a rehabilitation center would require a medical carrier license. A medical carrier vehicle may also be used to transport ill, injured or disabled individuals for purposes other than medical care or treatment. For example, transporting elderly residents from their home to a senior center for social activities would require a medical carrier license.

  Medicar Vehicle License Requirements:

  Medicar Vehicle License term: July 1st to June 30th.

  Vehicle Specifications: Vehicles of any size licensed by the State of Illinois as medical carriers pursuant to the Illinois Vehicle Code.

  License Plate Requirement: The Illinois Secretary of State issues license plates with “MC” or “PT” letters.

  Insurance Requirements: For each vehicle with a capacity of up to and including 9 seats, $350,000 combined single limit coverage per occurrence. Worker’s compensation insurance must be in compliance with State laws. Every insurance policy or contract for insurance must name the City of Chicago as an additional insured.

  Medicar Vehicle License Fees & Taxes:

  Medical Carrier Vehicle License: $500 per vehicle/1-year term Ground Transportation Tax: $3.50 per taxable day (vehicle capacity 10 or less)

  Medicar Vehicle License Application Forms:

  Applicable Ordinance(s):

  Refer to Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 9-114 for medical carrier licensing and regulatory framework.

  JITNEYS VEHICLE LICENSE

  Jitneys are public vehicles that may operate unscheduled service along prescribed routes or within specified local neighborhoods throughout the City but may not pick up passengers in the central business district, as described by rule and regulation, nor shall they pick up passengers at O’Hare International Airport, Midway International Airport, Navy Pier, McCormick Place, or any other area frequented by taxicabs licensed under MCC 9-112.

  Jitney Vehicle License Requirements

  Jitney Vehicle License term: July 1 to June30.

  Vehicle Specifications - Vehicles having a manufacturer’s rated seating capacity of nine or more persons, including the driver, may not be licensed as jitneys.

  Operation Requirements - Jitneys are public vehicles that may operate unscheduled service along prescribed routes or within specified local neighborhoods throughout the City but may not pick up passengers in the central business district, as described by rule and regulation, nor shall they pick up passengers at O’Hare International Airport, Midway International Airport, Navy Pier, McCormick Place, or any other area frequented by taxicabs licensed under MCC 9-112. Operational requirements for Jitney Vehicles. Jitneys may provide service only at a flat rate prominently published within the vehicle. Jitneys may not refuse service to the residents within the neighborhoods in which they operate. Jitney vehicles must prominently display a “jitney” sign in the front windshield at all times.

  Insurance Requirements - Minimum Insurance coverage with $100,000 combined single limit coverage per occurrence. Worker’s compensation insurance must be in compliance with State laws. Every insurance policy or contract for insurance must name the City of Chicago as an additional insured.