Offering Private Trips in Arizona

A business providing livery or limousine transportation in Arizona must obtain a Vehicle for Hire permit before operating. Start with the Arizona Department of Transportation’s official livery and limousine licensing page for current instructions.

Insurance requirements

Arizona’s insurance requirements depend on whether a driver has accepted a trip. While available for hire but before accepting a request, the required primary commercial liability limits are $25,000 for injury to one person, $50,000 for injury to two or more people, and $20,000 for property damage. After accepting a request and while transporting passengers, primary commercial liability coverage must be at least $250,000 per incident, with commercial uninsured motorist coverage also required.

Additional coverage rules depend on the vehicle’s seating capacity. Vehicles seating 9 to 15 people including the driver require at least $750,000 combined single-limit liability coverage and $300,000 uninsured motorist coverage. Review ADOT’s insurance requirements and confirm the appropriate coverage for your vehicle and service with your insurer.

Vehicle requirements

Arizona defines a limousine as a vehicle carrying no more than 15 people including the driver for transportation arranged in advance, on a regular route, or between specified points under a fixed-rate or time-based agreement. A livery vehicle also seats no more than 15 people and charges a flat or hourly rate within or between geographic areas. An SUV may qualify if its seating capacity and operation meet the applicable definition; it does not need to be a stretch limousine.

Keep current registration and proof of insurance in the vehicle, along with a copy of the company permit. Arizona also requires an approved license plate and vehicle safety and emissions inspection records. See ADOT’s definitions and compliance requirements .

Application requirements

First, register the business or trade name with the Arizona Corporation Commission or Secretary of State, as appropriate. Submit the Vehicle for Hire application using the link on ADOT’s application page . Once it is processed, print the permit through your ServiceArizona account. The permit is valid for three years.

The business must also maintain required driver background-check records, a drug and alcohol zero-tolerance policy, and vehicle inspection and maintenance records. ADOT says it does not require a vehicle inspection when the initial application is submitted, but it may inspect for compliance later.