Broker Licence

 A Broker Licence is required for businesses or individuals that arrange or dispatch taxicab transportation services to the public. Brokers are responsible for meeting the requirements of the Passenger Transportation Services By-Law (not in effect until Oct. 1), including requirements related to affiliated drivers and vehicles, dispatch services and record keeping. 

This licence does not apply to Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). TNCs are regulated separately under the Transportation Network Company By-Law.

Fees and requirements

The annual licence fee is $575 for new licences plus $5 per plate affiliated with the broker. The renewal fee is $550 plus $5 per plate affiliated with the broker.  

To apply for a licence, you need to complete an application and submit the relevant documents. Review the requirements carefully to make sure you submit all documents that apply to your specific situation. 

General application

  • Completed application
  • Payment of applicable licence fees
  • Written document identifying: 
    • The number of taxicabs anticipated to operate under the brokerage 
    • The names and licence numbers of affiliated taxicab plateholders and taxicab drivers (if known at time of application)  

If applying as an individual

  • Proof of age of majority in the form of Valid Government-issued Photo Identification
  • Proof that you are legally permitted to work in Canada in the form of
    • Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status
    • Valid work permit issued by the Government of Canada
    • Unrestricted Ontario Class ‘G’ Driver’s Licence

If applying as a corporation

  • Certificate of Status issued by the Ontario Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery (dated within 90 days of application)  
  • Certificate/Articles of Incorporation  
  • List of all controlling individuals, directors and officers including business addresses and telephone numbers  
  • Address of the premises where the corporation carries on business activities 
  • Level 3 Criminal Record Check that includes Judicial Matters and Vulnerable Sector (dated within 90 days of the application)

If applying as a partnership

  • Name and address of each partner  
  • Business name under which passenger transportation services will be provided

Applications - New licences

To obtain an application for a New Taxicab Broker licence and submit the required supporting documents please contact transportationlicensing@cityofkingston.ca or attend the Licensing Services counter at 1211 John Counter Blvd., Kingston.

Applications - Renewing a licence

The Passenger Transportation Services Members’ portal wil transition to City of Kingston operation and will be unavailable from Sept. 25 until Oct. 1.

You can renew your Taxicab Broker Licence online through the Transportation Services Member Portal or in person by attending the Licensing Services counter at 1211 John Counter Blvd., Kingston. 

Log in to the Transportation Services Member Portal to complete your renewal online. Require an alternate format? You can Contact Us.

Broker responsibilities: driver's screening, testing and examination

Under the Passenger Transportation Services By-Law (not in effect until Oct. 1), taxicab brokers are responsible for screening, training and approving drivers before a driver may apply to the City for a Taxicab Driver Licence. 

Before issuing a Letter of Association, brokers must ensure all screening, training and examination requirements have been successfully completed.

Training must ensure that applicants:

  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in English including understanding and responding to passenger inquiries, interpreting directions and emergency instructions, and using maps, navigation systems and fare information
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of the geography of the City of Kingston, including major streets, landmarks, public institutions and transportation hubs
  • Complete training on the requirements of the Passenger Transportation Services By-Law (not in effect until Oct. 1):
    • Safe and defensive driving practices
    • Customer service, including respectful and professional interactions with passengers
    • Accessibility requirements, including communicating with persons with disabilities, the proper use of accessibility equipment and features, and accommodating service animals and mobility aids in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) 

Third-party training providers 

The City in the process of securing an approved third-party training provider to deliver taxicab driver training and examinations.

During the transition period, we will continue to administer taxicab driver examinations using the current process. For questions about training materials or exam preparation, please contact transportationlicensing@cityofkingston.ca.

Taxicab brokers can provide the required training and exams themselves (such as Amey’s Taxi) or use a third-party training provider. Regardless of who delivers the training, taxicab brokers are responsible for ensuring that drivers meet all requirements of the Passenger Transportation Services By-Law (not in effect until Oct. 1) before issuing a Letter of Association. 

Taxicab brokers are also responsible for ensuring that any training program they use meets the requirements of the Passenger Transportation Services By-Law (not in effect until Oct. 1) and has been approved by the City. 

Drivers must complete an examination demonstrating knowledge of the topics covered in the training.

Before issuing a Letter of Association, taxicab brokers must confirm that each driver has completed all required screening, training, and examination requirements.

Once licensed, taxicab brokers are responsible for ongoing compliance with the Passenger Transportation Services By-Law (not in effect until Oct. 1). 

Responsibilities include: 

  • Driver screening and onboarding
  • Driver training and examination  
  • Monthly reporting requirements  
  • Record keeping requirements  
  • Insurance verification responsibilities  
  • Monitoring driver hours of work  
  • Complaint handling procedures  
  • Lost and found procedures  
  • Operational policies and procedures  

The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.

Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.

Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.