A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for a Limousine Driver’s License in Houston
How to Apply for a Limousine Driver’s License in Houston
In the bustling city of Houston, operating a permitted limousine vehicle requires more than just a steering wheel and a destination. If you’re ready to hit the road in style, you’ll need to secure a limousine driver’s license from the City of Houston. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the application process and what you need to cruise through the streets of Houston legally.
Understanding the Basics:
A limousine license is a prerequisite for driving a permitted limousine in the city. It’s not just a formality; it’s a legal requirement that ensures the safety and reliability of transportation services. Drivers must carry their licenses at all times while operating a limousine vehicle.
Criminal History and Traffic Warrant Check:
Before you embark on this journey, be prepared for a thorough background check. A criminal history check, including a 10-year review, may require a hearing to authorize or deny the license. This process aligns with the standards outlined in the Texas Occupations Code. Additionally, a traffic warrant check, conducted by Municipal Courts, ensures your driving record is in the clear.
Statutory authority
This process is governed by the Houston Code of Ordinances, specifically under Sec. 46-239 and Sec. 46-14. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to navigate the application process seamlessly.
Houston Code of Ordinances Sec. 46-239
Houston Code of Ordinances Sec. 46-14
What You Need: To kickstart your application, gather the following and apply in Person: Follow these steps for a smooth application process:
- Get fingerprinted by MorphoTrust.
- Fill Out The Application.
- Complete a Warrant Check.
- Pick up your License.
- Other Application Information.
- Address of places to be visited.
1- First Step: Get fingerprinted by MorphoTrust.
You are required to be fingerprinted by MorphoTrust USA through an exclusive contract with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
- Appointments are available by scheduling on-line at http://www.identogo.com
- Or by calling 1-888-467-2080.
- The cost of this service is $9.95 plus a $31.50 fee for the State and National Criminal History Record Information.
- Results will be submitted directly to the ARA offices in approximately 2-5 days.
- Agency Assigned Applicant Number HL-ARA
Note: It is your responsibility to contact ARA offices at 832-394-8803 to see if your results have come back.
How to make an appointment for fingerprint at IdentoGO
- Go to: https://uenroll.identogo.com/workflows/119y5f
- Click on schedule or manage an appointment
- Enter your personal information: Full name, date of birth, email and phone number
- Click next;
- Type in HL-ARA as the agency identifiers, click next
- Enter your citizenship information: Country of birth, City of birth, and country of citizenship, click next:
- Answer the 4 questions, click next.
- Fill up the personal information, click next
- Fill up your mailing address, click next
- select the required documents to bring to your enrollment. Then click ‘Next’ to continue
- Select a location for your appointment, you can use the search by postal code to find the closest location to you.
2- Fill Out The Application.
Obtain the Fingerprint Application Packet from the City of Houston Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department (ARA) offices located at 1002 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77002 or from their website www.houstontx.gov/ara/vfh. Click the link titled “Criminal History Background Check Process & Texas Fingerprint Service Code Form”. fill in your information and download the application.
Applicant Packet: Download the application packet here.
https://www.houstontx.gov/ara/vfh/vfhdocs/Application-Packet-COH-Drivers-License.pdf
Note: You are required to have the deed restriction form signed, it is part of the application packet.
3- Complete a Warrant Check.
You are required to complete a warrant check: this can be completed at the Municipal Court Department at: 1400 Lubbock St, Houston, TX 77002, at any cashier of the ground floor.
- The cost for this service is $20.00.
- The warrant check will be stamped and signed on the application. The court representative will not provide you with any additional papers.
4- Pick up your License
Bring the following items to the Houston Permitting Center at 1002 Washington Ave Houston TX 77002, they will take your photo for your Limousine Driver License, so make sure you look sharp, and professional.
- The completed vehicle for hire driver application.
- The completed and signed deed restriction affidavit.
- Warrant check obtained from the City of Houston Municipal Courts.
- Valid Texas Driver’s License
- The license fee is $11.40
Visit the Houston Permitting Center:Bring the completed application packet and your chosen method of payment.
- Secure Your Numbered Ticket:Get a numbered ticket from the Information Desk and wait in the lobby until your number is called. ARA desks are located between desks 14 and 20.
- Contact Information: For additional assistance, reach out to the Vehicles for Hire Permitting and Enforcement division:
Physical Address: 1002 Washington Ave., 1st floor Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832.394.8803
Fax: 832.395.9632
Operating Hours: 8 AM to 4 PM
Email: houstonpermithelp@houstontx.gov
Website: http://www.houstontx.gov/ara/vfh/
5- Other Application Information:
- Incomplete applications will not be processed or accepted.
- Only original documents will be accepted. No copies.
- Documents must have identical names and spellings.
- All Vehicle for Hire operators should refer to the appropriate city code (Chapter 46) for specific details and requirements for operations/services: https://www.municode.com/library/tx/houston/codes/code_of_ordinances
- Payment Method: Cash, check, cashier’s check, money order, or debit/credit card.
6- Address of places to be visited:
MorphoTrust USA: Find the closest location to you at: https://www.identogo.com/locations
Phone: 1-888-467-2080
City of Houston Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department (ARA) offices: 1002 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832-394-8803
Municipal Court: 1400 Lubbock St, Houston, TX 77002.
(713) 247-5479 Houston Municipal Court, Primary Phone
Embark on your journey to becoming a licensed limousine driver in Houston by following these steps. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about the legal and safe ride that you provide to the vibrant streets of Houston. Safe travels!