New Driver Application or Face ID Renewal Instructions

Drivers interested in becoming a new DC  taxicab driver or renewing their Face ID must submit the following;

  • Application: Download and fully complete the Driver Application
  • Photos: Submit two (2) front view full face photographs, and one (1) side view profile photograph. The photographs should be passport sized. Photographs should have a white background. Note that photographs from an instant photo booth are not acceptable.
  • Proof of Residency: Drivers must provide documentation to satisfy proof of residency. All documentation must coincide with the address listing on the current driver's license.
  • Social Security Card: Drivers not born in the United State can provide (a) a Resident Alien Card, (b) a Valid Employment Authorization Card, (c) a Naturalization Citizenship Certificate, (d) a Valid US Passport, (e) I-94 Asylum, or (f) a Green Card.
  • Police Clearance: Follow instructions to obtain Police Clearance.
  • Driving Record: Drivers must have a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's Permit from the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area and have 12 consecutive months of driving experience in the Metropolitan Area. DC Residents can obtain records from (95 M Street SW, Washington, DC 20024).
  • Out of State Residents must provide (a) a Drivers Record from the state of residence where you are currently licensed to drive and (b) a copy of your DC Drivers Record. Note that drivers with eight (8) points or more on their driving record "are not" eligible and their application "will not" be accepted.
  • Clean Hands: Drivers must submit the original copy of your Clean Hands and DC Business Tax Registration Form. Drivers can obtain an original form from 1101 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20019 at the customer service desk. New applicants can submit a request for Clean Hands here.

Fast Track Driver Applicant Process (New)

DFHV has established a temporary process for issuing a Provisional Face ID. The provisional license will allow an eligible driver applicant to operate a taxicab for a limited period while completing the requirements for a Face ID.

This issuance establishes the process by which a Digital Taxicab Solution (DTS) company may submit a Fast Track application on behalf of a driver applicant. The process is intended to reduce onboarding delays while preserving DFHV’s ability to review driver eligibility, background information, driving history, and required identity documentation.

The Fast Track Application must be completed and signed by both the driver applicant and an authorized representative of the DTS company. By signing the Fast Track application, the driver applicant and DTS company certify that the information submitted is true, complete, and accurate to the best of their knowledge, and acknowledge that the information will be used by DFHV to review and process the application for a Provisional Face ID. The driver applicant’s email address, not the DTS company’s email address, must be included on the Fast Track application.

Required Documents
The DTS company shall submit the completed Fast Track application and the following supporting documents to DFHV through the designated online portal:

  1. A valid driver’s license for the driver applicant;
  2. The driver applicant’s driving history from home jurisdiction, and DC Department of Motor Vehicles;
  3. The driver applicant’s background report for DFHV review (see details below); and
  4. Proof of citizenship or permanent residence
  5. Front-facing photo with white background.

The background report submitted for the provisional application shall include a local and national criminal background check and a national sex offender database background check conducted by a third party accredited by the National Association of Professional Background Screeners or a successor accreditation entity. DFHV shall review the background report for consistency with the good moral character requirements applicable to DFHV operator license applicants, including the standards set forth in 31 DCMR §§ 1001.13 – 1001.15. Driver applicants seeking a Face ID beyond the provisional period must complete all remaining fingerprint-based background check requirements.

No application fee shall be required for the Provisional Face ID.

Fees and Expiration
  • Face ID License Duration & Fees - First time drivers will pay the DFHV a $149.50 fee for fingerprints and the licensing examination.
  • Face IDs will expire every other year on the driver's date of birth.
  • Drivers will pay the DFHV a $250.00 renewal fee.