Your Complete Guide to the Toronto PTC License Card

If you're looking to drive a taxi, limousine, or ride-share vehicle like Uber or Lyft in Toronto, the first and most important step is obtaining your Toronto Private Transportation Company (PTC) License Card, often simply called a "PTC License."

This license is a mandatory requirement by the City of Toronto to ensure all drivers for hire are qualified, safe, and knowledgeable about the city. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is a Toronto PTC License Card? The toronto ptc license card is an official photo identification card issued by the City of Toronto's Municipal Licensing & Standards (MLS) division. It authorizes you to drive for a licensed Private Transportation Company (e.g., Uber, Lyft, Facedrive) or a taxi and limousine service within city limits.

It is not a driver's license; it's a separate professional license that you must carry whenever you are working.

Who Needs a PTC License? You must have a valid PTC License if you drive:

A taxi (Beck, Co-op, etc.)

A limousine

A ride-sharing vehicle (UberX, Uber Comfort, Lyft Standard, etc.)

Essentially, any vehicle-for-hire operating in Toronto requires its driver to hold this specific license.

How to Get Your PTC License: A Step-by-Step Process The application process is detailed and designed to ensure driver and passenger safety. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Ensure You Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

Be at least 18 years old.

Hold a valid Ontario Class G (or higher) driver’s license for a minimum of three years.

Have a clean driving record.

Be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Step 2: Complete the Required Courses and Tests This is the core of the application. You must complete two city-mandated courses:

Vehicle-for-Hire Driver Training Course: A mandatory educational course covering topics like Toronto routes, accessibility, customer service, and bylaws. This course must be taken from a City-approved training provider (a list is available on the City of Toronto website).

City of Toronto Knowledge Test: A test based on the material from the training course. It must be passed with a score of 75% or higher.

Step 3: Obtain a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) You must provide an original, recent (within 180 days) Vulnerable Sector Check from a police service. This is a more in-depth check than a standard criminal record check.

Step 4: Get a Medical Check-Up A licensed physician must complete the City’s Medical Examination Form to confirm you are medically fit to drive a vehicle-for-hire.

Step 5: Secure Proof of Insurance You must provide a Certificate of Insurance from your insurance provider for the vehicle you intend to drive, showing a minimum of $2,000,000 in liability coverage.

Step 6: Submit Your Application Online All applications are processed through the City of Toronto’s eLicensing portal. You will need to create an account, fill out the application, and upload clear, digital copies of all your required documents:

Ontario Driver’s License

Proof of Work Eligibility (e.g., Canadian Passport, PR Card, Work Permit)

Completed Medical Form

Police Vulnerable Sector Check

Certificate of Insurance

Proof of passed Knowledge Test

A digital passport-style photo

Step 7: Pay the Fees There are fees associated with the application, knowledge test, and the license itself. Check the City of Toronto’s official website for the most current fee schedule.

Costs and Validity Cost: The total cost involves several fees (training course, knowledge test, police check, medical exam, application fee). In total, expect to invest several hundred dollars.

Validity: A PTC License is typically valid for three to four years from the date of issue. You must renew it before it expires to continue driving legally.

Important Things to Remember Not Transferable: The license is issued to you personally and is not transferable to another driver.

Must Be Displayed: While you are working, your physical PTC License card must be visibly displayed in your vehicle so passengers can see it.

City of Toronto Only: This license is only valid for driving within the City of Toronto. Other municipalities in the GTA (e.g., Mississauga, Brampton, York Region) have their own separate licensing requirements for vehicle-for-hire drivers.