PPV Licence Guide: Requirements, Application Process & Approvals

Operating a public passenger vehicle (PPV) in Jamaica requires a licence from the Transport Authority. This guide outlines the types of PPV licences available, the step-by-step application process, associated requirements, and approval procedures to help you navigate the licensing system.

What Is a PPV Licence?

A Public Passenger Vehicle (PPV) licence is an authorisation issued by the Transport Authority of Jamaica that grants legal permission to operate a vehicle for carrying passengers for hire or reward.

PPV-licensed vehicles are generally identifiable by red licence plates and other markings required by the Transport Authority. The licence is required for any vehicle used to transport members of the public in exchange for payment.

Quick Facts

• Minimum Age: 21 years
• Licensing Authority: Transport Authority of Jamaica
• PPV Plate Colour: Red
• Driver Badge Required: Yes
• Vehicle Inspection Required: Yes
• Insurance Required: Yes
• Tracking Device Required: For newly approved applications
• Licence Renewal Exercise: Generally conducted between February 1 and March 31 annually

PPV licences in Jamaica fall into several categories:

Route Taxi

A vehicle licensed to operate on a designated route, carrying no more than ten passengers at a time, with the ability to stop to pick up or drop off passengers along the route.

Hackney Carriage

A vehicle for hire that carries no more than four passengers travelling together as a group and which stands or plies for hire on thoroughfares or places frequented by the public.

Contract Carriage

A vehicle hired on a contractual basis at an agreed rate, not permitted to carry general members of the public.

Stage Carriage

A vehicle used for carrying passengers at separate fares, travelling stage by stage along a designated route with seating for no fewer than eleven passengers.

Express Carriage

A vehicle for hire at separate fares for journeys from one or more points specified in advance to one or more destinations, with seating for no fewer than eleven passengers.

How to Apply for a PPV Licence

Here are the steps for obtaining a PPV licence.

Step 1: Determine the Licence Type and Obtain the Application Form

The first step is identifying which category of PPV licence applies to your intended operation.

Route taxi applications use the K1 Application Form, while contract carriage applications use the K2 Application Form. These forms are obtainable from the Transport Authority website or from any Transport Authority office island-wide.

Offices are located in Kingston, Linstead, Montego Bay, Mandeville, St. Mary, Portland, Clarendon, and Westmoreland.

Route taxi licence applications are processed through the respective Taxi Associations, whereas contract carriage, stage carriage, and express carriage applications may be submitted online via the Transport Authority portal.

Step 2: Gather the Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must assemble a comprehensive set of documents before submission.

The following are generally required:

• Original and photocopy of the current Registration Certificate for the vehicle
• Original and photocopy of the current Certificate of Fitness
• Original and photocopy of the current Insurance Certificate or Cover Note
• Copy of owner(s) identification: Driver’s Licence, Voter’s ID, or Passport (copies should be certified by a Justice of the Peace)
• Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) for the owner(s)
• Police Certificate (Police Record) – for companies, all directors must provide a police record
• Proof of address – a utility bill or a Proof of Address form signed and stamped by a Justice of the Peace
• For companies: the Memorandum and Articles of Association and Certificate of Incorporation, with the company seal or stamp affixed to the application
• For contract carriage: a Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) for the owner(s) and a copy of an existing contractual agreement accompanied by a letter from the issuing body
• A recommendation from a Justice of the Peace, Principal, Superintendent or Inspector of Police, or Minister of Religion
• An active email account for correspondence
• For route taxi applications: the Route Taxi Association should stamp "Original Seen" on photocopied documents

Step 3: Obtain the ‘L’ Form and Complete Vehicle Inspection

Purchase an ‘L’ Form receipt at the Tax Office, then take the receipt and the vehicle to the Examination Depot. The vehicle will be inspected to confirm roadworthiness.

Vehicles that are 15 years and older (motor cars) should obtain a Preliminary Inspection from the Transport Authority before being taken to an Island Traffic Authority Examination Depot to secure a Structural Safety Report.

Before proceeding to the inspection site, all motor vehicles must be affixed with the appropriate checkered colour-coded strip and taxi globe.

• Route taxis must display a black-and-white checked pattern.
• Hackney carriages must display a black-and-yellow checked pattern.

Step 4: Submit the Application and Pay the Fee

Once all requirements are met, submit the completed application form and supporting documents to the Transport Authority.

Applications may be submitted online through the Transport Authority portal or in person at any Transport Authority office.

The Transport Authority does not accept cash payments at its locations. Payment can be made using:

• VISA debit or credit cards
• Paymaster or Bill Express locations island-wide
• Bank transfers
• Mastercard
• National Commercial Bank (NCB) vouchers

Applicants should follow the payment instructions provided by the Transport Authority during the application process. Certain fees may only become payable after the application has been reviewed or approved.

Step 5: Receive Approval and Complete Additional Requirements

Upon approval of a new application, the applicant receives a text message and email notification.

The Certificate to the Collector of Taxes and the letter to the insurance company are issued, along with a letter to the security company for the installation of a tracking device.

The Certificate to the Collector of Taxes is sent to the applicant’s email address for the purchase of PPV plates (red plates) at Tax Administration Jamaica.

The following documents must then be returned to the Transport Authority before the road licence is prepared:

• Certificate to the Collector of Taxes (completed)
• Transport Authority Inspection Sheet
• Letter to insurance company (proof of PPV insurance)
• Letter to security company (proof of tracking device installation)
• Current Driver’s Badge

For collection of the road licence, the applicant must present owner identification and the Transport Authority’s original receipt.

Step 6: Obtain the PPV Badge

All persons who operate a PPV either as a driver or conductor must have a badge.

This requirement is established under the Road Traffic Regulations and Road Traffic (Taxis and Contract Cars) Regulations.

The badge helps passengers identify licensed and authorised PPV operators and forms part of the regulatory requirements for operating a PPV.

Timelines and Renewal

Most PPV licences are subject to annual renewal.

The Transport Authority generally conducts its licensing and renewal exercise between February 1 and March 31 each year.

Motor vehicle examinations are typically conducted during this period to facilitate the renewal process.

Operators should complete all renewal requirements before the applicable deadline established by the Transport Authority. Failure to renew on time may result in the licence becoming invalid and may attract additional fees or penalties.

As requirements and timelines may change, operators should always verify the latest renewal information directly with the Transport Authority.

Gain Comprehensive Coverage

Securing a PPV licence is only one part of operating a public passenger vehicle legally in Jamaica.

Equally important is having the right insurance coverage to protect yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle.

AutoSmart offers PPV insurance designed specifically for public passenger vehicles, including:

• Route taxis
• Hackney carriages
• Contract carriages
• Stage carriages
• Express carriages

Learn more about PPV insurance options.