All drivers, buggy operators, pedicab operators, tour guides and school bus aides require a permit to operate in the City of New Orleans. Applicants must submit a completed notarized application and required documents to gtb@nola.gov, pay an application fee, and complete a Federal background check and drug test (drug test not required for tour guides).
Effective January 1,2022 all applications must be notarized. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. All documentation must be submitted at the time of application.
Federal Background Check
Required for all applicants. A federal background check/criminal history report must be performed by an FBI-approved channeler within 90 days prior to the application date.
Results MUST be sent directly to the Ground Transportation Bureau at TaxiTests@nola.gov from the approved facility.
A list of approved facilities can be found here.
Drug Test
Required for all drivers, buggy and pedicab operators, and school bus aides. Results from a CLIA-certified laboratory of a standard 5-panel urine drug test for cocaine, Marijuana (THC, cannabinoids), Phencyclidine (PCP), amphetamines (including methamphetamines), and opiates (including heroin, codeine and morphine).
Results must be submitted directly via email to the Ground Transportation Bureau at TaxiTests@nola.gov from the approved laboratory. Results are valid for 30 days from testing date.
View list of approved drug-testing facilities
Motor Vehicle Record
Required for all drivers and buggy operators. A motor vehicle record (MVR) must be acquired online from the Office of Motor Vehicles at www.expresslane.org. An MVR is considered valid for 30 days from the date the report is printed.
Driver/Operator Requirements
General drivers or carriage drivers must present the following
- A valid Louisiana chauffer’s license (Class D) or Commercial (CDL) license, if applicable. Carriage operators must have a valid Louisiana driver’s license (class E or above).
- Employment/Company line letter from company/line that you will be employed or affiliated with upon permit issuance. Letter will be valid for 30 days after being signed by the company.
- Motor Vehicle record issued by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.
- Federal background check and drug test from an approved facility. Results must be sent directly from the facility.
Apply for a CPNC Permit
Non-emergency Medical Operator Requirements
In addition to the general driver requirements, non-emergency medical vehicle drivers must present the following:
- A certificate or documentation of completing a certified training program for the needs of passengers in wheelchairs and other persons with disabilities. The training must include loading and tie-down procedures and door-to-door services.
- Current and valid first aid certification
- Current and valid CPR certification
School Bus Driver Requirements
In addition to the general driver requirements, school bus drivers must present the following documents:
- A valid Louisiana commercial driver’s license (CDL), class C or higher, with passenger and school bus endorsements (applicant must be at least 21 years of age). Air brake authorization must be required for operators of vehicles equipped with air brakes.
- A physical and eye examination record meeting current CDL requirements.
- Documentation of having completed 44 hours of pre-service training as required by the Louisiana State Department of Education, taught by an approved instructor. See our list of approved training instructors. If training was performed prior to 2 years from the application date, documentation of in-service training must also be presented at the time of application.
- Federal background check and a DOT drug test from an approved facility. Results must be sent directly from the facility.
- Renewing applicants must submit documentation of completing in-service training to include a minimum of eight hours biannually (every two years). You can download a copy of the school bus in-service training form.
School Bus Aide Requirements
Aides must present:
- Must be 21 years or older.
- A valid state-issued driver’s license or photo ID
- Federal background check and a DOT drug test from an approved facility. Results must be sent directly from the facility.
School Bus Aides are exempt from presenting a motor vehicle record.
Pedicab Operators Requirements
Pedicab operators must present:
- Valid state-issued driver’s license.
- Employment/Company line letter from company/line that you will be employed or affiliated with upon permit issuance. Letter will be valid for 30 days after being signed by the company.
- GTB Medical form completed by a physician. Form will be valid from 30 days after being signed by a physician.
- Federal background check and drug test from an approved facility. Results must be sent directly from the facility.
Pedicab operators are exempt from presenting a motor vehicle record.
Apply for a Pedicab Operator's Permit
Tour Guide Requirements
Tour guides must present:
- Current and valid state-issued driver’s license, ID card, or US passport.
- Initial tour guides must receive a passing score of 70% on their tour guide examination, which is scheduled at the time of application.
- The test is required for all first applicants and those whose tour guide licence has lapsed more than 90 days.
- Federal background check from an approved facility. Results must be sent directly from the facility.
Tour guides are exempt from presenting a motor vehicle record or submitting to a drug test.
Apply for a Tour Guide Permit
Driver/Operator Responsibilities
Permit holders are required to notify the Ground Transportation Bureau in writing of any arrest, charge, or conviction of a crime within 15 days or, if incarcerated, upon release. Subsequently, they shall deliver to the bureau a certified copy of any order, judgment, or certificate of disposition issued by the clerk of the court within 15 days of disposition or sentencing.
Application Fees
- All drivers & operators, including pedicab: $40 (new & renewal)
- Tour guides: $50 ($20 renewal)
Forms of payment accepted: cashier’s check, money order, Mastercard, Visa, Discover credit card.
CASH AND AMEX NOT ACCEPTED