Key facts
What is the difference between a black car, a limo and rideshare?
All three are pre-booked, not hailed. A black car service typically runs executive sedans and SUVs for account clients; a limousine service also offers larger and stretched vehicles for events and hourly hire; rideshare is booked through a platform app. Regulators often license them differently: New York City licenses black car, livery and luxury limousine bases separately.[1][2]
Which permit does a black car service need?
It depends where you operate. In New York City, a TLC black car base licence. In California, a CPUC charter-party carrier permit, since a charter-party carrier hires its vehicle for the exclusive use of a person or group on a prearranged basis. For passengers across state lines, FMCSA operating authority.[1][4][3]
Why start with corporate accounts?
Because black car work is account work: firms book for staff and guests, want monthly invoices with cost centres, and repeat. A handful of accounts gives the steady weekday base that hourly and event work tops up.
See how to get corporate accounts and TaxiDex corporate accounts.
Frequently asked questions
Can a black car service pick up street hails?
No. Black car work is pre-arranged; in New York City a black car base dispatches all its trips on a pre-arranged basis.
How many cars do I need to open a black car base in NYC?
The TLC base licence requires a minimum of 10 vehicles; see the TLC base license.
Sources
Fees and rules change. Each source is the official page we read, with the date we read it; check it before you apply or pay.
- [1] NYC TLC: Black car bases (read 3 Nov 2026)
- [2] NYC TLC: Luxury limousine bases (read 3 Nov 2026)
- [3] FMCSA: Get operating authority (interstate passenger carriers) (read 3 Nov 2026)
- [4] California Public Utilities Commission: Charter-party carriers (read 3 Nov 2026)