Key facts
Who licenses taxis and rideshare in New South Wales?
The Point to Point Transport Commissioner. Anyone running a taxi business must be an authorised taxi service provider, and anyone running a business that takes and manages bookings must be an authorised booking service provider; drivers who take their own bookings count as booking service providers. Authorisation lasts ten years, with annual fees, and unauthorised services face penalties of up to $110,000.[1][2]
What is the NSW passenger service levy?
A $1.20 charge on each passenger service transaction, paid by authorised taxi and booking service providers since 1 July 2023. Providers decide whether to pass it on, in which case it attracts GST; small providers with 150 or fewer transactions in 12 months can seek an exemption.[3]
What does Queensland require?
Booked hire vehicles that are not taxis or limousines need a booked hire service licence ($294.50 for one year from 1 July 2026), and the business taking bookings needs a booking entity authorisation, priced by fleet size from $310.35 for 1 to 5 vehicles to $6,206.85 for more than 50.[4][5]
More detail in how to start a taxi business in Queensland.
What about the other states?
Other states and territories set their own rules, so check the regulator in the state where your cars will work before buying vehicles or signing drivers.
Frequently asked questions
Do Uber drivers in NSW need to be authorised?
Drivers who only drive booked vehicles for an authorised booking service provider do not; drivers who take their own bookings directly from customers are booking service providers and must be authorised.
Can a company outside NSW be authorised?
A corporation can apply, but at least one of its nominated managers must be a resident of NSW.
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] NSW Point to Point Transport Commission: Do you need to be authorised? (fact sheet) (read 3 Nov 2026)
- [2] NSW Point to Point Transport Commission: Become an authorised service provider (read 3 Nov 2026)
- [3] NSW Point to Point Transport Commission: What is the Passenger Service Levy? (read 3 Nov 2026)
- [4] Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads: Booked hire service licence (read 3 Nov 2026)
- [5] Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads: Personalised transport fees (as at 1 July 2026) (read 3 Nov 2026)