A Vehicle for Hire licence is required as per the Taxi By-Law (95 of 2023) for trips within the City. For more details review the By-Law including Fine Structure (Part 1 and Part 2) on this link: Vehicle for Hire By-Law. To view the City of Sarnia boundary map click here.
All licensed vehicles display a Taxi Plate with the year it is licensed for on the rear of the vehicle. City Driver’s Licenses must be clearly visible to all passengers. Taxi drivers and owners are not allowed to charge extra for transporting persons with disabilities. To view the list of licensed companies view the Business Licensing Directory.
Vehicle for Hire licenses are issued at Sarnia City Hall, Customer Service, 1st Floor, between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday – Friday. Contact by phone at 519-332-0330 ext. 3131 or by emailing business@sarnia.ca. You can also submit an application via our online Permit and Licensing Portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a licence to own or drive a Vehicle for Hire?
Yes. Anyone operating a Vehicle for Hire in the city must have a valid City Owner’s Licence for the vehicle. Drivers must also have a City Driver’s Licence.
Does the vehicle need any markings or decals?
Yes. The vehicle must display the City-issued taxi plate on the rear left side of the bumper, where the public can clearly see it.
Do drivers need their own licence too?
Yes. Even if the owner is licensed, drivers must still get a City Driver’s Licence.
Do licences need to be renewed?
Yes. Owner’s Licences expire on December 31 each year and must be renewed annually. Driver’s Licenses expire 365 days from issuance.
Can I transfer my plate from an old vehicle to a new vehicle? Yes, an Owner’s Licence may be transferred to a new Vehicle if the Vehicle for which the Owner’s Licence was issued is no longer to be used as a Vehicle For Hire, once an application for licence transfer is approved, satisfying the provisions of Subsections 5 (a), (c), (d) and (e) of the By-law.
Taxi Owner Licence Application
An Owner’s Licence expires December 31, following the issuance of the licence and shall be renewed annually. Owner’s Record requirements are:
- Completed application form.
- Vehicle Ownership, per Vehicle for Hire.
- Certificate of Commercial General Liability Insurance not less than $2 Million, the City of Sarnia shall be named or included as additionally insured.
- Certificate of Mechanical Fitness (Safety Certificate). Not more than 30 days old. Per Vehicle for Hire.
- Provincial Business Registration.
- List of Current Drivers Names associated with the Business.
Taxi Driver Licence Application
A Driver’s Licence expires 365 days after the issuance of the licence and shall be renewed annually. Driver’s Licence requirements are:
- For new applications: Two passport-size photos and Proof of taxi company employment.
- Valid Ontario Driver’s Licence (copied at City Hall).
- Police Vulnerable Sector Check dated within 30 days.
- Uncertified driver record (from Service Ontario).
Taxi Meter and Rates
A Vehicle for Hire licence is required as per the Taxi By-Law ( 95 of 2023) for trips within the City. For more details review the By-Law (including Fine Structure on this link: Vehicle for Hire By-Law. To view the City of Sarnia boundary map click here. All licensed vehicles display a Taxi Plate with the year it it licensed for on the rear of the vehicle. To view the list of licensed companies view the Business Licence Directory: Business Licensing – City of Sarnia. City Driver’s Licenses must be clearly visible to all passengers.
The rates listed below shall be adjusted based on the published annual Consumer Price Index, transportation subclass for the Province of Ontario published by Statistics Canada. The rates are subject to adjustment on January 1st each year, as determined by the City Treasurer based on published CPI data for the preceding year ending in November.
| Services | 2024 | Nov. 2024 to Nov. 2025 Change % | 2025 | Nov. 2025 to Nov. 2026 Change % | 2026 |
| Flag Drop | $5.71 | 1.1% | $5.77 | 0.7% | $5.81 |
| Senior Flag | $4.62 | 1.1% | $4.67 | 0.7% | $4.70 |
| 1/10 km or part thereof (cents) | $0.3179 | 1.1% | $0.3214 | 0.7% | $0.3236 |
| Hourly waiting rates – metered | $22.05/hr | 1.1% | $22.29/hr | 0.7% | $22.45/hr |
| Hourly waiting rates – not metered (Charged in 15 minute increments) | $40.07/hr | 1.1% | $40.51/hr | 0.7% | $40.79/hr |