For-Hire Intrastate Operating Authority Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Operating Authority?
   For-Hire Intrastate Operating Authority is an insurance monitoring program for carriers who operate for-hire in Virginia. Some carriers may be required to demonstrate fitness to conduct the for-hire operation and prove that there is a public need for the operation, depending on the operating authority required.
2. What is a Form E and a Form H and where can they be obtained?
   A Form E is proof of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance. Form H is proof of cargo insurance. Both are filed with DMV by a motor carrier's insurance company.
3. What do I need to do to operate a limousine and/or executive sedan for compensation within Virginia?
   You must obtain a Contract Passenger Carrier operating authority certificate. To obtain the authority, you must submit a For-Hire Intrastate Operating Authority Certificate or License Application (form OA-141) with all of the required documentation.
4. How long does it take to obtain the different types of intrastate operating authority?
   The processing time is approximately 90 days for the following types of operating authorities:
   • Transportation of Passengers Broker
   • Transportation of Property Broker
   • Common Carrier - Irregular Routes
   • Common Carrier - Regular Routes
   • Contract Passenger Carrier
   • Contract Bus Carrier
   • Sight Seeing
   • Household Goods Carrier
   • Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Carrier
   
   If you apply for any other type of operating authority and you already have proof of insurance on file with DMV's Motor Carrier Services, the authority will usually be issued the same day that you apply.
   • Bulk Property Carrier
   • Employee Hauler Carrier
   • Non-Profit/Tax-Exempt Passenger Carrier
   • Property Carrier
   • Taxicab
5. Who needs intrastate operating authority?
   Any person who wishes to transport passengers or property for-hire from point to point in Virginia needs to obtain Virginia operating authority, unless the person will be conducting exempt operations.
6. If I am leasing a vehicle to a motor carrier, who must obtain the operating authority?
   The motor carrier must apply for and obtain the Virginia operating authority. The leased vehicle must display for-hire license plates, which cannot be obtained until the operating authority is issued.
7. Why must I notify DMV's Motor Carrier Services when I sell a vehicle that is used in my operation?
   It is important to have the vehicle removed from your account so that your insurance company will be given a correct count of your operating authority vehicles. The vehicle can not be removed from your operating authority account until you:
   • IRP VEHICLES - surrender the vehicle registration receipt (cab card)
   • NON-IRP VEHICLES - surrender your for-hire license plates and vehicle registration
8. How much does operating authority cost?
   
   • FILING FEE:
     $50.00 (all certificate and license applications and Employee Hauler and Taxicab permit applications)
   • OPERATING AUTHORITY REGISTRATION FEE:
     $10.00 annually for freight/property carrier vehicles
     $3.00 annually for passenger carrier vehicles
9. Can intrastate operating authority be obtained at any DMV office?
   Yes, you can submit your application to any DMV customer service center. The customer service center will assist you in obtaining operating authority registration when you apply for the following types of authority. The operating authority permit will be sent to you from DMV headquarters.
   • Bulk Property Carrier,
   • Employee Hauler,
   • Non-profit/Tax-Exempt Passenger Carrier,
   • Property Carrier, or
   • Taxicab
   
   When you apply for any other type of authority, the application must be sent to DMV headquarters to be processed.
   • Transportation of Passengers Broker
   • Transportation of Property Broker
   • Common Carrier - Irregular Routes
   • Common Carrier - Regular Routes
   • Contract Bus Carrier
   • Contract Passenger Carrier
   • Non-emergency Medical Transportation Carrier
   • Sight Seeing Carrier
   • Household Goods Carrier
10. If I want to operate for-hire in Virginia and my vehicle is registered in another state, do I have to have Virginia operating authority?
    Yes. You must comply with all of Virginia's for-hire operating authority requirements.
11. What is required to operate under Medicaid reimbursement?
    This program is managed by the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS). Please contact DMAS for information.
12. Do I need operating authority from the Virginia DMV to operate as a local household goods mover?
    Yes. If you do not transport household goods for more than 30 miles from where the move started, you must obtain Property Carrier authority. If you transport household goods further than 30 miles from where the move started, you must obtain Household Goods Carrier authority. The property carrier authority for moves of 30 miles or less is not required if you have household goods authority and you only transport household goods.
13. Is the Notary Public required to place their seal on the Information Release Authorization in my application for a certificate/license?
    The seal is not required if the Notary Public was commissioned by a Virginia jurisdiction. The seal is required if the Notary Public was commissioned by a jurisdiction outside Virginia.