A for-hire endorsement may be issued to Indiana residents who are at least 18 years of age and have held a valid driver’s license for more than one year. A for-hire endorsement does not allow the license holder to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
A for-hire endorsement provides the license holder privileges to operate a motor vehicle that:
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 16,000 pounds, but not more than 26,000 pounds, and used to transport property; or
- Is designed to transport less than 16 passengers, including the driver, and used to transport passengers for-hire.
The following are not considered transporting for-hire:
- Operating a medical services vehicle
- Transporting a recreational vehicle before the first retail sale of the recreational vehicle when:
- The gross vehicle weight of the recreational vehicle is not more than 26,000 pounds; or
- The gross combination weight of the recreational vehicle and towed recreational vehicle is not more than 26,000 pounds, and the weight of the towed recreational vehicle is not greater than 10,000 pounds
- Operating a motor vehicle with a gross weight of less than 16,000 pounds and used to transport property for-hire
If you want to add a for-hire endorsement to your current Indiana driver’s license, you must pass a standard vision screening and the for-hire knowledge examination. To prepare for the exam, please study the Driver's Manual.
Transfer an Out-of-State Chauffeur’s License, PPC License, or For-Hire Endorsement
New Indiana residents who hold a valid public passenger chauffeur’s license, chauffeur’s license, for-hire endorsement, or equivalent from another state may transfer their driver’s license or endorsement to their Indiana driver’s license after passing a knowledge exam based on the Indiana Driver’s Manual.
Obtain an Indiana Driver’s License
How Long is My For-Hire Endorsement Valid?
Your for-hire endorsement is valid for the same period of validity as your driver’s license.
Renewing Your Driver’s License
If you currently hold a PPC or chauffeur’s license, you may renew or amend your driver’s license at a BMV branch and obtain an driver’s license with a for-hire endorsement. If you need to replace your PPC or chauffeur’s license, you will need to visit a BMV branch and obtain an driver’s license with a for-hire endorsement.
FAQs About the For-Hire Endorsement
- If I currently hold a chauffeur or public passenger chauffeur license (PPC), do I have to obtain a driver's license with for-hire endorsement on January 1, 2017?
Your chauffeur’s or PPC license will remain valid until the expiration date that is printed on the license. If you wish to renew, replace, or amend your chauffeur’s or PPC license you will receive a driver’s license with a for-hire endorsement.
- Will my operating privileges remain the same as with the chauffeur’s or PPC license?
Yes. However, if you currently hold a chauffeur’s license, you will also have authority to transport no more than 15 passengers, including the driver, for hire with the for-hire endorsement.
- How will I replace my chauffeur’s or PPC license if it is stolen/lost or mutilated?
If your chauffeur’s or PPC license is stolen, lost or mutilated, Indiana law requires the BMV to issue a driver's license with the for-hire endorsement. You will be required to visit any BMV branch to apply for a driver's license with the for-hire endorsement.
- How do I amend my chauffeur’s or PPC license?
If information on your chauffeur’s or PPC license needs to be amended, Indiana law requires the BMV to issue a driver's license with the for-hire endorsement. You will be required to visit any BMV branch to apply for a driver's license with the for-hire endorsement. Please bring any supporting documentation needed to amend your credential.
- When I renew my chauffeur’s or PPC license, will I be required to take the for-hire knowledge exam to apply for a driver's license with the for-hire endorsement?
No, a for-hire knowledge exam is only required when making an initial application for a driver's license with the for-hire endorsement, or if your chauffeur’s or PPC license has been expired for more than 180 days.
- Can I renew my chauffeur’s or PPC license to a driver's license with for-hire endorsement online, or must I visit a branch?
No, you must visit a BMV branch to replace, renew or amend your chauffeur’s or PPC license.
Additional information on renewal requirements is located at Renewing a Driver's License Or Identification Card.
- When I renew my PPC license to a driver's with the for-hire endorsement, will the PPC Medical Certification – State Form 3337 be required?
No, the PPC Medical Certification – State Form 3337 is not required when applying for a driver's license with a for-hire endorsement. However, drivers may be required to possess a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) while operating a vehicle. Additional information on medical requirements may be viewed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.
- What are the qualifications to add the for-hire endorsement to my driver’s license?
You must be at least 18 years of age, have held a valid driver’s license for more than one year and pass the for-hire knowledge exam.
- What is the cost of the for-hire endorsement?
The endorsement fee costs $19.00 and is only charged when adding the for-hire endorsement to your driver’s license for the first time.
- Since I currently hold a chauffeur’s or PPC license, will I be charged the endorsement fee when I apply for a driver's license with the for-hire endorsement?
No, the endorsement fee will not be required as the for-hire endorsement is replacing the chauffeur’s and/or PPC license.
- How do I transfer my out-of-state chauffeur’s or PPC license?
New Indiana residents who hold a valid driver’s license with a for-hire endorsement, chauffeur’s license or a PPC license from another state may apply for an Indiana driver's license with a for-hire endorsement after passing the knowledge exam and the for-hire endorsement knowledge exam.
- How long is my for-hire endorsement valid?
Your for-hire endorsement is valid for the same period as your driver’s license.
- I passed the chauffeur’s knowledge exam within the last 180 days but I did not obtain my license. Do I have to take the for-hire knowledge exam to add the endorsement to my driver’s license?
No, the chauffeur’s knowledge exam and the for-hire knowledge exam are considered the same knowledge exam.
- If I am under 18 years of age and I need to obtain a for-hire endorsement, can I request a waiver of age or experience like you could for a chauffeur’s license?
No, Indiana law does not grant the BMV the authority to waive any age or experience requirements for a for-hire endorsement.
Still Have Questions?
Call the BMV Contact Center at 888-692-6841, or send us an email about for-hire endorsements.
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