General Information

The Office of Public Carrier (“OPC”) regulates the operation of taxis, limousines, charter buses and non-emergency ambulances that are known as “public carriers.” The OPC also regulates the operation of Transportation Network Companies (“TNC”) such as Uber and Lyft. OPC regulates public carriers and TNCs to ensure that these services operated in a safe and compliant manner.

Public Carrier Definition of Regulated Services:

A Public Carrier is any individual or business entity that picks-up and drops-off passengers within the State of Delaware for compensation. To operate as a Public Carrier an individual or business entity must obtain and maintain:

• A Delaware business license;
• An Office of Public Carrier (“OPC”) Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity ("Certificate");
• Owners that pass a State Criminal Background check:
• Registered vehicles with the Division of Motor Vehicles “DMV” (2 Del C, c. 18; and
• Vehicles that pass DMV inspection every six (6) months and OPC safety inspections).

Obtaining a Certificate:

An individual or business entity may apply for a Certificate by completing an OPC application which is available on this website or from the OPC. The completed application and application fee may be submitted to the Office of Public Carrier at 119 Lower Beech Street, Wilmington, DE 19805 or OPC_PublicCarrier@delaware.gov. The OPC staff can be reached at 800.652.3278, Option 7.

The OPC recommends that all applicants and certified public carriers review the law and regulations that govern public carriers. Both the law and regulation can be found on this website.

Definition of a Transportation Network Company (“TNC”)

TNCs are companies that provide ride services through an on-line app. To operate in Delaware, a TNC must:

• Obtain permission to operate as a business in the state of Delaware;
• Obtain a Permit from the Office of Public Carrier (“OPC”);
• Pay an annual fee;
• Maintain statutorily required insurance;
• Pass a State and Federal background check that verifies that they do not have adverse driving records, and/or have not been convicted of a felonious or infamous;
• Undergo a quarterly auditing of up to 50 listed drivers which will be conducted by the OPC;
• Ensure all drivers do not have statutorily prohibited driving backgrounds or records;
• Ensure all driver vehicles are properly inspected and registered;
• Do not provide hailed ride services; and
• Do not use taxicab staging areas or other prohibited areas.

Obtaining a Permit:

An individual or business entity may apply for a Permit by completing an OPC permit application which is available on this website or from the OPC. The completed application and application fee may be submitted to the Office of Public Carrier at 119 Lower Beech Street, Wilmington, DE 19805 or OPC_PublicCarrier@delaware.gov. The OPC staff can be reached at 800.652.3278, Option 7.

The OPC recommends that all applicants review the law and regulations that govern TNCs. Both the law and regulation can be found on this website.