Service SA - Annual taxi licences now available for metropolitan taxi operators
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Annual taxi licences now available for metropolitan taxi operators

12 January 2026

There are no longer restrictions on the number of taxis that can operate in metropolitan Adelaide.

From Monday 12 January 2026, anyone with taxi operator accreditation can apply for a new annual taxi licence.

The following applies:

  • The accredited operator must be the registered owner of the taxi vehicle.
  • The annual licence can only relate to one vehicle, which must be covered by a current Certificate of Inspection.
  • The annual licence cannot be leased, sold or transferred to another person or business.
  • The annual licence has a 12-month duration, unless accreditation or other conditions are not in place.
  • The vehicle is to be fitted out as a taxi by an approved installer.
  • The licence holder must participate in a Centralised Booking Service (CBS).

All taxi operators can continue to allow an accredited person to drive their taxi.

Existing metropolitan taxi licence operators

If you are an existing metropolitan taxi licence operator, follow the instructions we sent you about how to apply for a new annual licence.

Visit SA.GOV.AU to learn more about metropolitan taxi licence cancellation payments and what you need to do.

New metropolitan taxi licence operators

Before you apply for a new annual taxi licence

Step 1: Get taxi operator accreditation

If you don’t have taxi operator accreditation, you must get accreditation before you apply for an annual taxi licence.

Step 2: Equip your vehicle

You must contact your nominated CBS to have your vehicle fitted with:

  • necessary taxi equipment, such as dispatch system, security camera and meter.
  • livery.

Step 3: Arrange vehicle inspection

Once the vehicle has been fitted with the required equipment, you must arrange for the vehicle to be inspected as a taxi.

When your vehicle passes inspection, you will be issued with:

  • a passed Certificate of Inspection
  • an inspection triangle label.

How to apply

When the taxi vehicle is ready for service, lodge your applications at a Service SA centre. Visit SA.GOV.AU to learn more and how to apply for a new annual taxi licence.

There is currently no cost for an annual taxi licence.

You will need to pay an allocation fee of $31 for your new taxi number plate.

We will waive this fee for existing operators who apply for an annual licence. When you visit a Service SA centre, you must present the letter from us advising you about your licence cancellation.

After you apply

When your new annual licence has been issued, Service SA will:

  • update your Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance and registration to metropolitan taxi. There may be an increase to your registration fees as a result.
  • issue you with a Series 5000 taxi number plate for the vehicle registered in the applicant’s name. The plate number will be issued sequentially.
  • issue you with a MR242 – Certificate of Annual Taxi Licence.

Your CBS will program the taxi equipment with the new plate number. All approvals will then be recorded by the CBS.

Other passenger transport changes

The State Government is implementing changes to:

  • improve the regulatory standards of taxi and rideshare services
  • help to ensure South Australians can expect a safe, clean and reliable ride with any transport provider.

In 2024, the Department for Infrastructure and Transport released key recommendations in the Passenger Transport Act Review report.

They will introduce recommendations in stages, including the delivery of the Taxi Industry Reform Package. This will align with changes to the Passenger Transport Regulations 2024.

Visit the Department’s website to learn more about the review of the Act.

Keep up to date

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