Hire Car & Taxi Licence Guide Guyana 2026

How to get a hire car (taxi) licence from the GRA — eligibility, application process, fees, vehicle inspection, renewal, and conductor's licence information.

Updated: April 3, 2026 8 min read Government Services
$2,500 Licence Fee (GYD)
3 Years Validity Period
21+ Minimum Age
2 Years Prior Driving Experience

In This Guide

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Overview

In Guyana, anyone who wants to drive a hire car (taxi) must obtain a special Hire Car Driver's Licence from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). This is a separate licence from your regular motor car driver's licence — you need both to legally operate a taxi.

Hire cars in Guyana are easily identified by their distinctive Corporate Yellow colour. All taxis must be painted this colour and undergo a detailed vehicle examination to ensure compliance. The motor vehicle licence for hire cars in corporate yellow is free.

The hire car licence is valid for 3 years and costs GYD $2,500. Applications and renewals can be made at the GRA's Licence Revenue Office in Georgetown or at any Integrated Regional Tax Office (IRTO) across the country.

Eligibility Requirements

Who Can Apply

Age: You must be at least 21 years old
Driving Experience: You must have held a valid Motor Car Licence for at least 2 years
Literacy: You must be capable of reading and writing English
Valid Identification: National ID card or Guyana Passport
Good Character: No disqualifying criminal convictions or driving offences
Approvals: Approval from the Certifying Officer and the Traffic Chief
Traffic Examination: A statement from a Licensing Officer confirming you have successfully passed the traffic-related examination

Re-Migrant Provision

Re-migrants holding a valid foreign driving licence and a Section 29 licence are also eligible to apply for a hire car licence. This provision allows returning Guyanese nationals to use their foreign driving credentials as part of the application process.

Applying for a New Hire Car Licence

1

Obtain the Application Form

Get the "Application for Driver, Provisional & Conductor's Licence" form from the GRA Licence Revenue Office or download it from the GRA forms page.

2

Complete the Form

Fill in your personal details, current driver's licence number, and indicate that you are applying for a Hire Car Driver's Licence.

3

Gather Required Documents

Prepare: completed application form, original and copy of your current Motor Car Licence (held for at least 2 years), original and copy of valid ID (National ID or Passport), and two (2) passport-sized photographs.

4

Submit at GRA Office

Visit the Licence Revenue Office or your nearest IRTO. Submit the form and supporting documents. Pay the GYD $2,500 fee.

5

Receive Your Licence

Once processed, you will receive your Hire Car Driver's Licence, valid for 3 years from the date of purchase.

Renewal Process

Your hire car licence must be renewed every 3 years. Since January 2023, renewals can be done at any GRA Integrated Regional Tax Office (IRTO) across the country, not just the Georgetown office.

Renewal Documents Required

Completed Application Form
Original and copy of current Hire Car Driver's Licence (or an Affidavit of Lost/Misplaced Licence if the original is lost)
Original and copy of valid identification (National ID card or Passport)
Two (2) passport-sized photographs

Lost Your Licence?

If your hire car licence is lost or misplaced, you can still renew by providing an Affidavit of Lost or Misplaced Hire Car Licence in place of the original. The affidavit should be sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths or Justice of the Peace.

Vehicle Inspection

All hire car vehicles undergo a detailed examination by a Licence Revenue Officer. Key inspection points include:

The Licence Revenue Officer will prepare an examination form and issue it to the vehicle owner. The motor vehicle licence for hire cars painted in Corporate Yellow is free of charge.

Corporate Yellow Requirement

Your vehicle must be painted Corporate Yellow to operate as a hire car. Operating a taxi in any other colour is illegal and may result in fines or seizure of the vehicle. If you are converting a private vehicle to a hire car, have it painted Corporate Yellow before applying for inspection.

Fees

Item Fee (GYD) Validity
New Hire Car Driver's Licence $2,500 3 years
Renewal Hire Car Driver's Licence $2,500 3 years
Motor Vehicle Licence (Corporate Yellow) Free Annual
Conductor's Licence (New/Renewal) $750 1 year

Conductor's Licence

A Conductor's Licence is separate from a hire car licence. It is required for persons who conduct (manage passengers on) public buses in Guyana. If you work as a bus conductor collecting fares and managing passengers, you need this licence.

Conductor's Licence Details

Minimum Age: Must be at least 18 years old
Fee: GYD $750 for new or renewal
Validity: 1 year from date of issue
Documents: Completed application form, valid ID, two passport-sized photos
Police Clearance: Valid Police Clearance Certificate, or a recommendation from a reputable person known to the licensing authority
TIN: Valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificate
Where to apply: Licence Revenue Office or any IRTO

Where to Apply

You can apply for or renew your hire car licence at:

Since January 30, 2023, all IRTOs can process renewal hire car driver's licences. For additional information, contact the GRA at 227-6060 ext. 1041.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do I need to be to get a hire car licence?

You must be at least 21 years old and have held a regular motor car driver's licence for at least 2 years before you can apply for a hire car licence.

How much does a hire car licence cost?

A new or renewal hire car driver's licence costs GYD $2,500. The licence is valid for 3 years. The motor vehicle licence for hire cars in corporate yellow is free.

What colour must a hire car be?

All hire cars (taxis) must be painted Corporate Yellow. During vehicle inspection, the Licence Revenue Officer will verify the colour. The motor vehicle licence for corporate yellow vehicles is free.

How long is a hire car licence valid?

The hire car driver's licence is valid for 3 years from the date of purchase. After expiry, apply for renewal at the GRA Licence Revenue Office or any IRTO.

What is a conductor's licence?

A conductor's licence is required for persons who conduct (manage passengers on) public buses. The fee is GYD $750 and it is valid for 1 year. It is separate from a hire car driver's licence.

Where can I renew my hire car licence?

You can renew at the GRA Licence Revenue Office in Georgetown or at any Integrated Regional Tax Office (IRTO) across the country. IRTOs have been processing renewal hire car licences since January 2023.

What documents do I need for renewal?

For renewal: completed application form, original and copy of your current hire car licence (or affidavit if lost), original and copy of valid ID (National ID or Passport), and two passport-sized photographs.

Need a Regular Driver's Licence First?

Check out our Driver's Licence guide for the full process of getting your motor car licence in Guyana.

Driver's Licence Guide

Last updated: April 3, 2026. Information is based on official GRA publications. Fees and requirements may change. Always confirm current details at gra.gov.gy or by calling GRA at 227-6060 ext. 1041.

Related Guides

Driver's Licence Guide

How to get a driver's licence in Guyana — provisional, full, and renewal.

Vehicle Registration Guide

Register and licence your motor vehicle at the GRA.

Permits & Licences Guide

Overview of all permits and licences in Guyana.