Apply to be a passenger carrier in Massachusetts

• Determine which type of passenger carrier you wish to operate as: charter, sightseeing, or fixed route.
• Complete an application to be a passenger carrier in Massachusetts.
• Gather proof of registered business documents, if required.  Here's a table to help you figure out what documents you will need to submit:

• All completed applications received each month will be scheduled for a public hearing on the second Tuesday of the next month.
  • You will be notified by email the date and time of your hearing.
  • Your application must be complete to be scheduled for a hearing.
  • The principal owner of the business is required to attend the hearing.
  • You have 60 days following the date of the hearing to supply all of the documents needed to get Department operating authority.
    • The required documents are provided below in the Required Documents section.
    • A Department Inspector will contact you to set a date to meet and review all of the requirements and documents to obtain authority from the Department.
• When DPU operating authority is issued, you will be required to schedule vehicle inspections with your Department Inspector.
• You will also be required to submit road test applications with a DOT physical for each driver driving a regulated vehicle.
  • A DOT physical for drivers is only required if your vehicles seat 14 passengers or fewer.
  • Road tests are coordinated by the RMV unless your vehicles seat 14 passengers or fewer.
• Every year, you must submit current proof of insurance and an application for decal renewal.

Required Documents

Along with your completed application, you are required to submit the following documents before the Department can grant operating authority.  You can attach them to your application or provide them to the Department inspector during your meeting:

• Proof of registered business
• Balance sheet
• Preventative maintenance plan
• Safety management plan
• Lease agreement for garaging point of vehicles
  • This is only required if the garaging point is not owned by the business owner
• Certificate of insurance
• Certified mechanic statement regarding maintenance
• Backup service agreement
  • This is only required if your company is operating only one vehicle
• Department bus decal application
  • There is a $60 fee per vehicle
• Documentation of street rights from local towns and municipalities
  • For sightseeing and fixed route service companies only

Note on Forms

Be sure to save and open Division forms using Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat.  Opening forms directly in your browser disables form features like adding attachments, digital signatures, and submitting by email.