Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Limousine Services

Steps to become an operator:

Becoming a Limousine operator is a multi-step process that requires completing and submitting several forms, contacting state and federal agencies, and completing vehicle inspections and training. You should review and understand the regulations and requirements for Limousine operators.

Before beginning the permit application process, the following recommendations should be considered:

  • Research insurance costs. The cost of obtaining a “Form E” commercial vehicle insurance policy can be a financial barrier.
  • Access state and federal limousine regulations. Limousine operators and drivers must understand their responsibilities and comply with state and federal regulations for the transportation of passengers.
  • Familiarize yourself with MnDOT's updated definition of luxury passenger automobiles. The cost of obtaining a vehicle that meets the definition of a limousine can be a financial barrier. Any vehicle used to provide limousine services must have LM plates from the Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services.

Register your business with the Minnesota Secretary of State

Apply for a USDOT number using the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website

  • Log into the FMCSA Registration | FMCSA website
    (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration) to apply
  • For additional assistance, call 800-832-5660 or visit AskFMCSA | FMCSA website (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/ask-fmcsa)
    • FMCSA is a federal office. MnDOT is a state office and does not issue USDOT numbers

NOTE:  There are two types of USDOT numbers:  Intrastate and Interstate.

  • Intrastate means transporting within a state’s boundaries. No required fee.
  • Interstate means transporting across a state boundary. A fee is required.

Have your insurance company submit proof of insurance (“Form E”)

  • Your insurance company (not a local agent) must submit a Form E – “Uniform Motor Carrier Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability Certificate of Insurance” – directly to our office.
  • This form verifies that you have sufficient liability to meet the minimum coverage requirements for your limousine permit.
  • The minimum coverage requirement is $1,500,000.

Complete and submit the forms in the Limousine Get Permit Application Packet which include:

  • Limousine Service Permit Application Form
  • Limousine Identification Decal Application Form
  • Data Privacy Notice Form
  • Certificate of Compliance, Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Law Form

Upon approval of the above-referenced forms and receipt of payment, you will receive your limousine permit.

NOTE: You may not operate a limousine service, advertise, or otherwise act or represent yourself as a limousine operator without a valid limousine service permit and a vehicle with a conspicuously displayed decal.

Verify you have been assigned a MnDOT number, and your insurance company has submitted Form E

  • MnDOT emails the MnDOT number and provides insurance updates to new applicants.

Apply for LM license plates from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS)

Complete the vehicle inspection

Submit two documents along with the required fee

  • Vehicle inspection report and the Limousine Identification Decal Application Form can be submitted in person, by email, postal mail, or via the online carrier portal.
  • The fee ($80 per vehicle each year) can be paid in person, by postal mail, or through the Online Carrier Portal - Commercial Vehicle Operations - MnDOT.

Decals are issued upon receipt of the inspection report and required fees.

  • Initial Education for Limousine Operators (PDF)