1) you need to have the right class driver’s license–its not a standard operator’s license..I think its a chauffer’s license you need. But, in any event start with motor vehicle department of your state to find out what class of license you need to obtain.

2) You have to find out whether your town regulates taxis–probably not if you are a small town with no service now.

3) You need to find out if your county licenses taxi companies or drivers or regulates them. In some places they do and you need to buy a license to operate the business. In some cities you need to buy the license and display it in the cab or as in New York city you also need to buy a medallion which needs to be affixed to the car itself.

4) You need to check with your state to see if they license and/or regulate cabs. It is quite possible that there is a state public utilities or common carrier commission that regulates these businesses….As it happens I found their web page and they do regulate taxis and have a “how to”( first link below). This site seems to have everything you need to know in terms of government and regulation–the type of drivers license, to filling out a master business application, to paying certain taxes.

Also the Klikitat County Auditor is responsible for “miscellaneous business licenses” according to the county website…so you might want to contact the auditor’s office for assistance.