# Read permit records

Lesson 1 of [Evaluate robotaxi permits, safety data and claims](https://robotaxis.fyi/academy/evaluate-robotaxi-safety-and-permits.md), 18 minutes.

Permit records are public and come from a regulator. They are a strong source, but they answer a narrow question.

## California DMV

The California DMV publishes lists of the companies that hold autonomous vehicle permits. The permit types cover testing with a safety driver, testing without a driver, and deployment. A permit says what an operator may do on California roads. It does not say that the public can ride.

The DMV also publishes collision reports and disengagement reports that permit holders file. Read them as records of what the holder reported.

## CPUC

The California Public Utilities Commission issues separate permits to carry passengers in autonomous vehicles. Its permits cover drivered and driverless service, in pilot and deployment programs. The CPUC record shows which holders may charge fares.

## What a permit does not show

- It does not show that the public can ride today. Check the operator's status.
- It does not show the service area. Check the operator's page and app.
- A California permit says nothing about any other state.

## Outside California

Read the operator's own page for each city. Where a city or national transport authority publishes notices, read them too. This site uses authorities such as the Dubai RTA as sources outside California.

## Record what you read

Note the record name, its URL, the holder name as written, the permit type and the date you read it. Permit lists change, so the date matters.

## Sources

- California DMV, Autonomous Vehicles pages (dmv.ca.gov)
- CPUC, Autonomous Vehicle Programs pages (cpuc.ca.gov)
- This site, guide Robotaxi services in the United States

Also on the [web page](https://robotaxis.fyi/academy/evaluate-robotaxi-safety-and-permits/read-permit-records).