California Form PSC-1 is the Application for a Passenger Stage Corporation Certificate that any company wanting to run a scheduled, route-based passenger service for hire in California must file with the California Public Utilities Commission before it can pick up a single paying rider. The form is the gateway to a PSC certificate of public convenience and necessity under Public Utilities Code §§ 1031–1043 and Chapter 5 of Division 2 of the Public Utilities Code.
The CPUC reports that PSC applications average 6 to 12 months of review, and the agency rejects or sends back roughly one in three applications on the first pass for missing exhibits, bad insurance filings, or weak financial fitness showings. Filing it right the first time saves months and preserves your launch date.
- 📋 The exact line-by-line fields on the current PSC-1, including every exhibit from A through K
- 💰 The application fee, the user fee, the insurance limits, and the penalties for operating without a certificate
- 🚐 Three full filled-out examples (airport shuttle, charter-scheduled service, tour operator)
- 📬 Every filing channel: mail, in-person, and the CPUC e-filing portal
- ⚠️ The 12 most common mistakes that trigger CPUC deficiency letters and protest periods
What the PSC-1 Form Is and Who Must File It
The PSC-1 is the founding application a company files to become a passenger stage corporation in California. A passenger stage corporation (PSC) under Public Utilities Code § 226 is any business that carries passengers for pay over a regular route between fixed points on a published schedule. That covers airport shuttles, scheduled commuter buses, scheduled intercity coaches, and scheduled tour buses with set departure points and times.
The CPUC’s Transportation Enforcement Branch reviews each PSC-1 to confirm the carrier is fit, willing, and able to provide the service. If the agency grants the application, it issues a PSC certificate with a unique PSC number (for example, PSC-1234) that must appear on every vehicle.
You must file a PSC-1 if you plan to run scheduled, route-based service for individual fares. You do not file PSC-1 if you run charter-only service (you would file an application for a Charter-Party Carrier permit instead under GO 157-E), if you only run nonemergency medical transport, or if you are a TNC. The PSC-1 is also not for taxi service, which is licensed by cities under Government Code § 53075.5.
A common misconception is that any van or bus service needs a PSC. It does not. Only scheduled, route-based service triggers PSC. If you flunk that test, the CPUC will reject your PSC-1 and tell you to refile as a TCP charter carrier.
The current revision date of the official PSC-1 is printed in the lower-left corner of page 1 of the form. Always pull the form fresh from the CPUC PSC forms page the day you start your application, because the CPUC updates exhibits and fee schedules without warning.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Filing PSC-1 cold, without your documents organized, is the single biggest reason applications stall. The CPUC’s Transportation Licensing Section wants every exhibit attached on day one. Missing a single exhibit triggers a deficiency letter that can add 60 to 120 days to your review.
Gather these items before you open the form:
- Articles of incorporation or LLC formation papers filed with the California Secretary of State — needed because PSC-1 requires a corporation, LLC, LP, or general partnership; sole proprietors cannot hold a PSC certificate.
- Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) from the IRS — the CPUC cross-checks this against your tax filings.
- USDOT and MC numbers from the FMCSA Unified Registration System — even intra-California carriers need a USDOT number under 49 CFR Part 390.
- Two years of financial statements (balance sheet and income statement) prepared by a CPA or the company’s bookkeeper — required for the financial fitness showing under GO 158-A.
- Insurance certificates Form E (liability) and Form H (cancellation notice) from your insurer, filed through the CPUC Insurance Portal at the minimum limit set by GO 101-F — currently $5,000,000 combined single limit for vehicles seating 16 or more passengers, $1,500,000 for 8–15 seats, and $750,000 for 7 or fewer.
- California Highway Patrol terminal inspection results on CHP 343 under the Motor Carrier Safety Program — a satisfactory inspection is mandatory before the certificate issues.
- DMV Employer Pull-Notice Program enrollment from the California DMV — every PSC driver must be enrolled.
- Drug and alcohol testing program certification under 49 CFR Part 382 — the CPUC asks for the consortium name and the program administrator’s signed statement.
- Workers’ compensation certificate filed via the California Department of Industrial Relations — the CPUC accepts a Form 1357 or a Certificate of Consent to Self-Insure.
- Proposed tariff and timetable prepared on the CPUC’s tariff template — the route, fares, and schedule must match the maps you attach in Exhibit A.
If you skip any of these, the CPUC’s deficiency letter cites the missing exhibit by letter (e.g., “Exhibit F not attached”), pauses the 30-day protest clock, and forces you to refile.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official PSC-1 lives on the CPUC’s Passenger Stage Corporation page as a fillable PDF. Always download the form fresh; older copies floating around law-firm websites are often outdated and the CPUC will reject them.
You can also request a paper packet by calling the Transportation Licensing Section at (415) 703-2782 or by writing to the CPUC at 505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102. The packet includes the PSC-1, the exhibit checklist, the tariff template, and the insurance filing instructions.
The form is fillable in Adobe Acrobat. The CPUC accepts typed entries and handwritten entries in black ink only. Blue ink, pencil, or correction fluid will get the form bounced back at the docket window.
A common misconception is that the CPUC has an online wizard for PSC-1 like it does for TNCs. It does not. The PSC application is still primarily a paper-with-exhibits filing, although you can e-file the completed package through the CPUC Docket Office e-filing portal once you have a docket number.
The form has not been retitled in years, but the exhibit list and fee schedule change. Check the revision date in the lower-left corner of page 1 against the version posted on the CPUC site the day you start. If the dates do not match, redownload.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out PSC-1 Line by Line
The PSC-1 is built around a cover application (pages 1–4) followed by Exhibits A through K. Every box on the cover and every exhibit is mandatory unless the form labels it if applicable. Skipping a labeled-mandatory box is grounds for rejection at intake under Rule 1.6 of the CPUC Rules of Practice and Procedure.
Box 1: Exact Legal Name of Applicant
This box asks for the full legal name of the corporation, LLC, or partnership exactly as it appears on the Secretary of State filing. Type the name in all caps, with no abbreviations except those used on the SOS certificate (e.g., INC., LLC).
A specific example: Maria Lopez owns Golden State Shuttle, LLC. She writes GOLDEN STATE SHUTTLE, LLC in Box 1.
A nuance arises if you operate under a fictitious business name (DBA). The DBA does not go in Box 1; it goes in Box 2. The legal entity always controls Box 1.
A common mistake is entering the DBA here, which causes a name mismatch with the SOS database and triggers a 30-day suspension of the application while staff request a corrected filing. The misconception is that “the name we use on the bus is the legal name.” It almost never is, especially for franchisees and joint ventures.
Box 2: Fictitious Business Name (DBA)
Box 2 asks for any DBA, trade name, or doing business as name the company will use on its vehicles, tickets, and marketing. Enter the DBA in title case, exactly as filed with the county clerk’s fictitious business name register.
For example, GOLDEN STATE SHUTTLE, LLC operates as GoldenLine Express. Maria writes GoldenLine Express in Box 2 and attaches a copy of the FBN statement in Exhibit J.
A nuance: if you have multiple DBAs (e.g., one for airport runs and one for charter spillover), list each on a separate line, with the county of registration after each. Multiple DBAs are allowed but each must be separately registered.
A common mistake is listing a DBA you intend to register but have not yet filed. The CPUC checks the county registry, finds nothing, and issues a deficiency letter. The misconception is that the FBN can be filed after the PSC certificate issues; it must be in place before the certificate prints.
Box 3: Principal Place of Business
Box 3 wants the physical street address of your headquarters in California. Format the address in standard USPS form: street, suite, city, CA, ZIP+4. P.O. Boxes are not allowed; the CPUC needs an address where a process server can knock on the door.
For example, Carlos Reyes runs Vino Valley Tours, Inc. and writes 4120 Industrial Way, Suite B, Santa Rosa, CA 95403-7421 in Box 3.
The nuance is that if you also have a terminal (where buses are stored and inspected by CHP), and it is at a different address, you list the terminal in Exhibit C, not Box 3. Box 3 is the headquarters where books and records live.
A common mistake is using a UPS Store mailbox. The CPUC will reject the application because UPS Store addresses are not real business locations under PU Code § 5379.5. The misconception is that any address with a “Suite” suffix counts as a business address; only a true commercial or in-home business location qualifies.
Box 4: Mailing Address
Box 4 captures where the CPUC sends paper notices and the eventual certificate. A P.O. Box is allowed here. Use the same USPS formatting as Box 3.
For example, Aisha Carter runs Bay Commuter Coach, Inc. and uses P.O. Box 8841, Oakland, CA 94612 in Box 4 even though her physical headquarters in Box 3 is on 14th Street.
The nuance: if your attorney is the address of record, list the attorney’s address here and add a separate Exhibit K cover letter naming counsel. Then service rules under Rule 1.10 shift to the attorney.
A common mistake is using a personal home address that the applicant later forgets to update. CPUC mail bounces back, the protest clock pauses, and the application sits. The misconception is that the CPUC will email everything; the agency still mails the certificate, deficiency letters, and protest notices on paper.
Box 5: Contact Person, Title, Phone, and Email
Box 5 names the human the CPUC calls when it has a question. Enter the contact’s full name, exact title within the company, direct phone, and direct email. Do not list a generic info@ email.
For example, Maria Lopez enters Maria Lopez, Managing Member, (415) 555-0142, maria@goldenlineexpress.com.
The nuance is that the contact person does not have to be an officer. It can be a paralegal, a regulatory consultant, or outside counsel. But if it is outside counsel, the law firm must also file a notice of appearance.
A common mistake is listing a phone that goes to voicemail and an email that auto-replies “I’m out of the office.” Staff close files when they cannot reach the contact. The misconception is that the CPUC will hunt for an alternate person if the listed contact does not respond; the CPUC will simply move the file to the bottom of the stack.
Box 6: Form of Organization
Box 6 asks whether the applicant is a corporation, LLC, LP, or general partnership. Check the box that matches the SOS filing in Box 1. Sole proprietors check nothing because they cannot hold a PSC certificate.
For example, Carlos Reyes checks Corporation because Vino Valley Tours, Inc. is a California C-corp.
The nuance: if you are a foreign entity (Delaware corp, Nevada LLC), you must also be qualified to do business in California by filing a Statement and Designation by Foreign Corporation with the SOS. Attach the SOS-stamped qualification in Exhibit J.
A common mistake is checking Corporation for a Wyoming LLC because it is taxed as a corporation. The CPUC cares about formation type, not tax election. The misconception is that S-corp election is its own form of organization; it is not.
Box 7: State and Date of Incorporation or Formation
Box 7 wants the U.S. state where the entity was formed and the formation date in MM/DD/YYYY format. Pull both from the face of the SOS or out-of-state filing.
For example, Aisha Carter writes California, 04/18/2024 because Bay Commuter Coach, Inc. was incorporated in California on April 18, 2024.
The nuance is that if the entity was converted (e.g., LLC to corporation), use the conversion date and attach the conversion documents in Exhibit J.
A common mistake is using the date the founders started doing business. The CPUC wants the SOS filing date, not the operational start date. The misconception is that pre-incorporation activity counts; only the SOS-stamped date matters.
Box 8: Description of Proposed Service
Box 8 is a free-text box where you describe the service in plain English: route, frequency, type of vehicle, type of passengers, and pickup/drop-off model. Keep it to one paragraph and mirror the language to your tariff and Exhibit A route map.
For example, Maria writes: Scheduled passenger stage service between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and downtown San Jose hotels along U.S. 101, with 16 daily round trips using 14-passenger Mercedes Sprinter vans, serving the general public on a per-seat basis.
The nuance is that any deviation language (e.g., “with on-demand stops within one mile of the route”) must appear here verbatim or the CPUC will limit your authority to the literal route map.
A common mistake is writing a marketing pitch (“the best shuttle in the Bay Area”) instead of an operational description. Staff need facts, not adjectives. The misconception is that vague language gives you flexibility; it actually shrinks your authority because the CPUC reads the certificate narrowly.
Box 9: Proposed Route Description
Box 9 lists every fixed route by origin, intermediate stops, and destination, mile by mile or stop by stop. Use the same wording you will print on the tariff and timetable.
For example, Carlos writes: Route 1: San Francisco (Pier 39) – Sausalito (Bridgeway/Princess) – Napa (Oxbow Public Market) – St. Helena (Main/Adams) – Calistoga (Lincoln/Washington), one daily round trip.
The nuance: if you want authority to add stops later, list them as flag stops now. Adding a stop after the certificate issues requires a Tier 2 advice letter under GO 96-B, which adds 30–60 days.
A common mistake is naming a city without a specific stop point. Napa alone is not enough; the CPUC wants Oxbow Public Market, 610 1st St., Napa. The misconception is that “we’ll figure out the stops once we launch”; the certificate locks the stops at issuance.
Box 10: Proposed Fares
Box 10 lists the fare for each origin-destination pair on each route, with adult, child, and senior tiers if you offer them. Match this to your Exhibit B tariff exactly, to the penny.
For example, Aisha writes: Oakland-Pleasanton: Adult $8.50, Senior (65+) $4.25, Child (under 12) Free with paying adult.
The nuance is that promotional fares (introductory pricing, employer subsidies) must also be disclosed here or in Exhibit B with their start and end dates.
A common mistake is rounding fares to the dollar in Box 10 but listing cents in Exhibit B. The mismatch triggers a deficiency letter. The misconception is that the CPUC sets fares; the carrier sets fares but must disclose them, and the CPUC may suspend a fare it finds unjust or unreasonable under PU Code § 454.
Box 11: Proposed Start Date
Box 11 wants the date you plan to begin service in MM/DD/YYYY format. Pick a date at least 180 days after the filing date because review averages 6 to 12 months.
For example, Maria files on 01/15/2026 and writes 09/01/2026 in Box 11.
The nuance: if your start date arrives before the certificate issues, you cannot operate. You must either delay or file a motion for interim authority, which the CPUC rarely grants for new entrants.
A common mistake is writing a start date 30 days after filing because that is when the protest period ends. Staff laugh and circle the date. The misconception is that the protest period is the same as the review period; the protest period is just one of several review steps.
Box 12: Officers, Directors, and 10% Owners
Box 12 lists every officer, director, and any person owning 10% or more of the equity. For each, list full legal name, home address, percent ownership, and title.
For example, Carlos lists: Carlos Reyes, 88 Vineyard Ln., Sonoma, CA 95476, 60%, President & CEO; Diana Reyes, same address, 40%, Secretary & Treasurer.
The nuance is that a holding company structure requires you to drill up to the natural persons who ultimately own 10% or more. Naming the holding company alone is insufficient under PU Code § 854.
A common mistake is omitting a silent investor with 12% equity because “they don’t run anything.” The CPUC wants ownership, not management, and an omission is a material misrepresentation that can void the certificate.
Box 13: Affiliations With Other Carriers
Box 13 asks whether any officer, director, or 10% owner is also affiliated with any other PSC, TCP, household goods carrier, or for-hire transportation entity. Check Yes or No and explain in Exhibit J if yes.
For example, Aisha checks Yes because she is also a 25% owner of East Bay Charter, LLC, a TCP carrier, and explains the affiliation in Exhibit J.
The nuance: a yes answer is not a denial trigger. The CPUC just wants to police cross-subsidization and abandonment of unprofitable routes. Disclose fully.
A common mistake is checking No to avoid scrutiny when an affiliation exists. The CPUC’s databases will catch the link, the application will be denied for lack of candor, and the applicant can be barred from refiling for a year.
Box 14: Prior Suspensions, Revocations, or Denials
Box 14 asks whether the applicant or any officer/director/10% owner has had a transportation authority suspended, revoked, or denied in California or any other state. Check Yes or No and explain fully in Exhibit J if yes.
For example, Marcus Bell runs Bell Bus Lines, Inc. and had a Nevada PSC suspended for late insurance in 2022. He checks Yes and explains the cure in Exhibit J.
The nuance is that even an administrative suspension (insurance lapse, late annual report) counts. So does a denied application. The CPUC reads “suspension” broadly.
A common mistake is checking No when an old, cured suspension exists. Cured or not, you must disclose it. The misconception is that suspensions older than 7 years drop off; they do not.
Box 15: Verification and Signature
Box 15 is the perjury verification. The applicant’s officer signs under penalty of perjury that the application and all exhibits are true and correct. Sign in black ink, print the name and title, and date the signature in MM/DD/YYYY.
For example, Maria signs Maria Lopez, prints Maria Lopez, Managing Member, and dates 01/15/2026.
The nuance is that the verification must be signed by a person with authority to bind the entity. For corporations, that means an officer; for LLCs, a manager or managing member.
A common mistake is having a non-officer (a paralegal, a clerk) sign Box 15. The application is void on its face. The misconception is that an e-signature is fine; the CPUC accepts wet-ink signatures or a CPUC-compliant DocuSign envelope, but not a typed name.
Exhibit A: Route Maps
Exhibit A is one or more 8.5×11 maps showing each route in Box 9. Use Google Maps or another commercial map, mark the route with a colored line, label every stop, and include a scale and a north arrow.
The nuance: the CPUC wants a map per route, not a single map with five overlapping routes. Separate maps speed review.
A common mistake is submitting a screenshot without labels. Staff cannot tell where the bus goes and bounce the application. The misconception is that GPS coordinates are enough; the CPUC wants visual maps.
Exhibit B: Proposed Tariff and Timetable
Exhibit B is the formal tariff document built on the CPUC tariff template and a separate timetable showing every departure time at every stop.
For example, Aisha attaches a 12-page tariff and a 1-page timetable showing five daily round trips between Oakland and Pleasanton, with departure times at each of seven stops.
The nuance is that the tariff must include every fee the carrier charges, including baggage fees, change fees, and pet fees. Anything not listed cannot be charged.
A common mistake is using a competitor’s tariff as a template without changing the carrier name throughout. Staff have rejected applications for this exact error. The misconception is that the tariff is informal; it is a regulated document.
Exhibit C: Equipment List
Exhibit C lists every vehicle to be used: year, make, model, VIN, seating capacity, and the terminal where the vehicle is stored. The terminal must be CHP-inspectable.
For example, Carlos lists 2024 Ford Transit 350, VIN 1FTBR1Y8XPKA12345, 14 passengers, terminal at 4120 Industrial Way, Santa Rosa.
The nuance: vehicles you plan to add later can be listed as to be acquired with an estimated acquisition date. They cannot be operated until added by advice letter.
A common mistake is listing vehicles owned by an officer personally rather than the company. The CPUC wants company-titled or company-leased vehicles. The misconception is that any drivable vehicle qualifies; the vehicle must meet GO 157-E safety standards.
Exhibit D: Insurance
Exhibit D is the proof of liability insurance. File Form E (evidence of liability) and Form H (notice of cancellation) electronically through the CPUC Insurance Portal.
The nuance: the insurer must be admitted in California or, if surplus lines, must be approved through a California-licensed broker. Foreign-only insurers are rejected.
A common mistake is filing only Form E and forgetting Form H. Both are required. The misconception is that a generic certificate of insurance (ACORD) substitutes for Forms E and H; it does not.
Exhibit E: Financial Fitness
Exhibit E is the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement for the most recent two fiscal years (or interim statements for a startup with less than two years of history). Use GAAP and have a CPA sign if available.
The nuance: the CPUC wants to see at least 90 days of operating cash on hand or a binding line of credit. Less than that triggers a fitness deficiency letter.
A common mistake is submitting a personal financial statement instead of an entity financial statement. Personal statements are irrelevant unless the owner is also the guarantor. The misconception is that a startup is exempt; startups must show pro forma statements.
Exhibit F: Driver List and DMV Pull-Notice Enrollment
Exhibit F lists each driver’s full legal name, CDL number, CDL class (typically B or C with passenger endorsement), CDL expiration, and proof of enrollment in the DMV Employer Pull-Notice Program.
The nuance: drivers do not have to be employees on day one. List drivers you have offered employment to, marked pending start, and update via advice letter once they start.
A common mistake is listing drivers with expired or out-of-state CDLs. CHP audits will catch this and CPUC will suspend authority. The misconception is that any CDL works; you need the passenger endorsement for any vehicle 16+ seats.
Exhibit G: CHP Terminal Inspection (CHP 343)
Exhibit G is the most recent satisfactory CHP terminal inspection on CHP 343 under the Motor Carrier Safety Program. Schedule the inspection at least 90 days before filing.
The nuance: the inspection must be satisfactory, not just completed. Conditional or unsatisfactory ratings will not get you a certificate.
A common mistake is filing PSC-1 before scheduling the CHP inspection. The CPUC will hold the file until the rating arrives, sometimes 6 months. The misconception is that the CHP inspection happens after the certificate issues; it must precede the certificate.
Exhibit H: Workers’ Compensation
Exhibit H is the certificate of workers’ compensation coverage or the self-insurance certificate from DIR. The certificate must name the applicant entity and list California as a covered state.
The nuance: if you have no employees yet because you are pre-launch, attach a sworn statement that you will obtain coverage before the first driver is hired and update by advice letter.
A common mistake is using a workers’ comp policy that names a different DBA than the legal entity in Box 1. Names must match exactly. The misconception is that 1099 drivers exempt you; California’s AB 5 classifies almost all PSC drivers as employees.
Exhibit I: Drug and Alcohol Testing Program
Exhibit I is the carrier’s drug and alcohol testing policy under 49 CFR Part 382, including the consortium name, the program administrator’s contact information, and a sample chain-of-custody form.
The nuance: drivers in safety-sensitive positions must be enrolled before they take their first trip. The CPUC accepts a signed statement from the consortium confirming enrollment.
A common mistake is using a generic policy off the internet without naming the consortium. Staff want the actual provider. The misconception is that the policy is one-time; it must be renewed annually and updated whenever the consortium changes.
Exhibit J: Supplementary Disclosures
Exhibit J is the catch-all narrative addendum for Yes answers in Boxes 13 and 14, foreign qualification papers, FBN certificates, organizational charts, and any background the CPUC needs.
A common mistake is using Exhibit J as a marketing brochure. Keep it factual. The misconception is that Exhibit J is optional; it is mandatory whenever any Yes box is checked or any non-California formation is involved.
Exhibit K: Application Fee and User Fee Acknowledgment
Exhibit K is the filing fee check or e-payment receipt and the user fee acknowledgment. The application fee is set under PU Code § 1904 and currently runs $1,000 for a new PSC certificate. The PSC user fee is a quarterly percentage of gross intrastate revenue under PU Code § 421, set annually by resolution.
The nuance is that the fee schedule changes; always confirm the current amount on the CPUC fee schedule page before mailing the check.
A common mistake is sending a personal check from the founder’s account. The check must come from the applicant entity. The misconception is that a credit card payment processes immediately; the CPUC posts payments in 5–10 business days, and the protest clock does not start until the fee posts.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
These three filers cover the most common PSC-1 fact patterns: an airport shuttle startup, a charter-scheduled tour operator, and a commuter coach.
Scenario 1: Maria Lopez — Golden State Shuttle, LLC (Airport Shuttle)
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1 — Legal Name | GOLDEN STATE SHUTTLE, LLC |
| Box 2 — DBA | GoldenLine Express |
| Box 3 — Principal Place | 2350 Mission St., Suite 4, San Francisco, CA 94110-1825 |
| Box 6 — Form of Organization | LLC (California, formed 06/12/2025) |
| Box 8 — Service Description | Scheduled airport shuttle, SFO to downtown San Jose hotels via U.S. 101, 16 daily round trips, 14-passenger Sprinter vans |
| Box 9 — Routes | Route 1: SFO Terminal 2 – Millbrae BART – Palo Alto Caltrain – San Jose Marriott – San Jose Hilton |
| Box 10 — Fares | SFO–San Jose Marriott $35 adult, $20 child, $30 senior |
| Exhibit D — Insurance | Form E and Form H at $1,500,000 CSL (15-passenger vehicles) |
| Exhibit G — CHP 343 | Satisfactory rating dated 11/04/2025 |
| Exhibit K — Fee | $1,000 business check from Golden State Shuttle, LLC |
Scenario 2: Carlos Reyes — Vino Valley Tours, Inc. (Scheduled Wine-Country Tour)
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1 — Legal Name | VINO VALLEY TOURS, INC. |
| Box 2 — DBA | Vino Valley Tours |
| Box 3 — Principal Place | 4120 Industrial Way, Suite B, Santa Rosa, CA 95403-7421 |
| Box 6 — Form of Organization | Corporation (California C-corp, 03/22/2024) |
| Box 8 — Service Description | Scheduled tour service, San Francisco Pier 39 – Napa – Calistoga, one daily round trip, 24-passenger mini-coach |
| Box 9 — Routes | Route 1: Pier 39 – Sausalito Bridgeway – Oxbow Market Napa – Main/Adams St. Helena – Lincoln/Washington Calistoga |
| Box 10 — Fares | Round trip $129 adult, $89 child (under 12), $109 senior (65+) |
| Box 12 — Owners | Carlos Reyes 60%, Diana Reyes 40% |
| Exhibit C — Equipment | 2024 Ford Transit 350 (24-pass) VIN 1FTBR1Y8XPKA12345 |
| Exhibit K — Fee | $1,000 corporate check from Vino Valley Tours, Inc. |
Scenario 3: Aisha Carter — Bay Commuter Coach, Inc. (Commuter Coach)
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1 — Legal Name | BAY COMMUTER COACH, INC. |
| Box 2 — DBA | BayCommute |
| Box 3 — Principal Place | 1410 14th St., Oakland, CA 94607-2204 |
| Box 4 — Mailing Address | P.O. Box 8841, Oakland, CA 94612 |
| Box 6 — Form of Organization | Corporation (California, 04/18/2024) |
| Box 8 — Service Description | Scheduled commuter coach, Oakland – Pleasanton along I-580, five daily round trips, 40-passenger MCI coach |
| Box 10 — Fares | Oakland-Pleasanton $8.50 adult, $4.25 senior, child free with adult |
| Box 13 — Affiliations | Yes — Aisha Carter is 25% owner of East Bay Charter, LLC (TCP-12345) |
| Exhibit D — Insurance | Form E and Form H at $5,000,000 CSL (40-passenger coach) |
| Exhibit K — Fee | $1,000 corporate check from Bay Commuter Coach, Inc. |
How to File the Completed PSC-1
You file the completed PSC-1 with all 11 exhibits in one package with the CPUC Docket Office, and you send the insurance Forms E and H separately through the CPUC Insurance Portal.
By mail. Send the original signed PSC-1 plus exhibits to CPUC Docket Office, 505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102. Include a check for $1,000 payable to California Public Utilities Commission. Use certified mail with return receipt. Processing time from intake to assigned docket number: 5 to 10 business days. Keep the green return receipt as your proof of filing.
In person. Walk the package into the Docket Office at 505 Van Ness Avenue, 1st Floor, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on business days. The clerk will date-stamp two copies; keep one as your proof of filing. Same-day docketing is possible if you arrive before 2:00 p.m.
By e-filing. Use the CPUC e-Filing Portal once you create an account. Upload the PSC-1 and all exhibits as a single PDF (under 50 MB) and pay the fee by ACH or credit card. The portal returns a confirmation email with the docket number within 24 hours. Save the email and the PDF receipt.
By fax. The CPUC does not accept fax filings of PSC-1. Do not try.
After filing, the CPUC publishes the application in the Daily Calendar and opens a 30-day protest period. Competitors and affected agencies can file protests during this window under Rule 2.6. If no protest comes in, the application moves to staff review and, if everything checks out, to a Commission resolution granting the certificate.
What Happens After You File
After filing, the CPUC’s Transportation Licensing Section assigns the application a docket number (e.g., A.26-01-005) and posts it on the Daily Calendar. The 30-day protest period starts on the publication date, not the filing date.
If a competitor protests, the application moves to a protest hearing before an Administrative Law Judge under Rule 13. The ALJ may order discovery, hold an evidentiary hearing, and issue a proposed decision. Protests add 6 to 12 months.
If no protest is filed and staff find the application complete and the applicant fit, willing, and able, the CPUC issues a resolution at a public meeting granting the PSC certificate. The certificate arrives by mail with a unique PSC number.
Once the certificate issues, you must file a Notice of Compliance within 60 days confirming insurance, CHP inspection, DMV pull-notice, and workers’ comp are all current. You also start filing annual reports under GO 84-C and quarterly user fee returns. Operating before the certificate issues is illegal under PU Code § 1031 and exposes the carrier to fines of up to $5,000 per day per PU Code § 2107.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out PSC-1
These are the errors that most often trigger deficiency letters, protests, or outright denials.
- Listing a P.O. Box in Box 3 — the CPUC wants a real street address and will reject a P.O. Box.
- Mismatching the legal name in Box 1 with the Secretary of State filing — even a missing comma triggers a 30-day pause.
- Using blue ink, pencil, or correction fluid — the docket clerk will refuse the package at intake.
- Filing without the CHP 343 satisfactory rating — staff will hold the file indefinitely.
- Forgetting Form H along with Form E in Exhibit D — both insurance forms are required.
- Carrying the wrong insurance limits for the seat capacity under GO 101-F — undercoverage is a flat denial.
- Listing drivers with expired CDLs or no passenger endorsement — CHP cross-references and CPUC suspends.
- Hiding a 10% owner because they are a silent investor — material misrepresentation can void the certificate.
- Checking No in Box 14 when an out-of-state suspension exists — the CPUC databases will catch it.
- Submitting a competitor’s tariff as Exhibit B without renaming the carrier — staff have seen this trick.
- Using a personal check from the founder for the $1,000 fee — only the entity may pay.
- Setting a Box 11 start date sooner than 180 days after filing — the CPUC cannot review that fast.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do download a fresh PSC-1 from the CPUC PSC page the day you start, because the form changes without notice.
- Do schedule the CHP terminal inspection 90 days before filing so the satisfactory rating is in hand.
- Do file Forms E and H through the CPUC Insurance Portal the same day you mail PSC-1.
- Do match the legal name in Box 1 letter-for-letter to the Secretary of State record.
- Do keep the certified-mail green card or e-filing receipt as proof of filing — you will need it if the docket office misplaces the package.
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Do answer Boxes 13 and 14 truthfully, because candor is a fitness factor at the CPUC.
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Don’t sign Box 15 unless you have authority to bind the entity — a non-officer signature voids the application.
- Don’t use a UPS Store or P.O. Box as the principal place of business in Box 3 — process service requires a real address.
- Don’t start operating before the certificate issues — fines run up to $5,000 per day under PU Code § 2107.
- Don’t treat 1099 drivers as exempt from workers’ comp — California’s AB 5 classifies them as employees.
- Don’t copy a competitor’s tariff without rebranding — staff have rejected applications for this exact slip.
- Don’t ignore the Daily Calendar after filing — that is where you find out about protests in time to respond.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Filing PSC-1 pro se saves money but adds risk; hiring a transportation attorney or regulatory consultant adds cost but speeds review and reduces denial risk.
Pros of filing on your own:
- Saves $5,000 to $25,000 in legal fees that you can put into vehicles or insurance.
- Forces the founder to learn the regulatory framework, which pays off in every annual report and advice letter that follows.
- Lets the founder control the narrative in Box 8 and Exhibit J, where attorneys sometimes overlawyer the language.
- Avoids the conflict-of-interest risk that arises when the same lawyer represents two competing PSC applicants in the same corridor.
- Builds a direct relationship with CPUC Transportation Licensing staff who will become your point of contact for years.
Cons of filing on your own:
- The first-pass rejection rate for pro se filers is roughly 50%, double the rate for represented filers.
- Tariff drafting in Exhibit B is technical and unforgiving; one missed fee and you cannot charge it for years.
- Protest defense under Rule 13 requires evidentiary skills most founders do not have.
- Mistakes in Boxes 12 and 13 can void the certificate years later, far more expensive than legal fees would have been.
- Pro se applicants miss procedural deadlines (response to deficiency letters, protest replies) that result in dismissal under Rule 11.7.
FAQs
Q: Do I file PSC-1 if I only run charter trips on demand?
No. Charter-only carriers file for a TCP permit under GO 157-E, not a PSC certificate. PSC is reserved for scheduled, route-based service.
Q: Can a sole proprietor hold a PSC certificate?
No. Only corporations, LLCs, LPs, and general partnerships may hold a PSC certificate, so you must form an entity with the Secretary of State before filing PSC-1.
Q: Is the $1,000 fee refundable if my application is denied?
No. The PSC application fee under PU Code § 1904 is non-refundable, regardless of outcome, including withdrawal.
Q: Do I need a USDOT number for intra-California service?
Yes. Even purely intrastate PSCs need a USDOT number under 49 CFR Part 390, obtained through the FMCSA URS.
Q: In Box 1, do I write the LLC name or the DBA?
No to the DBA. Box 1 is for the legal entity name as filed with the Secretary of State; the DBA goes in Box 2.
Q: In Box 3, can I list my home address?
Yes, if the home is a true in-home business location and not a UPS Store or P.O. Box, but expect CHP to inspect the terminal there.
Q: In Box 9, do I have to list every flag stop?
Yes. Every stop you want authority to serve must appear in Box 9 or as a flag stop, or you cannot pick up there after the certificate issues.
Q: In Box 12, do I list 5% owners?
No. Only owners holding 10% or more must be disclosed in Box 12, but ultimate beneficial owners through holding companies still count.
Q: Can I operate while the application is pending?
No. Operating before the certificate issues is illegal under PU Code § 1031 and triggers fines up to $5,000 per day.
Q: How long does CPUC take to grant a PSC certificate?
Yes, typically 6 to 12 months from filing if no protests are filed; protested applications can stretch to 18 months or more.
Q: Do I need workers’ comp if I have no employees yet?
Yes, before any driver starts; you can attach a sworn statement to Exhibit H promising coverage and update by advice letter once a driver is hired.
Q: Can I use one insurance policy for both my PSC and a separate TCP business?
Yes, if the policy names both entities and meets the highest applicable limit under GO 101-F, and you file separate Forms E and H for each authority.
Q: Are e-signatures accepted on Box 15?
Yes, through a CPUC-compliant DocuSign envelope, but a typed name without a real signature is rejected.
Q: Will the CPUC tell me if I forgot an exhibit?
Yes, through a deficiency letter, but the protest clock pauses while you cure, so a single missing exhibit can add 60 to 120 days to the process.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out California CPUC Annual Report Form (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California CPUC Form 1 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California CPUC TCP Application (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California CPUC Carrier Identification Number Application + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California CPUC Highway Carrier Insurance Form (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California CPUC Form A (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form 100 (w/Examples) + FAQs