AUSTIN, Texas: Tesla has taken a key step toward launching its long-promised robotaxi service by applying for a transportation permit in California, a move that signals the company's growing focus on autonomous ride-hailing.

According to state regulators, Tesla has applied for a transportation charter-party carrier permit from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). This type of permit is typically associated with chauffeur-driven services, but it is a necessary requirement before Tesla can seek approval for autonomous passenger operations.

The company already holds a permit in California to test autonomous vehicles with a safety driver. However, it has yet to receive authorization for driverless testing or commercial operations, which are required for a full-fledged robotaxi service.

Elon Musk has increasingly positioned robotaxis as a core focus for Tesla, particularly as demand slows for the company's existing electric vehicle lineup. While investors remain optimistic about the potential of self-driving taxis, the regulatory path remains complex.

In October, Musk revealed that Tesla was testing an app-based ride-hailing service for employees in the San Francisco Bay Area with a safety driver present. He later announced that public launches of driverless ride-hailing services were planned for California and Texas in 2024, but did not provide a timeline.

Tesla has also been developing a steering-wheel-free robotaxi, known as the Cybercab, which is set to enter production in 2026. Musk has claimed the vehicle will be available for purchase for under $30,000.

However, even if Tesla secures the CPUC permit, it will still require additional regulatory approvals from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and CPUC before it can operate autonomous ride-hailing services or charge passengers.

Under California law, Tesla can only apply for a driver-assisted ride-hailing service at this stage. To operate fully driverless robotaxis, the company would need to clear further regulatory hurdles that could take years.

Musk has repeatedly promised that Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology will soon be capable of running without human supervision, but industry experts remain skeptical. Many believe the development and approval process for fully autonomous vehicles could take several more years.

Bloomberg News first reported the latest application.