Obtaining a taxi license

Obtaining a taxi licence

In the field of passenger transportation by car, the law provides for mandatory licensing of activities when it comes to providing passenger transportation services by taxi. Operating without a licence is considered a violation of the law and entails financial liability. This article will help you understand what steps to take to legally start a taxi business, what documentation to prepare, and what requirements to meet for a driver and a car.

What is a taxi licence and who issues it?

A taxi licence is an official permit from the state authorities to carry out business activities related to the transportation of passengers by passenger car for a fee. It is issued by the State Service of Ukraine for Transport Safety (Ukrtransbezpeka). Individual entrepreneurs and legal entities are eligible to obtain a licence.

It should be borne in mind that it is impossible to obtain a licence without registering a sole proprietorship or a company, as the licence is granted to a business entity, not an individual.

Car and driver requirements

Before applying for a licence, you need to make sure that both the driver and the vehicle meet the requirements set out in the law. To get a better idea, let's take a look at the key criteria:

Before the following list, it is important to note that failure to comply with even one of the following points may be grounds for refusal to issue a licence.

• The car must be technically sound and registered in Ukraine.
• The car must undergo a technical inspection at least once a year.
• The driver must have a driver's licence of the appropriate category and at least 3 years of driving experience.
• The driver's medical examination must be confirmed.

The procedure for obtaining a taxi licence

In order to officially start a taxi business, you must go through the taxi licensing procedure established by law. It includes several consecutive stages.

Before proceeding to the list of actions, it should be noted that each stage requires care, as incorrectly filled in documents or errors in information may lead to a refusal to issue a licence.

1. Registration as a sole proprietor or legal entity. You will not be able to submit an application without this step. A sole proprietorship is the most common form for taxi drivers.
2. Preparation of a package of documents. This includes a copy of the sole proprietorship registration certificate, vehicle documents, driver information, medical examination certificate, etc.
3. Submitting an application to Ukrtransbezpeka via the Diia portal or in paper form. You can submit an application online, which significantly reduces the processing time.
4. Waiting for a decision. The decision is made within 10 working days. If the decision is positive, you will receive a licence.
5. Payment of the licence fee. After approval, you pay an official fee in the amount of one subsistence minimum (as of 2025, the cost of a taxi licence is UAH 3028).

Successful obtainment of a taxi licence is possible if you follow all these steps.

What documents are required to obtain a taxi licence?

The procedure for submitting documents is convenient and straightforward, but some entrepreneurs still make the mistake of not submitting a complete set. So, before applying to the State Service of Ukraine for Transport Safety, make sure you have a complete set of documents with you:

• Application for a licence (approved form).
• A copy of the passport and the tax identification number (for individual entrepreneurs).
• Registration documents of the entrepreneur or legal entity.
• Information about the car: technical passport, data on the technical condition.
• Information about the driver: driver's licence, medical certificate.
• Receipt of payment of the administrative fee.

Main responsibilities of the licensee

After obtaining a licence, an entrepreneur assumes a number of obligations. It is important to know that regulatory authorities have the right to check compliance with these requirements.

Below are some key responsibilities that you should not forget:

• Undergo regular medical examinations.
• Keep the vehicle in good working order.
• Avoid exceeding the number of passengers.
• Follow the traffic rules.
• Carry out transportation only within the permitted route.

If the driver ignores the above obligations, he or she will face a fine or administrative liability, and in some cases, even the confiscation of the driver's licence.

Liability for operating without a licence

The illegal provision of taxi services is an administrative offence that entails fines and, in some cases, even the confiscation of a vehicle. According to the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offences, conducting business without a licence is punishable:

Before the following list, it is worth noting that fines for operating without a licence are often higher than the cost of the licence itself.

1. The fine ranges from UAH 17,000 to UAH 34,000.
2. Confiscation of income received as a result of illegal activities.
3. Repeated violations within a year will result in a fine of up to UAH 85,000 and a ban on business for a certain period of time.

Additional mandatory conditions

Payment of taxes: the entrepreneur is obliged to submit regular tax reports and pay a single tax (if the simplified taxation system is chosen).

Vehicle labelling: a taxi must be equipped with appropriate identification marks - ‘checkers’, information about the driver and a price list.

Licence card: a separate document issued for each vehicle. It must be available to the driver during the carriage.

The most frequently asked questions