Passenger transport permit: the complete guide to obtaining it

To know how to obtain authorization to transport peopleFirst, you need to identify the type of activity (private hire vehicle, taxi, occasional transport, shuttle, etc.), then submit an application to the relevant authority (prefecture, DREAL/DRIEAT, municipal or metropolitan services). In practice, this almost always involves specific training, administrative documents, a compliant vehicle, and appropriate insurance.

Get a authorization to transport people Obtaining authorization has become essential for anyone wishing to transport clients for payment, even occasionally. Between the regulations of the Transport Code, local specificities (Île-de-France region, major metropolitan areas, rural areas), and the various categories (private hire vehicles, taxis, LOTI, TPMR, private shuttles, etc.), it’s easy to get lost. However, with a clear method and a good understanding of the requirements, the process becomes significantly simpler: knowing who to contact, which forms to fill out, what supporting documents to prepare, and what deadlines to anticipate. The stakes are twofold: ensuring full legal compliance to avoid penalties, and being able to operate under the best possible conditions (access to train stations, calls for tenders, agreements with companies or healthcare facilities). The aim of this guide is to provide a structured, practical, and applicable overview for anyone wishing to legally obtain authorization to transport passengers in France.

Understanding the different types of passenger transport permits

Before even filling out a form, it is essential to fully understand what authorization to transport people You really need to know this. In France, regulations distinguish between several categories, each with its own access requirements, competent authority, and advantages. Choosing the wrong category can lead to your application being rejected, or worse, to your activity being classified as “illegal practice” with heavy penalties (fines, vehicle impoundment, or even additional sanctions).

The first question to ask yourself is therefore: “What type of clientele will I be transporting, in what context, and with what business model?” Depending on whether you work for digital platforms (Uber, Bolt, Heetch, etc.), plan to provide school transport, hotel shuttles, tourism services, or transport for people with reduced mobility, the nature of your authorization to transport people will change significantly. Each scheme has a common base (compliance with safety conditions, suitable vehicle, specific insurance) but also particularities: examination for taxis, professional VTC card, approval for seated medical transport, registration in the register of carriers for collective transport, etc.

Understanding these categories also means anticipating the evolution of your business. An entrepreneur starting out in ride-hailing may, a few years later, want to bid on public school transport contracts or organize shuttle services for a ski resort; they will then need additional authorization. Developing a comprehensive vision from the outset helps avoid hindering future growth with overly restrictive choices at the beginning.

Taxi, private hire vehicle, occasional transport, accessible transport for people with reduced mobility: who does what?

To clarify the landscape, it is helpful to distinguish the major categories of activities from transport of people :

• Taxi : right to solicit customers (picking up a customer in the street or at a taxi stand), regulated fare, use of a taximeter, a lighted sign, a taximeter terminal, and an authorization known as a “license” or “ADS” (parking permit) issued by the city hall or the police headquarters in Paris.authorization to transport people For a taxi, it is based on obtaining a professional card + an ADS.
• VTC (private hire vehicle) Advance booking is mandatory, prices are freely set, and soliciting is prohibited. Authorization is granted by registering with the VTC (private hire vehicle) registry after passing an exam and obtaining a professional VTC card. Digital platforms are an important but not mandatory channel.
• Occasional public transport (formerly LOTI) Transport of several passengers in a vehicle with more than 9 seats (including the driver) or as part of group services (tours, business trips, etc.). Authorization is granted by the register of road passenger carriersmanaged by the DREAL (or DRIEAT for Île-de-France).
• TPMR (Transport for people with reduced mobility) This activity is often entrusted to specialized companies, sometimes within the framework of public contracts or agreements with local authorities. It requires a specially adapted vehicle and enhanced requirements in terms of training, safety and sometimes specific approval.
• Professional seated medical transport (VSL, contracted taxis) It is governed by the Public Health Code, with approval from the Regional Health Agency (ARS) and an agreement with the Health Insurance system. It is not public passenger transport in the strict sense, but it remains a form of public transport. transport of people highly regulated.

Each activity therefore refers to a distinct procedure to obtain theauthorization to transport people A driver starting out in the private hire vehicle (PHV) sector cannot, for example, provide school transport without being registered as a road passenger transport operator and without having the appropriate vehicles. Similarly, a taxi driver cannot claim to be a PHV without following the corresponding procedure, and vice versa, even though some professionals hold multiple statuses.

This specialization is mandated by law to guarantee better passenger safety, fairer competition, and traceability of operations. As a DREAL inspector often summarizes: “We’re not transporting goods, we’re transporting lives.” This is also why regulations are regularly updated and on-site inspections are carried out.

General regulations applicable to the transport of persons

Beyond the diversity of statuses, all forms ofauthorization to transport people are part of a common legal framework, primarily derived from the Transport Code and several implementing decrees. Three main pillars structure this framework: safety, professional qualification and responsibility.

In terms of the securityThe requirements apply to both the driver and the vehicle. The driver must, in particular:

• hold a suitable license (B, D, possibly with public transport endorsement) that is currently valid;
• provide proof of physical fitness, via a medical examination if necessary;
• not to be subject to a ban on practicing or incompatible convictions (compliant criminal record);
• respect driving and rest times in the case of public transport.

Regarding vehicles, the rules cover:

• regular technical inspections, sometimes more frequent than for a private vehicle;
• mandatory equipment (fire extinguisher, first aid kit, belts, specific PMR devices, etc.);
• the display (plate, professional sticker, illuminated device for taxis…);
• the capacity in terms of the number of places and its suitability with the authorization obtained.

There professional qualification is the other pillar. It is embodied by:

• a taxi or VTC exam organised by the Chambers of Trades and Crafts (CMA);
• a certificate of professional competence in road passenger transport for collective transport operators;
• specific training courses for medical transport or TPMR;
• Sometimes continuing education is mandatory to maintain certain rights.

Finally, the responsibility is ensured by the obligation to contract a professional liability insurance This insurance is specifically designed for passenger transport. It’s not just standard car insurance: the coverage must include passengers transported for a fee. Operating without this coverage is a serious offense, often uncovered in the event of an accident and potentially leading to personal liability for the company director.

In this context, requesting a authorization to transport people It’s not just an administrative formality: it’s the culmination of a structured process designed to ensure you are qualified to transport the public safely. It also lends credibility to your business with future clients, partners, and insurers.

The general conditions for obtaining a person transport permit

Once the type of activity has been chosen, you need to check if you meet the requirements. general conditions to get theauthorization to transport people corresponding. These conditions are relatively similar from one status to another, even if the levels of requirement may vary (more or less difficult exams, more or less strict financial requirements, etc.).

The first part concerns the personal situation of the applicant. To exercise this right, one must, in principle:

• be of legal age;
• to be legally residing in France;
• not to be subject to a ban on managing or carrying out a transport activity;
• have a criminal record free of certain convictions (particularly those related to road safety, violence, financial crimes or the illegal practice of a regulated profession).

Next comes the question of the professional capacityThe administration verifies that you are able to carry out the activity of transport of people under satisfactory working conditions. This includes:

• a validated training course and/or exam;
• recognized experience or qualification (in some cases);
• a certificate of competence for public transport.

The appearance financial This is also taken into account. For registration in the carrier register, for example, a minimum threshold of financial capacity is required to ensure that the company has the necessary resources for vehicle maintenance and the sustainability of its business. For individual activities (private hire vehicles, taxis), this control is less stringent, but it is still expected that the project leader will be able to finance their vehicle, insurance, and social security contributions.

Finally, the technical conditions Vehicle and insurance-related issues are unavoidable: a vehicle that is too old, does not meet comfort (especially for ride-hailing services) or safety criteria, can prevent obtaining or renewing the license.authorization to transport peopleInsurers also pay attention to these criteria and may refuse to cover a vehicle deemed unsuitable for intensive professional use.

Administrative and personal prerequisites

From an administrative standpoint, several documents are almost always required when applying for…authorization to transport peopleThis common core generally includes:

• a valid form of identification;
• a recent proof of address;
• an extract from the criminal record (bulletin n° 2 or 3 depending on the case, sometimes requested directly by the administration);
• a copy of the driving licence corresponding to the vehicle category;
• one or more passport photos for the professional card;
• an official application form, duly completed and signed.

In addition, you often need to provide information about your professional project or your legal structure:

• company statutes (if you operate as a company) or certificate of status as a micro-enterprise;
• proof of registration with the trade and companies register (RCS) or the register of trades, depending on your status;
• possibly a business plan or a presentation note in the context of public tenders or specific approval requests.

On a personal level, physical fitness can be monitored via a medical visit mandatory, particularly for certain categories of transport (school transport, public transport, medical transport). The approved doctor checks fitness for prolonged driving, vision, the absence of pathologies incompatible with passenger safety, etc.

Another often underestimated aspect concerns theprofessional imageWhile the law does not mandate a specific dress code or demeanor, the authorities sometimes examine the thoroughness of the application, the coherence of the project, and the applicant’s ability to function professionally. An incomplete, sloppy, or inconsistent application may lead to requests for additional information and delay the granting of the permit.authorization to transport peopleConversely, a structured and documented file inspires confidence, including among potential partners (banks, insurers, platforms).

Some candidates even choose to be assisted by a specialized firm or a chartered accountant to ensure the administrative aspects are handled smoothly. This isn’t mandatory, but it can save time and prevent costly mistakes that lead to delays and frustration.

Vehicle and insurance requirements

The vehicle is at the heart of all activity of transport of peopleTo obtain theauthorization to transport peopleIt is not enough to have a car in good condition: it must meet specific criteria, which vary slightly depending on the status chosen.

For ride-hailing services, for example, the regulations generally require:

• a minimum vehicle length;
• a minimum tax power;
• a set number of seats (usually between 4 and 9);
• a certain level of comfort (upholstery, presentation, general condition);
• limited seniority (often no more than 7 years, except for hybrid or electric vehicles which benefit from exemptions).

For a taxi, the requirements focus more on equipment:

• taximeter approved and regularly checked;
• exterior light indicating availability;
• printer for issuing receipts to customers;
• possible specific equipment for people with reduced mobility, depending on the area.

In public transport, the criteria are even stricter: a large number of seats, emergency exits, enhanced safety equipment, more frequent technical inspections, tachograph, etc. For accessible transport for people with reduced mobility (TPMR), access ramps, wheelchair anchoring systems, and specific interior adaptations are added.

Side insuranceYou need to take out a suitable policy that explicitly mentions the paid passenger transportA simple “comprehensive” insurance policy for personal use is not sufficient. It is necessary to check:

• the maximum coverage in case of bodily injury to passengers;
• covering potential operating losses following a disaster;
• exclusion clauses (for example, some companies exclude platform-related activities if this is not declared from the outset).

Failure to properly declare one’s business activity to the insurer can lead to a denial of compensation in the event of an accident, with dramatic consequences for both the driver and passengers. This is why insurance is closely examined when issuing the policy.authorization to transport people The administration wants to ensure that you not only have a compliant vehicle, but also the necessary coverage to assume the risks inherent in your business.

As a specialist broker often reminds us: “Good insurance is useless until you need it… and becomes essential the day everything changes.” It’s therefore better to invest in robust coverage than to try and save a few euros on the annual premium.

The steps to obtain authorization to transport people, depending on the type of activity.

Once the general framework is understood, it’s necessary to get down to the specifics of the process. How, precisely, does one obtain their authorization to transport people Depending on the project: taxi, private hire vehicle, public transport, accessible transport for people with reduced mobility, etc.? Each sector has its own forms, its own contact person and its own timetable.

To avoid back-and-forth trips, it is advisable to:

• check the official information on the websites of the prefectures, the DREAL or the CMA;
• download the updated forms;
• prepare a checklist of the documents to be provided;
• Anticipating delays: between registering for an exam and receiving the results.authorization to transport peopleSeveral months may pass.

Another good practice is to exchange information with established professionals: they are familiar with the pitfalls, common obstacles, and local interpretations of certain regulations. This feedback from experience is a valuable complement to regulatory information, which is often very theoretical.

Private hire vehicle (PHV) license: registration procedure, exam and professional card

Becoming a private hire driver involves several fairly standardized steps. Obtaining theauthorization to transport people Registering in the VTC register first requires obtaining a professional VTC card.

The main steps are as follows:

• Registration for the VTC exam Registration is generally done through the relevant Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA). You must provide a file (identity, permit, criminal record, etc.) and pay the examination fees.
• Exam preparation and success The test includes theoretical assessments (regulations, management, road safety, French, English, etc.) and a practical driving test. Many candidates undergo training at a specialized center to maximize their chances.
• Application for a VTC professional card If successful, the candidate submits an application for a professional card to the prefecture, attaching the required supporting documents. This card constitutes their personal authorization to practice.
• Creation of the legal structure : micro-enterprise, EURL, SASU… The choice of status depends on the strategy of the project leader (taxation, social protection, possibility of growth).
• Registration in the VTC register Managed by the Ministry of Transport, this register lists authorized private hire vehicle (PHV) companies. Applications are made online, with the submission of documents: professional card, registration with the Trade and Companies Register (RCS), proof of insurance, vehicle description, etc.

It is this registration in the register that constitutes, for the VTC activity, the real authorization to transport peopleWithout it, it is illegal to offer one’s services, even if one has obtained the professional card. Conversely, a company can employ several drivers with professional cards, but the registration in the register remains unique, in the name of the company.

An anecdote perfectly illustrates the importance of this final step: a young driver, having brilliantly passed his private hire vehicle (PHV) exam, registered on a platform and started working, convinced that his license was sufficient. During a check, he discovered that he wasn’t registered in the PHV registry. The result: his vehicle was impounded, he received a fine, and his activity was temporarily suspended. He later explained that he had simply “forgotten” this formality. This common mistake serves as a reminder that, in terms of transport of peopleEvery administrative step counts.

Once registered, the private hire vehicle (PHV) driver must comply with ongoing obligations: continuing professional development every 5 years, updating information in case of a change of vehicle or address, compliance with advertising and display regulations, etc.authorization to transport people Therefore, it is not a definitive achievement: it is maintained over time by respecting these obligations.

Taxis: license, parking permit and procedures at the town hall

For taxis, theauthorization to transport people takes a specific form: theparking permit (ADS), often called a “taxi license”. It allows parking on public roads and picking up customers without prior booking, on the street.

The main steps are as follows:

• Passing the taxi exam : as for the VTC, the exam is organised by the CMA and includes theoretical and practical tests, with a specific taxi module (regulations, pricing, local topography…).
• Application for a professional taxi driver’s license It is done at the prefecture, after passing the exam. It certifies the driver’s qualification.
• Obtaining an ADS This is where the procedure differs. The ADS (Auto-Driving License) is issued by the town hall (or the police headquarters in Paris). It can be free (provided by the local authority on a waiting list) or paid (purchased from a taxi driver who is relinquishing their license, under the conditions stipulated by law). In some cities, the wait for a free ADS can last several years.
• Vehicle immobilization and equipment : installation of the taximeter, the lighting, the printing and display devices for fares. This equipment must be approved and regularly inspected.

The ADS is the central element of theauthorization to transport people For a taxi driver: without an ADS (Authorization to Drive), there is no parking in reserved spaces, no street hailing, and no right to use taxi status. It is also an important economic asset, which can be valued under certain conditions during a sale.

Obtaining a taxi license requires a thorough understanding of local regulations: each municipality sets a maximum number of taxis, allocation criteria, and potentially additional requirements (for example, a proportion of vehicles accessible to people with reduced mobility). It is therefore essential to contact the relevant department at the town hall to obtain the latest information.

In this area, a quote from an elected official in charge of transportation sums up the issue: “A taxi license is not just a number on a plate; it’s a commitment to providing a local public service, 24 hours a day, for residents and visitors.”authorization to transport people here it takes on a public service dimension that is less common in other statuses.

Public transport, school transport and transport for people with reduced mobility: an even more regulated framework

Beyond taxis and ride-hailing services, many activities rely on a authorization to transport people collective transport: school transport, company shuttles, tourist circuits, regular connections, transport for people with reduced mobility… These segments are subject to more stringent requirements, due to the number of passengers and the potential vulnerability of certain groups.

The key entry point here is often theregistration in the register of road passenger transport operatorsmanaged by the DREAL (or the DRIEAT in Île-de-France). This registration certifies that the company has:

• of recognized professional competence;
• of sufficient financial capacity;
• of adapted and inspected vehicles;
• of a well-organized system (drivers, driving time, safety).

Once this authorization to transport people Having obtained it through the DREAL, the company can respond to calls for tenders from local authorities, conclude contracts with schools, companies or tour operators, and operate regular or occasional services.

Register of road passenger transport and school transport operators

To register for register of road passenger carriersThe procedure comprises several parts:

• Professional capacity : you must either hold a certificate of professional competence in road passenger transport (obtained after a specifically dedicated examination), or demonstrate adequate experience in the management of transport companies.
• Financial capacity A minimum amount of equity or financial guarantees is required, proportional to the number of vehicles put into service. The objective is to ensure that the company can cover maintenance, fleet renewal, and unforeseen expenses.
• Professional reputation : the absence of serious or repeated convictions related to transport, security or business law is verified.
• Vehicles and organization : description of vehicles, proof of their conformity (technical inspection, safety modifications), organization of the monitoring of driving times, etc.

Once registered, the company receives a carrier number and certified copies for its vehicles. This registration constitutes, for public transport, the true authorization to transport peopleWithout it, it is impossible to legally provide school transport or to respond to public passenger transport tenders.

THE school transport This is a special case, as it involves minor audiences and specific time slots. Specifications often require:

• drivers specifically trained in transporting children;
• vehicles meeting enhanced standards (signage “transporting children”, seat belts, etc.);
• very strict punctuality and regularity requirements;
• procedures in case of delay, accident, dangerous behavior.

Many entrepreneurs attest that winning their first school transport contract is a turning point: it guarantees a steady volume of work but demands absolute rigor. Here again, theauthorization to transport people The permit issued by the DREAL is only a starting point: compliance with local specifications is just as important.

Transport of people with reduced mobility (TPMR): stricter requirements

THE TPMR (transport of people with reduced mobility) is a form of transport of people particularly sensitive, as it concerns passengers with disabilities or vulnerabilities.authorization to transport people In this context, it assumes:

• an adapted vehicle: ramp or liftgate, approved anchoring systems for wheelchairs, sufficient interior space, restraint devices, etc.;
• specific training for drivers: safe handling techniques, appropriate communication, consideration of certain pathologies;
• sometimes specific agreements or conventions with local authorities, medical-social establishments or social security funds.

Vehicles adapted for people with reduced mobility (PRM) are often subject to specific inspections, in addition to the standard vehicle inspection. Even the slightest malfunction of a ramp or anchoring system can have serious consequences. The authorities (DREAL, police or gendarmerie services, ARS where applicable) are particularly vigilant in this area.

From a legal standpoint, the activity may fall under the register of road passenger transport operators or, in some cases, be integrated into medico-social structures with their own licenses. It is therefore important, before launching a TPMR (Transport for People with Reduced Mobility) activity, to clarify the precise framework with the DREAL (Regional Directorate for the Environment, Planning and Housing) and, if necessary, with the ARS (Regional Health Agency).authorization to transport people applicable.

Many professionals in the field of accessible transportation for people with reduced mobility (TPMR) emphasize the strong human dimension of their work: accompanying regular passengers, building relationships of trust, and playing a social role. As an experienced TPMR driver often says, “We don’t just transport people; we also transport their daily lives, their medical appointments, and their social connections.” The increased regulatory requirements reflect this particular responsibility.

FAQ – Authorization to transport people

1. Is authorization required to transport people for payment using one’s personal car?
Yes. As soon as there is remuneration, you must have a authorization to transport people adapted (VTC, taxi, collective transport, etc.). Simple reimbursements of expenses between individuals, without profit, may escape this regime, but any professional activity requires authorization.

2. What is the difference between a VTC professional card and registration in the VTC register?
The VTC professional card is an authorization personal for the driver. Registration in the VTC register is an authorization for the companyTo operate legally, both are required: a card for each driver and registration in the register for the structure that operates the activity.

3. How long does it typically take to obtain a permit to transport people?
Depending on the type of activity, this can range from a few weeks (renewal or change of vehicle) to several months (passing a taxi/private hire vehicle exam, registering with the transport authority, obtaining a permit). It is advisable to allow at least 3 to 6 months between starting the process and actually beginning operations.

4. Can one combine several statuses (taxi + private hire vehicle, private hire vehicle + school transport, etc.)?
Yes, provided that the access conditions and rules specific to each activity are respected. Some professionals combine taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) services, or PHV and public transport, but this requires adapted vehicles, insurance and organizations, as well as several separate permits.

5. What are the risks of operating without a passenger transport permit?
Operating a taxi illegally can result in fines, vehicle confiscation or impoundment, a ban on operating the taxi, and criminal prosecution in the event of an accident. Furthermore, the insurer may refuse to compensate passengers for damages.

6. Is micro-entrepreneur status sufficient for operating a private hire vehicle (VTC) or passenger transport service?
No. The micro-entrepreneur status concerns taxation and social security contributions. You must also obtain theauthorization to transport people Appropriate qualifications (professional card, registration, etc.). Without these authorizations, your legal status does not give you the right to transport people for remuneration.

7. Do the platforms (Uber, Bolt, etc.) manage the authorization on my behalf?
No. They generally check that you have the necessary permits, but it’s up to you to obtain them (private hire vehicle license, registration, appropriate insurance). The platforms can assist or guide you, but the legal responsibility remains yours.

8. How do I know which passenger transport permit corresponds to my project?
Consider your target market (individuals, businesses, local authorities), your service delivery method (street outreach, reservations, contracts), the type of vehicle (car, minibus, coach, accessible vehicle), and the area you will be operating in. Then, contact the Regional Directorate for the Environment, Planning and Housing (DREAL), your local prefecture, or the Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA) to determine the most suitable regulatory framework for your business.