What documents do you need to get started as an app taxi driver?

So you decided to start providing ride-hailing services. Cleaned your car, even got yourself two new dress shirts. Well done! Now you also need to get your documents in order. In Estonia it’s possible to take care of most of your business online, but sometimes it’s difficult to know where to start from. Not everything is as easy as filling out tax forms or e-voting. Thankfully, becoming an app taxi driver is no rocket science either. You just have to apply for three different permits – a service provider card, a taxi license and a vehicle card.
Bureaucracy – it’s a walk in the park!

Service provider card

You need a service provider card if you wish to work as a driver providing taxi services. Ride-hailing services qualify as taxi services. A service provider card is a personal document. You can read more about the service provider card from the Eesti.ee webpage HERE and apply for it via the Register of Economic Activities HERE.

Taxi license

You also need this one. It is issued by the local authority who governs the territory where you wish to provide your services. You can read more about the taxi license requirements and the corresponding state fee from the Eesti.ee webpage HERE and apply for it via the Register of Economic Activities HERE.

Vehicle card

A vehicle card is a document that proves you have the right to use your personal car for the provision of taxi services. You can read more about the vehicle card from the Eesti.ee webpage HERE and apply for it via the Register of Economic Activities HERE.

If you wish to become the absolute best app taxi driver in the world, you should apply for the aforementioned permits in this exact order – first a service provider card, then a taxi license, then a vehicle card. Of course, you shouldn’t forget about a good air freshener and a nice playlist either, since these are just as important as the bureaucratic stuff!

Good luck with the documents and may you have many smooth rides!