This page was automatically translated using the online service DeepL. The translation is intended to aid understanding and may contain language-specific inaccuracies. The official text is written in German. Any discrepancies or differences resulting solely from the translation are not legally binding. In case of doubt, the German version shall prevail. It is recommended to consult a qualified translator in case of doubt.

Apply for a License to Operate a Car Rental Business

  • Service description

    Under the provisions of the Passenger Transportation Act, a company must obtain a permit or license to operate a taxi and/or rental car business. In Hesse, cities and municipalities with more than 7,500 residents are responsible for issuing these permits; in other cases, the district administration is responsible.

    To obtain such a license, a specific formal application must be submitted. Application forms are available upon request.

  • Procedure

    • Submit the appropriate application to the transportation authority responsible for you in the respective independent city or county, and include all required documents with the application.
    • The agency is processing your application.
    • You will receive a notice regarding the issuance or renewal of a rental car permit.
  • Prerequisites

    • The safety and efficiency of operations are ensured.
    • There is no evidence to suggest that the applicant is unfit to serve as an entrepreneur or that the person appointed to manage the business is unfit to do so.
    • The applicant, as a business owner, or the person appointed to manage the business, is professionally qualified.
    • The applicant and the contractors engaged by the applicant to provide transportation services must have their
    • Its principal place of business or branch office, as defined by German commercial law.
    • In the case of legal entities under public law, the requirements are deemed to be met.
  • What documents are required?

    • Formal Application (Last name, first name of the applicant; residence and business address; for individuals, date of birth and place of birth; number of vehicles, vehicle type, and capacity of the vehicles to be used)
    • Certificates of employment or examination certificates (demonstrating professional qualifications) of the applicant or the person appointed to manage the business
    • Certificate of Equity / Supplementary Certificate (form in accordance with Section 2, Paragraph 2, Item 2 / Section 2, Paragraph 3 of the Ordinance on Access to the Profession of Road Passenger Transport—PBZugV), not older than 3 months
    • Certificate of good standing issued by the tax office, the municipality, the social security agency, and the workers’ compensation association, not older than 3 months (from the company, its legal representative, and the person appointed to manage the business / traffic management)
    • Certificate of Good Conduct for submission to the authorities pursuant to Section 30(5) of the BZRG
    • Extract from the Central Trade Register pursuant to Section 150(5) of the Trade Regulation Act (GewO) (for businesses)
    • Extract from the Driver Fitness Registry (FAER)

    General Documents:

    • Vehicle list, including rental vehicles (if applicable) with rental agreements or a leasing list
    • Proof of liability insurance for rental cars, including the vehicle identification number (VIN)
    • Business Registration
  • What fees apply?

    The amount of the fees depends on

    • the number of vehicles and
    • the term of the permit
  • What deadlines do I have to observe?

    Time limits do not begin to run until an application that is ready for a decision has been submitted. Once your application is complete, a decision will be made within 3 months. If necessary, this time limit may be extended by 3 months.

  • Legal basis

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