Transport & Logistics

Operating a hire car with driver service requires a license under Section 49 of the Passenger Transport Act (PBefG). Unlike taxis, hire cars may not pick up passengers on the street but only on prior booking. Since the 2021 PBefG reform, the vehicle must return to the operating base or an approved alternative parking location after each trip (the so-called Rückkehrpflicht).You need to demonstrate financial capacity, professional competence, and personal reliability. The license is granted for a specific number of vehicles and is typically valid for up to four years. Each vehicle must be clearly distinguishable from taxis and may not use taxi stands.

Issued by: Road Traffic Authority

Operating a taxi service requires a license under the Passenger Transport Act (Personenbeförderungsgesetz, PBefG). The license is granted for a specific operating area and a specific number of vehicles. It is time-limited, typically for four to five years, and must be renewed.You apply at the transport authority (Genehmigungsbehörde) at your place of business. Four conditions must be met: an orderly business location, personal reliability, financial capacity (proof of adequate capital and insurance), and professional competence. Professional competence is demonstrated through the IHK competence examination (Fachkundeprüfung) for taxi and hire car operators, or through equivalent qualifications or management experience. The authority may limit the number of taxi licenses in an area based on demand.

Issued by: Road Traffic Authority (under state law)

Anyone operating a drone (unmanned aircraft system, UAS) weighing 250 grams or more in Germany must register as a UAS operator with the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA). After registration, you receive a unique electronic registration number (e-ID) that must be displayed on every drone you operate. Registration is done online through the LBA portal.For flights beyond the "open" category (for example, flying over crowds, beyond visual line of sight, or in controlled airspace), you need an operating permit from the state aviation authority (Landesluftfahrtbehörde). The permit application must follow the SORA methodology to assess operational risks. Since January 2026, new applications must use SORA version 2.5. Permits are typically limited in duration and may include conditions on equipment, training, and operational procedures.

Issued by: Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) / Landesluftfahrtbehörde

Transporting dangerous goods by road in Germany is regulated by the Dangerous Goods Transport Ordinance (GGVSEB), which implements the European ADR agreement. Businesses that ship, carry, load, or unload dangerous goods must comply with classification, packaging, labelling, and documentation requirements. Companies regularly involved in dangerous goods transport must appoint a certified dangerous goods safety adviser (Gefahrgutbeauftragter).Drivers of vehicles carrying dangerous goods above certain thresholds need an ADR driver training certificate, obtained through an approved training course and exam. The vehicle itself must be inspected and approved for dangerous goods transport. Route restrictions may apply in certain areas, and local authorities can issue specific route determinations (Fahrwegbestimmungen). Small quantity exemptions exist for shipments below defined thresholds. Violations carry significant fines.

Issued by: Federal Office for Goods Transport (BAG)

Operating a commercial road freight transport business with vehicles over 3.5 tonnes gross weight in Germany requires a freight transport license (Güterkraftverkehrsgenehmigung) under the Road Freight Transport Act (GüKG). This applies to anyone transporting goods for hire or reward. Own-account transport (Werkverkehr) using your own vehicles for your own goods only requires a notification, not a full license.You apply at the state transport authority. Requirements include professional competence (demonstrated by passing an IHK examination or holding equivalent qualifications), personal reliability (clean police record), and financial standing (at least 9,000 euros for the first vehicle and 5,000 euros for each additional one, confirmed by a tax adviser or auditor). You must also provide certificates of good standing from the tax office, municipality, social insurance fund, and professional liability insurer. The national license is valid for ten years and can be renewed.

Issued by: State Transport Authority

Operating scheduled bus services (Linienverkehr) or occasional services such as excursion trips, holiday destination travel, or charter bus services requires a license under the Passenger Transport Act (Personenbeförderungsgesetz, PBefG). This applies to any business carrying passengers commercially by bus.You apply at the transport authority (Verkehrsbehörde) at your place of business. The authority checks three core requirements: personal reliability, financial capacity, and professional competence. Professional competence is demonstrated through the Fachkundeprüfung at the IHK. The license is granted for a specific type of traffic and operating area. For scheduled services, the authority also examines whether the route serves a public transport need. Licenses are time-limited and must be renewed.

Issued by: Passenger Transport Licensing Authority

Companies that transport goods exclusively for their own purposes (own-account transport, known as Werkverkehr) using vehicles with a gross vehicle weight above 3.5 tonnes must notify the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) before the first transport. Unlike commercial freight transport, own-account transport does not require a freight transport license.The notification must be made before your first shipment and covers changes and deregistration as well. To qualify as Werkverkehr under the Commercial Freight Transport Act (GüKG), the goods must belong to or be processed by your company, and the transport must serve your own business purposes. The vehicles must be owned or leased by you and driven by your employees. The notification is free of charge and can be submitted online.

Issued by: Road Traffic Authority / Regional Council