The mandatory licensing period for taxi drivers in Kyrgyzstan has now been extended until July 1, 2026. The authorities emphasize that the new rules will eventually become mandatory, and the process of obtaining a license takes time, including going through formal procedures with the Main Department for Road Traffic Safety.
Initially, it was planned that checks for the presence of licenses would begin on February 2. However, by that time, only about 8,000 individuals and 300 legal entities had managed to obtain licenses. Additionally, the system and mechanisms for processing were not yet fully developed, which led to the change in deadlines.
Total Number of Taxi Drivers
According to official information, approximately 8,000 drivers have currently received licenses. However, the total number of taxi drivers in the country is estimated to be between 60,000 and 70,000 people. Furthermore, there are many private taxi drivers who are not registered in official taxi fleets, making it difficult to accurately count their numbers.
Representatives of the transport sector warn that if the licensing requirements are enforced strictly, many taxis may disappear from the roads, which would negatively affect consumers.
What Prevents Drivers from Obtaining Licenses on Time?
Bakdoolot Aitakunov, the head of one of the capital's taxi fleets, expressed on social media that the main problem is excessive bureaucracy. To obtain a license, it is necessary to gather about 15 different documents, and as a result, taxi drivers spend time on endless trips to offices instead of working. Many drivers faced the following difficulties during the application process:
- Medical certificate form 083. To obtain it, registration is required, which creates difficulties for drivers coming from regions without city registration.
- Military ID, which is also necessary for document processing, is often absent among newcomers.
- Queues in medical institutions and with law enforcement officers do not allow for a large number of applicants to be processed.
Restrictions on Taxi Fleets and License Validity
Another problem is the requirement to tie the license to a specific taxi fleet or aggregator.
One driver explained that after obtaining a license, he is attached to a specific taxi fleet, and changing to more favorable conditions becomes impossible without obtaining a new license.
Additionally, the license is issued for only one year, and the waiting time can be up to 30 days. Thus, the driver effectively loses a month of income each year.
Drivers have calculated that the total costs for obtaining a license range from 5,000 to 10,000 soms.
How Does the License Obtaining Process Work in Practice and Why Are Drivers Not in a Hurry?
By the end of January, a surge of drivers was expected at government offices for certificates, but many are not in a hurry to legalize their activities. Journalists from 24.kg visited the departments of the Main Department of Road Traffic Safety and did not find long queues — only a few people were waiting for their turn.
According to taxi drivers, notifications about the need to obtain a license from major aggregators, such as "Yandex," arrive regularly, but drivers do not rush to gather documents.
One man explained his slow pace in obtaining a license: "The rules are constantly changing. You start doing one thing and then realize that it is no longer relevant. Let everything settle down."
As it turned out, he was right: the next day, the licensing deadline was extended until July 1. Taxi drivers breathed a sigh of relief, but that does not mean that a license will not be needed in the future. According to representatives of government agencies, all carriers will eventually have to obtain licenses.
Procedure for Obtaining a Taxi License in Kyrgyzstan
As of August 22, 2025, a law came into force requiring all taxi drivers and taxi fleets to obtain a license. The license is valid for one year and is mandatory for everyone.
New Rules and Restrictions:
Right-hand drive vehicles are prohibited in taxis.
Minimum driving experience — three years.
The vehicle must meet the following requirements:
- A distinguishing sign is required: a trapezoid with the letter T and checkers (with backlighting) on the roof;
- A sign in the cabin: with the driver's full name, vehicle registration number, license number and validity period, driver's photo, and carrier's information.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a License
The approximate order of actions, as there may be additional requirements in the Main Department of Road Traffic Safety. For all inquiries, please contact the licensed department of the management at +996312630902.
Step 1. Prepare Documents:
- Passport of a citizen of Kyrgyzstan;
- Copy of the driver's license with at least three years of experience;
- Copy of the vehicle's technical passport;
- Labor or agency contract with the taxi fleet;
- Copy of the vehicle's technical inspection;
- Copy of the OSAGO policy;
- Medical certificate;
- Certificate of no criminal record;
- Certificate of no tax debts;
- Completed application form.
Additional documents may be required if:
- The vehicle has more than four seating places or is used for intercity transportation (over 60 kilometers): a contract with an organization for pre-trip technical inspections and medical examinations is required.
- The vehicle is not owned: a power of attorney for operating the vehicle is needed.
Step 2. Pay the fee through any bank (500 soms per year, payment code 14222700) or post office. It is recommended to check with the Main Department of Road Traffic Safety at the place of application — changes may occur.
Step 3. Personally submit documents to the Main Department of Road Traffic Safety with the application.
Addresses:
- In Bishkek — Valikhanov Street, 1a/2;
- In Osh — Alimbek Datka Street, 229a or any district office of the agency.
Step 4. Wait for a decision on the issuance of the license. The verification period is 30 days.
