Express Guide: Becoming an Independent VTC Driver
This document is a practical summary to help you get started. For complex legal details, do not hesitate to consult a chartered accountant.
Introduction: Becoming Your Own Boss
Going independent means taking the wheel of your own business. No more fleet status: you are the boss. The Pros: You choose your hours, you manage your money, you are free. The Cons: You also manage the paperwork, the charges, and the vehicle maintenance.
Choosing Your Status: Micro or Company?
Option A: The Micro-enterprise (Auto-entrepreneur)
This is the "Light and Fast" option.
For whom? Ideal for starting alone or as a side activity.
Advantages: Very simple to create, little paperwork. You pay your charges as a % of what you earn.
Limits: You cannot deduct your actual expenses (gas, car, repairs...). Revenue cap (approx. €77,700/year). No VAT recovery (at the beginning).
Option B: The Company (SASU) This is the "Pro and Scalable" option.
For whom? For those who drive a lot, have an expensive car to pay off, or want to expand.
Advantages: Deduct everything: Gas, car purchase, insurance... everything counts as expenses. Protection: Your personal assets are better protected. No revenue cap. Limits: More complex to manage (accountant mandatory) and more expensive to create.
The Tip: If you have high expenses (vehicle purchase, loan...), the SASU is often better. If you want to test the waters without risk, the Micro is great.
Once your choice is made, here is the procedure:
1. The VTC Card This is the foundation. You must pass the exam (theory + practice) and apply for the card at the prefecture.
Cost: ~€200 (exam) + ~€60 (card).
2. Create Your Business In Micro: Done online via the "Guichet Unique" (INPI). It is fast. In SASU: You must draft statutes, deposit capital at the bank, and register. It is best to get help (accountant or online services).
3. Registration in the VTC Register Mandatory to have the legal right to drive. Done online at: registre-vtc.developpement-durable.gouv.fr You need: Your Kbis (or Siren), RC Pro insurance, car registration (carte grise), and VTC card. Cost: €170.
4. Insurance (RC Pro + Auto) RC Pro (Professional Civil Liability): This is special insurance for your activity (covers damages to clients). Mandatory. Auto Insurance: Verify carefully that it covers "Transport of persons for a fee" (Transport de personnes à titre onéreux). Our partner VTC Protect offers this if needed!
5. Bank Account Open a bank account dedicated to your activity (mandatory for a company, highly recommended for micro). This prevents mixing trip money with supermarket money!
In Micro-enterprise (at the start):
You are in "VAT Franchise" (Base Exemption).
You do not charge VAT to the client. You do not recover VAT on your purchases (gas, car). Warning: If you exceed a certain threshold (~€36,800), you switch to the real regime.
In a Company (or Micro by option): You are in the "Real Regime."
You charge 10% VAT on rides. Big advantage: You recover the VAT on your expenses (car, diesel/electric, maintenance).
To activate your independent driver account, prepare these documents (clean scans or clear photos):
Driver Documents: VTC Card (front/back) Driver's License ID Card / Passport / Residence Permit
Business Documents: KBIS (company) or Avis Sirene (micro) dated less than 3 months Attestation of RC Pro Insurance Attestation of registration in the VTC Register
Vehicle Documents: Vehicle Registration (Carte grise - in the name of the company or the driver) Insurance for "Hire and Reward" (also called RC Circulation, specific to transport of persons) Photo of the VTC sticker (macaron) stuck to the windshield
Fiscal Info (in the app): Intra-community VAT Number (ask the tax office, even in micro!) Professional Bank Details (RIB)
Don't panic, there are people here to help you.
The Bolt Driver App: "Help" section for daily issues. Bolt Hubs: Go see the team in person for registration or if you are stuck on a file. Support Mail: [email protected] (for documents and registration). Registration Emergency: 09 39 37 00 03 (8 AM - 8 PM) or WhatsApp Chat at 06 65 35 00 91.
Safe travels and good luck starting your independence!
To view our complete and comprehensive guide that accompanies you step-by-step in every detail, click here.
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