Applying for an Operating Licence

An operating licence is government permission to use a specific vehicle to carry passengers for payment. Every vehicle used for e-hailing must have a valid e-hailing operating licence. Bolt does not issue or approve operating licences.

The registered vehicle owner or operator applies to the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) in the province where passengers will be picked up. This guide follows the structure of Form 1B to help you complete your application correctly and reduce the risk of rejection.

Before you start

• Requirements vary by province. Each PRE may ask for extra documents or use a slightly different process. Call the office for your city before you travel to confirm the address, opening hours, form version, fee and payment method.
• A complete application does not guarantee approval. The PRE considers the law, the municipality's transport plan, demand, existing services and any lawful conditions.
• This guide is updated as provincial departments confirm changes.

You need a Bolt Service Agreement to apply. It covers the Bolt service agreement, NPTR registration and platform terms. You only need one, because it can be reused for all your vehicles. Only Bolt issues it, and you can only request it through Customer Support.

Request it in one of three ways:

• Email: [email protected]
• Use the Help section in your Bolt Driver app
• Visit a Driver Engagement Centre (DEC) in Johannesburg or Cape Town. Open your city under "Where to apply" below for the address and booking rules.

Download the documents below to support your application.

• Form 1B (gazetted version): the application form. Check that it's the correct version for your province on your PRE's website. In Section F, you must see "e-hailing service" as an option.
• Platform Terms of Ride Hailing Service: submit this together with your Bolt Service Agreement. Both form part of your Bolt supporting documents.
• Labour declaration template: confirms compliance with labour laws and meets the Form 1B checklist requirement.
• Pending investigation declaration template: confirms you have no pending criminal investigations, where required.
• Agency letter template: use this if the vehicle isn't registered in your name. The registered owner must complete and sign it.

The items below apply whether you're an individual or a company.

Form 1B

• Use the version issued by your province.
• Section A: tick New operating licence if this is your first application.
• Section F: tick e-hailing service.
• Section K: sign and date the declaration.
• Incomplete or incorrectly ticked sections can lead to rejection.

Identification

• A certified copy of your ID, passport or valid work permit.
• Companies also need certified company registration documents (certificate of incorporation, founding statement or partnership agreement) and a certified ID for the authorised representative.
• Certified copies must be less than 3 months old.

Tax and labour compliance

• A valid SARS Tax Compliance Status PIN (TCS PIN). Companies must use a TCS PIN in the company's registered name.
• A signed declaration confirming compliance with labour laws.

Vehicle details (Section L)

• Operating licences are issued per vehicle. Complete Section L and pay the application fee for each vehicle.
• For each vehicle, provide the registration number, vehicle identification number (VIN), make and model, year of manufacture, and number of passengers.
• Form 1B has space for three vehicles. If you have more, attach a separate page with the same details.
• If you don't own a vehicle yet, state the type you plan to buy.

Other documents

• Copies of any existing operating licences or permits for vehicles you operate (Section M).
• Your Bolt supporting documents (see "Get your Bolt supporting documents" above).

In addition to the documents above, you may need:

• Proof of residential address (utility bill, bank statement or municipal letter) less than 3 months old.
• If the vehicle isn't in your name: an agency or authorisation letter from the owner, plus a certified copy of the owner's ID.

In addition to the documents above, you may need:

• Company registration documents, if not already attached.
• A signed proxy letter authorising your representative to apply.
• Proof of address and a certified ID for the authorised representative.
• A fully completed Section C of Form 1B (person responsible for the juristic person).

Some PRE offices ask for documents not listed on Form 1B, such as:

• A criminal record or police clearance certificate
• A signed declaration of no pending criminal investigations
• Panic button installation confirmation
• Vehicle branding confirmation
• A roadworthy certificate at application stage
• Additional affidavits or declarations

Confirm with your local PRE before you submit. You can find your city's office under "Where to apply" below.

1. Check that every section of Form 1B is complete.
2. Attach all required certified documents.
3. Make a full copy of your application for your records.
4. Submit in person at your PRE.
5. Pay the application fee for each vehicle.
6. Ask for proof of submission or a reference number.

Processing times vary by province. In many cases it takes about 60 to 90 days.

The PRE will notify you in writing. Complete any final vehicle requirements within the deadline in your approval letter. Missing the deadline may lead to cancellation.

Before you collect your licence, you may need:

• A working panic button (if required in your province)
• Approved e-hailing vehicle branding
• A valid roadworthy certificate
• A vehicle inspection by the designated authority
• Your approval notification letter

Costs are approximate and vary by province, vehicle type and service provider. Some provinces require certain items at application, others only after approval. Confirm current fees with your PRE and service providers.

At application

• PRE application fee: R600
• Printing and certifying documents: R50 to R150

After approval

• Panic button installation: R500 to R1,500
• Roadworthy certificate: R500 to R800
• Vehicle branding: varies by province (confirm with your PRE)

Ongoing

• Annual vehicle licence disc: R400 to R900 a year
• Roadworthy renewal, if required: R500 to R800
• Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) renewal: R600 to R1,200 every 2 years
• Panic button tracking subscription: R100 to R350 a month

Apply to the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) in the province where you plan to operate. Open your city below for the office address and local details.

If you're unsure which office to use, contact your provincial Department of Transport. Confirm opening hours and whether you need an appointment before you travel.

You have the right to appeal to the Transport Appeal Tribunal (TAT). Your rejection letter states the deadline, so contact your PRE straight away. The PRE makes the final decision and sets the final document requirements.

Before you apply, check that:

• All documents are accurate and match your vehicle registration details.
• Certified copies are valid and recent.
• Your tax status is compliant.