In Kyrgyzstan, the mandatory licensing period for taxi drivers has been extended until July 1, 2026. Authorities warn that new rules will become mandatory, and the process of obtaining a license requires time and the completion of official procedures through the Main Department for Road Traffic Safety.
Initially, it was planned to start checks for the presence of licenses on February 2, but by that time, only about 8,000 individuals and 300 legal entities had obtained licenses. Additionally, the mechanisms and system for processing were not yet fully ready, which led to the postponement of deadlines.
Total number of taxi drivers
According to official data, about 8,000 drivers have obtained licenses, while the total number of taxi drivers in the country is estimated to be between 60,000 and 70,000. There are also private taxi drivers, or "bombilas," especially in regions where people work without registration and ties to taxi fleets. It is difficult to count their exact number.
Transporters warn that strict enforcement of licensing requirements could lead to thousands of taxis disappearing from the roads, negatively impacting consumers.
Reasons for delays in obtaining licenses
Bakdoolot Aitakunov, the head of one of the taxi fleets in Bishkek, noted on social media that the main reason for the delays is excessive bureaucracy. Obtaining a license requires about 15 different certificates, resulting in taxi drivers having to spend weeks going from office to office and being unable to work. Many drivers are stuck at the documentation stage:
- The medical certificate of form 083 requires registration, and many drivers coming from regions do not have city registration.
- The military ID, which is also needed for processing, is not always available to newcomers.
- Queues in medical institutions and the Ministry of Internal Affairs do not allow for a quick processing of the influx of people.
Problems with licensing and its timelines
Another issue is the tie of the license to a specific taxi fleet or aggregator partner. One driver reported that after obtaining a license, he becomes attached to one taxi fleet and cannot switch to another without obtaining a new license.
The license is issued for one year, and the waiting process can take up to 30 days, resulting in income losses for drivers.
According to drivers' calculations, the costs for obtaining a license range from 5,000 to 10,000 soms.
Practical situation and low interest from drivers
By the end of January, a surge of drivers for certificates was expected, but many are in no hurry to legalize their activities. Journalists from 24.kg visited the departments of the Main Department for Road Traffic Safety and did not find long queues — only a few people.
Taxi drivers report that notifications about the need to obtain a license from major aggregators, such as "Yandex," come frequently, but there is no panic among drivers — they are not rushing to gather documents.
One man explained his position: "The rules are constantly changing; you start gathering papers, and then it turns out that something is not needed. Let everything settle down."
And indeed, the next day, the licensing period was extended to July 1. Taxi drivers breathed a sigh of relief, but this does not eliminate the need to obtain a license. Authorities state that ultimately all transporters will have to obtain licenses.
Procedure for obtaining a taxi operating license in Kyrgyzstan
We remind you that starting from August 22, 2025, a law will come into effect requiring all taxi drivers and taxi fleets to obtain licenses. The license will be valid for one year and is mandatory for everyone.
New rules and requirements:
Right-hand drive vehicles are prohibited.
Required driving experience — three years or more.
The vehicle must meet the following requirements:
- presence of an identifying sign: 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 term, driver's photo, and carrier's details.
Step-by-step instructions for drivers to obtain a license
Here is an approximate list of steps, as the Main Department for Road Traffic Safety may have additional requirements. For all inquiries, please contact the licensing department of the management at +996312630902.
Step 1. Document preparation:
- 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;
- employment 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 if:
- The vehicle accommodates more than four people or is used for intercity transportation (more than 60 km): a contract with an organization for pre-trip technical inspections and medical examinations is required.
- The vehicle does not belong to the driver: a power of attorney for the management of the vehicle is required.
Step 2. Payment of the fee through any bank (500 soms per year, payment code 14222700) or post office. Please check with the Main Department for Road Traffic Safety at your location — there may be changes.
Step 3. Personal visit to the Main Department for Road Traffic Safety to submit documents and application.
Addresses:
- in Bishkek — Valikhanov Street, 1a/2;
- in Osh — Alimbek Datka Street, 229a or any district office of the department.
Step 4. Wait for a decision on the issuance of the license. The review period is 30 days.
