How to get an IBP licence in Flanders?

What is an IBP licence?

IBP stands for Individueel Bezoldigd Personenvervoer — individually remunerated passenger transport.

Since the Flemish taxi reform, this licence is the official authorisation allowing a company to operate a remunerated passenger transport service in the Flemish Region.

It is notably used by:

• taxi operators;
• operators working with Uber;
• operators working with Bolt;
• chauffeur-driven transport companies;
• companies operating multiple vehicles.

It replaces the former taxi licence system and is valid for 5 years throughout the Flemish Region once obtained.

Who must apply for an IBP licence?

The licence is applied for by the operator of the activity — the legal entity or natural person who bears legal responsibility for the business.

If you set up your own company to work with Uber or Bolt, you will generally need to obtain your own licence. If you work for an already licensed operator, it is the company that holds the licence — not the individual driver.

Conditions for obtaining an IBP licence

Several conditions must be met to obtain an IBP licence.

1. Have a registered company

The activity must be registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE). The main activity is generally linked to remunerated passenger transport. This company number (registratie / KBO) will also be required for subsequent Chiron declarations.

2. Demonstrate good repute

The authorities verify that the operator meets the good repute requirements. A criminal record extract (form 596.1-27) is notably requested when submitting the dossier.

3. Be administratively compliant

The administration notably checks:

• tax obligations;
• social security contributions;
• the company's administrative situation.

4. Have compliant vehicles

Operated vehicles must meet the technical and environmental requirements applicable in the Flemish Region. Rules on ecoscore and environmental standards are becoming increasingly important when assessing a dossier.

Which documents should you prepare?

The exact list may vary depending on your situation and municipality, but the following documents are frequently requested:

• identity card;
• company number (CBE);
• criminal record extract form 596.1-27;
• tax certificates;
• social security contribution certificates;
• vehicle registration documents;
• insurance documents;
• information relating to the operation.

Before submitting your application, check the specific requirements of your municipality — they may vary from one locality to another.

Where do you submit the application?

The application must be submitted to the municipality where your operating headquarters is located.

The municipality checks the dossier before issuing the authorisation. Once obtained, the licence is valid throughout the Flemish Region — not only in the issuing municipality.

How much does an IBP licence cost?

The total cost depends notably on:

• municipal administrative fees;
• the number of vehicles operated;
• costs related to preparing the dossier;
• mandatory insurance;
• any additional municipal charges.

Amounts may vary between municipalities and change over time. Contact your municipality directly for an accurate quote.

How long does it take to obtain an IBP licence?

Timelines vary depending on:

• the quality and completeness of the dossier;
• the municipality's administrative processing speed;
• whether additional documents need to be provided.

An incomplete dossier is one of the main causes of delay. Prepare all documents before submission to speed up the procedure.

Do you also need a driver card?

Yes.

Since the Flemish sector reform, every driver must have a driver card (bestuurderspas).

The two procedures are separate. The driver card number (bestuurderspasnummer) is also required in Chiron declarations for each trip carried out.

Can you work with Uber or Bolt without an IBP licence?

Carrying out remunerated transport activity without the required authorisations can lead to significant administrative sanctions.

Before starting your activity on Uber or Bolt, make sure your situation complies with the rules applicable in Flanders. See our guides: Chiron and Uber · Chiron and Bolt.

After obtaining the licence

Once your licence is obtained, you will need to manage on a daily basis:

• bookings and trip scheduling;
• drivers and their driver cards;
• vehicles and their compliance;
• administrative and tax obligations;
• road checks and any audits;
• regular transmissions to Chiron for each trip.

For operators with multiple vehicles, using specialised software such as TaxiGer generally automates much of this work — including Chiron declarations via the company number, licence plate and each driver's bestuurderspasnummer.

Conclusion

The IBP licence is the legal foundation of any remunerated passenger transport activity in Flanders.

Preparing your dossier correctly from the start avoids unnecessary delays and facilitates obtaining the authorisation.

Before submitting your application, take the time to check your municipality's requirements and make sure you have all necessary documents — including the driver card procedure for every driver who will take the wheel.

FAQ

Official sources

• Flemish government — Licence for taxi and remunerated passenger transport services
• City of Vilvoorde — Licence for individually remunerated passenger transport
• Municipality of Zwevegem — Driver card (bestuurderspas)
• City of Diksmuide — Remunerated passenger transport