CarRequirementsBolt
What car qualifies for taxi work — Bolt, Uber and FreeNow requirements 2026
July 5, 20267-minute readPodpin Research Team
TL;DRBefore you register a car on Bolt, Uber or FreeNow, it must pass verification. The key criteria are year, doors and seats, and documents — and the category (Economy, Comfort, Premium) adds further requirements. In 2026 verification is automated, so gaps are caught immediately. We go through exactly what a car must meet to start.
Base requirements — what every car needs
Regardless of app and category, a passenger-transport car must meet a few baseline conditions:
- 4 or 5 doors and at least 5 seats (driver + 4 passengers). Two- and three-door cars, and those registered for fewer people, won't pass verification.
- Good technical and cosmetic condition. Everything working, no major body damage, a clean and tidy interior, working A/C and seatbelts. It's not just a formality — it affects rider ratings.
- A valid technical inspection and insurance. Without a current inspection and the right OC the car won't be approved (details in the documents section).
No car of your own, or it doesn't qualify? The fastest route is renting from a fleet — the cars are already prepped for the apps and carry a partner's license extract. Compare options on the best cars for the apps list.
Year and categories — from Economy to Premium
The age requirement depends on category and city. Roughly, for 2026 (check the exact thresholds in the app for your city):
- Base category (Economy/Basic) — year ~2005 and newer. Cars older than ~20 years are deactivated, so in most cities the practical floor is around 2005–2006. This shifts every year and varies locally.
- Comfort / Premium — a car no older than ~10 years. In higher categories the limit is stricter — a safe threshold in 2026 is usually ~2016 and newer, plus requirements on the car's class and equipment.
- XL / Van — more seats. Larger-group categories need a car with enough seats (e.g. 6+1) and usually also no older than several to a dozen years.
Year thresholds rise every year. A car on the age edge today may "drop out" of the app a year later. When buying or renting for work, keep a margin — the same car for a few years ahead saves verification headaches.
Car documents — registration, inspection, OC
Verification isn't just photos — the platform checks documents. Three key items:
- Registration certificate with a valid technical inspection. The car must be registered and roadworthy.
- OC with a paid-passenger-transport annotation. Ordinary OC isn't enough — carrying passengers for a fee means the policy must cover paid passenger transport ("OC taxi"). The 2026 verification systems catch a missing annotation.
- License / extract. To legally carry passengers you need a passenger-transport license, or you work on a fleet partner's license extract — covered in the separate articles on starting as a driver.
OC taxi is the most-missed condition. Many drivers fail verification precisely on a missing paid-transport annotation in the policy. Check it in advance — with a fleet car it's usually already handled.
App categories — requirements summary
Approximate requirements by category (for 2026; exact thresholds depend on city and app — confirm in the app):
| Category | Year (approx.) | Car type |
|---|---|---|
| Economy / Basic | ~2005 and newer | 4–5 doors, min 5 seats |
| Comfort | ~2016 and newer | Higher class, equipment |
| Premium | ~2016 and newer | Premium-class car |
| XL / Van | Several–a dozen years | 6+1 seats |
Bottom line: the higher the category, the newer and better-equipped the car — but the higher the per-ride rates. Always confirm the current thresholds for your city in the app, as they vary locally and change every year.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to what drivers ask about the car:
What car year is required for Bolt / Uber in 2026?
Roughly from ~2005 in the base category (cars older than ~20 years are deactivated), and in Comfort/Premium usually no older than ~10 years (~2016+). Exact thresholds vary by city and change yearly — check the app.
Is ordinary OC enough for passenger transport?
No. You need OC with a paid-passenger-transport annotation (OC taxi). Carrying passengers for a fee — even only via an app — isn't covered by ordinary OC, and verification will flag it.
How many doors and seats must the car have?
4 or 5 doors and at least 5 seats (driver + 4 passengers). Two-/three-door cars and those registered for fewer people won't pass.
What if my car doesn't meet the requirements?
The fastest is to rent from a fleet — the cars are already prepped for the apps, with the right year, OC and a partner's license extract. You can start almost immediately.
Will an LPG / hybrid / electric car pass?
Yes, as long as it meets the year, door/seat and document requirements. The drivetrain is no obstacle — hybrids and EVs are sometimes preferred for their lower fuel/energy costs.
Car won't pass? Rent a ready one
On Podpin you'll find cars prepped for taxi, Bolt, Uber and FreeNow across Poland: the right year, OC and a partner's license extract. Filter by city and partner and start without fighting verification.
Requirements are approximate for 2026. Year thresholds, categories and details (including a ~2005 minimum for the base category, ~2016+ for Comfort/Premium, 4–5 doors and min 5 seats, OC with a paid-transport annotation) vary by city and app and change every year — always confirm the current terms in the Bolt / Uber / FreeNow app for your city. This article is informational.