Light Passenger Transport Services - Operator Licences

Transport Malta issues Operator Licences for the provision of light passenger transport services in Malta.

With effect from 29 July 2026, there are three categories of Operator Licence for Light Passenger Transport Services:

•  LPTV1 Operator Licence
•  LPTV2 Operator Licence
•  SOV Operator Licence – Special Occasion Vehicles

The Operator Licence required depends on the number of vehicles to be operated and the type of passenger transport service that will be provided.

Which Operator Licence do I need?

LPTV1 Operator Licence

An LPTV1 Operator Licence is for operators with one (1) to four (4) authorised vehicles.

Vehicles authorised under an LPTV1 Operator Licence may provide:

• passenger transport services booked through authorised intermediary booking platforms; and/or
• independently arranged pre-booked passenger transport services.

An LPTV1 Operator Licence is valid for two (2) years and must be renewed before it expires.

Choose LPTV1 if:
You intend to operate between one and four light passenger transport vehicles, whether through intermediary booking platforms, through your own pre-booked services, or both.

For guidance on how to apply for an LPTV1 Operator Licence, following this link.

LPTV2 Operator Licence

An LPTV2 Operator Licence is for operators with five (5) or more authorised vehicles.

Vehicles authorised under an LPTV2 Operator Licence may provide:

• passenger transport services booked through authorised intermediary booking platforms; and/or
• independently arranged pre-booked passenger transport services.

Additional requirements apply to LPTV2 operators, including requirements relating to garaging facilities, tax compliance and financial standing.

An LPTV2 Operator Licence is valid for one (1) year and must be renewed annually.

Choose LPTV2 if:
You intend to operate five or more light passenger transport vehicles.

For guidance on how to apply for an LPTV2 Operator Licence, following this link.

SOV Operator Licence – Special Occasion Vehicles

An SOV Operator Licence is for operators providing eligible pre-booked passenger transport services using vehicles authorised as Special Occasion Vehicles.

SOV services must be pre-booked, and SOV vehicles cannot operate through intermediary booking platforms.

Bookings may be obtained directly from customers or through other permitted channels, subject to the applicable Regulations. SOV services may include, where applicable, transport connected with weddings, events, hotels, airport transfers, sightseeing and other eligible pre-booked passenger transport services.

An SOV Operator Licence may have one (1) or more authorised vehicles. Additional requirements apply where five (5) or more vehicles are authorised under the licence.

An SOV Operator Licence is valid for one (1) year and must be renewed annually.

Choose SOV if:
You intend to provide eligible pre-booked passenger transport services using Special Occasion Vehicles without operating through intermediary booking platforms.

For guidance on how to apply for an SOV Operator Licence, following this link.

Summary

Before You Apply

Applicants for an Operator Licence must satisfy the applicable requirements concerning the operator, operating centre, garaging facilities, drivers and any other requirements applicable to the licence category being requested.

The requirements differ between LPTV1, LPTV2 and SOV, particularly where five (5) or more vehicles will operate under the licence.

Select the relevant licence category above to view the complete requirements, required documentation and step-by-step application process.

Already Have an Operator Licence?

Existing operators must inform Transport Malta of changes affecting their Operator Licence.

This includes, as applicable:

• adding or removing authorised vehicles;
• adding or removing garaging facilities;
• changing the operating centre;
• changing Operator Licence details;
• changing Operator Licence category;
• registering changes relating to drivers;
• transferring an Operator Licence; and
• renewing an Operator Licence.

For guidance on how to apply changes to an Existing Operator Licence, following this link.

For guidance on how to renew an Operator Licence, following this link.

For guidance on how to transfer an Operator Licence, following this link.

Important Changes from 29 July 2026

New requirements affecting Light Passenger Transport Service operators and drivers come into force on 29 July 2026.

These include changes concerning:

• LPTV1, LPTV2 and SOV Operator Licence categories;
• parking and the use of the official Transport Malta parking clock;
• garaging requirements;
• requirements applicable to drivers;
• driving and rest periods;
• operation through intermediary booking platforms;
• Special Occasion Vehicles;
• vehicle and driver requirements; and
• administrative penalties and enforcement.

Operators should familiarise themselves with the new requirements and ensure that their operations comply with the applicable Regulations.

For more information on the changes effective from 29 July 2026, follow this link.

Forms and Applications

The following forms are used for Light Passenger Transport Service Operator Licences:

• LPTS001 – Application to Issue or Renew a Light Passenger Transport Services Operator Licence
• LPTS002 – Application to Transfer a Light Passenger Transport Services Operator Licence
• LPTS005 – Application for Changes to an Operator Licence for Light Passenger Transport Services
• LPTS010 – Registration of Drivers Employed or Commissioned by the Operator for the Carriage of Passengers
• LPTS011 – Declaration by a Warranted Architect

Applicants should always use the latest version of the applicable form and submit all supporting documentation required for the licence category or application being made.

Need More Information?

Operators and prospective operators can consult the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for practical guidance on Operator Licences, vehicles, drivers, garaging facilities, parking, booking platforms and the requirements coming into force on 29 July 2026.

Page last updated: 24/07/2026