Anyone involved in the taxi business knows this: a seemingly small detail in the daily routine can disrupt the entire plan. License plates are at the forefront of these details. A missing letter, a screw covering the number, or the use of a non-standard license plate… all can lead to serious problems in traffic, during inspections, or in the sales process.

Kale Taxi , being actively involved in the buying, selling, and operating processes of taxi licenses, clearly sees in the field that license renewal and replacement procedures are not as "simple" as they are theoretically described. In this article, we will address the issue not only from the perspective of how it should be done, but also from the perspective of why it should be done correctly , where mistakes are made , and which details are overlooked .

License Plate Renewal or License Plate Replacement?

The most frequently confused but most influential distinction.

When it comes to license plate procedures, many people perceive it as simply "changing the license plate." However, there are two separate processes, and choosing the wrong one can result in wasted time, money, and effort.

License plate renewal is the process of physically replacing the license plate while preserving the existing plate number. This includes plates that are worn, faded, illegible, or printed without standards. The number remains unchanged, and system records are not affected.

Changing the license plate is more comprehensive. The license plate number changes completely. This is done in situations such as vehicle sale, relocation, or conversion from a private vehicle to a commercial taxi, and it affects many aspects such as notary services, vehicle registration, and insurance.

Making this distinction correctly from the start ensures the process runs smoothly.

Which license plates are considered "problematic"?

The issue of license plates isn't simply a matter of "old versus new." According to regulations, some license plates are considered outright non-compliant and can even result in serious defects during inspection.

The most common situations encountered in the field are:

• APP (American Press) plate usage
• Letters or numbers are secured with screws.
• Absence of the TR band or the crescent moon and star.
• Non-standard font, thickness, or character spacing.
• Physically bent, cracked, or excessively worn plate

Because taxis are constantly on the road, these kinds of defects are noticed much faster. The "I'll change it sometime" approach often results in a fine or failure to pass inspection.

Kale Taxi's approach is clear: the license plate is the visible face of the taxi investment.

How does the license plate renewal process work?

The license plate renewal process is quick and practical when the correct steps are followed. First, a license plate renewal request is created through a notary public using the vehicle owner's identity and registration information. After this process, the new license plate is printed at one of the license plate printing points affiliated with the Drivers' Association / Turkish Federation of Drivers' Associations, using the issued license plate printing document.

The following documents are usually required in this process:

• Vehicle registration
• Vehicle owner's identity
• Existing plates

Since the number doesn't change, no additional procedures are required regarding insurance, taxes, or licensing. This makes renewal advantageous, especially for busy taxi owners.

Kale Taxi aims to expedite the process for its investors in such transactions by providing the right timing and guidance .

License Plate Change Process: Details Start Here

Changing license plates is a process that requires more careful management than renewing them, because it involves changing not only the license plate but also all records in the system.

Here are the main things to check before changing license plates:

• The vehicle must not have any outstanding motor vehicle tax debt.
• The validity of the examination
• There should be no lien or attachment preventing the sale or transfer.

Starting operations without performing these checks may cause the process to be interrupted.

In terms of documents, depending on the situation, identification cards, vehicle registration certificates, old license plates, notarized sales documents, mandatory traffic insurance, and proof of address may be requested.

The most common mistake is failing to update insurance and comprehensive coverage information after changing license plates. This can pose serious risks, especially for commercial vehicles.

Regarding Salaries: "Proper Planning" is More Important Than "Net Figures"

License plate renewal and replacement fees vary from year to year. Therefore, the most accurate approach here is to understand the cost breakdown correctly rather than simply stating "it will cost this much."

When renewing license plates:

• Notary fee
• License plate printing fee

In addition to these, the following also apply to license plate changes:

• Notary sales or registration procedures
• License update
• Additional official fees if there is a transfer of ownership.

Taking the right steps when choosing a taxi service will also lower the overall cost. As Kale Taxi frequently emphasizes, a cheap transaction started incorrectly can end up costing more in the long run.

3 Scenarios Based on Real Life

You went for the inspection and they said the license plate wasn't suitable.
In this case, the vehicle may receive a serious defect certificate. The solution is to obtain a license plate printing certificate from a notary and have a new license plate printed that meets the standard.

You are using an APP license plate but you want the number to remain the same.
This is a renewal process, not a plate replacement. The problem is resolved by printing a standard plate.

There is a vehicle sale or relocation to a different city.
The license plate will be changed. If the vehicle tax, inspection, and insurance checks are done from the beginning, the process will proceed smoothly.

Final Words from the Perspective of Kale Taxi

License plate renewal and replacement procedures are often overlooked. However, for taxis and commercial vehicles, these procedures directly affect the continuity of business. Every incorrectly performed procedure will eventually result in a loss of time and money.

Kale Taxi approaches the purchase, sale, transfer, and operation processes of taxi licenses with not only the present but also the future of the investment in mind. Every detail related to the license is part of this approach.