Renewal of a Taxi Driver’s License in 2026: How to Renew Your License Under New Requirements
The renewal process for a taxi driver’s license changes as of November 1, 2026. From then on, renewing a license generally requires completing a new 7-hour refresher training course for taxi drivers.
If your taxi driver’s license is about to expire, you shouldn’t leave the renewal to the last minute. In this article, we clearly explain what renewing a taxi driver’s license requires in 2026, when the refresher training must be completed, and how the renewal works in practice.
Key Information About Renewing a Taxi Driver’s License
Requirements for renewing a taxi driver’s license will change on November 1, 2026. Here are the key points in brief:
- As of November 1, 2026, renewing a license generally requires completing a 7-hour taxi driver refresher course.
- You can apply for a license renewal no earlier than 6 months before your current license expires.
- When renewing your license, you must meet Group 2 driving health requirements.
- As a rule, the medical certificate required for the license application must be no more than 6 months old.
- You do not need to retake the taxi driver examination solely for the purpose of renewing your license.
- A renewed license is usually valid for 5 years (or 2 years if you are 68 or older).
Renewal of a Taxi Driver’s License Changes on November 1, 2026
Taxi transport legislation changed in 2026. The most important date for renewing a taxi driver’s license is November 1, 2026.
When a taxi driver’s license is renewed between November 1, 2026, and August 31, 2034, the driver must as a rule complete a refresher course for taxi drivers, which has a duration of 7 hours.
Refresher training is a new requirement. Previously, renewing a taxi driver’s license did not include similar mandatory training.
What if the License Is Renewed Before November 1, 2026?
During the 2026 transition period, the date plays a significant role.
The new refresher training requirement was introduced into legislation on September 1, 2026, but the law includes a separate transitional provision. Based on this, a taxi driver’s license can be renewed without refresher training up until October 31, 2026.
So, if you renew your taxi driver’s license by October 31, 2026, at the latest, the 7-hour refresher training is not yet required. If the renewal takes place on or after November 1, 2026, the training is required.
An application to renew a license can be submitted no earlier than six months before the current license expires. If your license expires in late 2026 or early 2027, it is worth checking the earliest date you can submit your renewal application.
What Does Renewing a Taxi Driver’s License Require Starting November 1, 2026?
Renewing a taxi driver’s license is not just about completing the refresher course. According to Traficom, the prerequisites for license renewal are that:
- You are not under a driving ban.
- You meet Group 2 medical fitness requirements for driving.
- You have completed the required 7-hour taxi driver refresher training when renewing your license between November 1, 2026, and August 31, 2034.
- You do not have criminal or fine register entries that would prevent the granting of the license.
In 2026, regulations regarding obstacles to issuing a license were also tightened. These changes took effect on September 1, 2026.
What Is the 7-Hour Taxi Driver Refresher Training?
Taxi driver refresher training is a course of at least seven hours intended for taxi drivers who are renewing their licenses.
The purpose of the training is to update the knowledge and skills needed in the driver’s profession. According to legislation, the training covers the same key subject areas included in the initial training for new taxi drivers.
These include, among other things:
- Assisting passengers and passenger safety
- Special needs of different passenger groups
- Customer service situations in taxi operations
- Rights and obligations of a taxi driver
- Factors affecting the safety of transport and traffic
The training provider must be an educational organization approved by Traficom. The training organization provides a certificate upon completion.
With us, you can complete the Traficom-approved Taxi Driver Refresher Training online. Read more about the course here.
Do You Have to Retake the Taxi Driver Examination to Renew the License?
No. The 7-hour refresher training associated with license renewal should not be confused with the 21-hour basic training and taxi driver examination intended for new drivers.
A driver renewing an existing, valid taxi driver’s license does not normally need to retake the taxi driver examination. The new requirement only concerns completing the 7-hour refresher training.
For those applying for a taxi driver’s license for the first time, the requirements are different. For new drivers, completing the 21-hour basic taxi driver training becomes a prerequisite for taking the taxi driver examination starting November 1, 2026.
Is a Medical Certificate Required for License Renewal?
A taxi driver must fulfill Group 2 driving health requirements when renewing their license. According to Traficom’s guidelines entering into force in 2026, the medical certificate attached to the taxi driver’s license application must be no more than six months old.
However, a new medical certificate does not need to be submitted if a qualifying certificate has already been delivered in connection with another matter within six months prior to applying.
The medical statement assesses whether the Group 2 health requirements demanded of a taxi driver are met. The statement is valid for six months from its date of issuance.
When Can You Renew a Taxi Driver’s License?
You can apply to renew a taxi driver’s license no earlier than six months before your current license expires.
It is best not to leave applying to the last few days. When you start the renewal early enough, you will have time to book a doctor’s appointment, complete the refresher course, and handle the license application before your current license expires.
If the decision on the new license is made before the current one expires, the validity period of the new license will begin from the end of the old license’s validity. Therefore, applying early will not shorten the validity period of your current license.
Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your Taxi Driver’s License in 2026
It is best to handle your license renewal in the following order:
1. Check the Expiration Date of Your Current License
First, see when your current taxi driver’s license expires. Renewal can be applied for at the earliest six months before the expiration date.
2. Determine if You Need the 7-Hour Refresher Training
If you renew your license on or after November 1, 2026, you will generally need the 7-hour taxi driver refresher training.
3. Complete the Refresher Training
Refresher training must be completed before renewing the license. When choosing a course, ensure that it complies with the new legislation and is organized by a Traficom-approved training organization.
4. Obtain a Medical Certificate if Needed
If necessary, book a doctor’s appointment for an assessment of Group 2 driving health requirements. Mind the six-month validity period of the medical certificate.
5. Submit the License Renewal Application
Until the end of 2026, taxi driver license applications are accepted by Ajovarma acting as Traficom’s service provider. Booking an appointment in advance is recommended.According to Traficom’s instructions, you must bring a passport or ID card (depending on your situation), the required medical certificate, and a photo to the service point if Traficom does not have an acceptable, valid photo on file. If you do not hold a Finnish driving entitlement, you will also need a driving license issued in an EU or EEA state.
6. Wait for Your New License to Arrive
Traficom will process the application. The approved taxi driver license card will be delivered by mail. According to Traficom, the card arrives at your home address in about two weeks.
How Long Is the Renewed Taxi Driver’s License Valid For?
A taxi driver’s license is typically valid for five years.
If the driver has reached the age of 68, the license is valid for two years.
The introduction of refresher training does not mean that everyone has to renew their license annually. The normal validity period of the license remains unchanged.
What to Keep in Mind Regarding License Renewal?
In 2026, the most important step in renewing a taxi driver’s license is checking the expiration date of your current card.
If you renew your license on or after November 1, 2026, prepare to complete the 7-hour taxi driver refresher course before applying.
A good rule of thumb is to start preparing well in advance: check your license validity, book a doctor’s appointment if necessary, and register for refresher training before submitting your renewal application.
This ensures there are no unnecessary gaps in the validity of your license.