Attaching a car means putting your own vehicle to work carrying paying passengers, through an app platform such as Ola or Uber or through a local cab operator. In Kolkata the process has two parts: making the car legally eligible for commercial use, and signing up with the platform or operator. This guide explains both, so you know what to prepare before you start.
Step 1: Make the car eligible for commercial use
A car that carries paying passengers must be registered as a transport (commercial) vehicle and hold the right permit under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Commercial cars carry a yellow number plate with black letters. A privately registered car (white plate) has to be converted at the RTO before it can be used for paid trips.
Conversion and permits are handled by the West Bengal Transport Department through your RTO, and much of it runs through the Vahan citizen services portal. Fees, tax adjustments and age limits depend on the vehicle, so ask the RTO for the current requirements for your car before you start. Also switch to commercial vehicle insurance: a private policy may not cover a car used commercially.
- Commercial (yellow plate) registration
- Permit for passenger use
- Commercial vehicle insurance
- Fitness certificate
- Pollution (PUC) certificate
- Road tax token
Step 2: Driver requirements
Whoever drives the car needs a valid driving licence. App platforms and state rules may also ask for a commercial licence or badge, police verification and identity and address documents. Requirements have changed over the years and differ by state, so check the current list in the platform's partner app and with the RTO.
If you own the car but will not drive it, the platforms let a separate driver register to drive your car. Keep a written agreement with your driver covering hours, earnings and fuel.
Step 3: Attaching with Uber
Uber onboards owners, owner-drivers and fleet partners through its official Uber Driver app and the drive section of uber.com for India. You create an account, add the vehicle and upload the vehicle and driver documents for review. Uber's India pages list the RC, insurance and permit for the vehicle; the exact list for Kolkata is shown in the app during sign-up. Use only Uber's official app or website, not paid agents.
Step 4: Attaching with Ola
Ola onboards drivers and car owners through its official Ola driver and partner app. As with Uber, you register, add your car and upload documents for verification. Document lists published on third-party websites are not official, so follow the list shown in Ola's own app at the time you sign up.
Step 5: Attaching with a local cab operator
Many Kolkata owners also attach with a local operator such as Safar Kolkata. Instead of picking up random street-hail style trips, the car gets pre-booked work: airport and railway transfers, outstation trips, hourly city packages, tours and monthly company contracts. The operator explains booking types and payout terms before you start.
Some owners use both: an app platform on quiet days and an operator for pre-booked and contract work. Check that any agreement you sign allows this.
Which option suits you
If you want to drive full time in the city and are comfortable with app-allocated trips, an app platform may suit you. If your car is an SUV, Innova or tempo traveller, or you prefer longer pre-booked trips and monthly contracts, a local operator often fits better. Compare the payout terms, commission, payment cycle and who pays for fuel, tolls and maintenance before deciding.
- Check the payout and commission terms in writing
- Confirm who pays fuel, tolls and parking
- Ask how often payments are made
- Keep copies of every document you submit
- Never pay an agent to attach your car
- Renew permits, fitness and insurance on time
Frequently asked questions
Can I attach a white-plate (private) car with Ola or Uber?
Carrying paying passengers needs commercial registration and the right permit under the Motor Vehicles Act. Check the current position for your car with the Kolkata RTO and the platform's partner app before you start.
What documents are needed to attach a car in Kolkata?
Typically the RC, commercial insurance, the applicable permit, fitness certificate, PUC certificate and road tax token for the car, plus a driving licence and verification documents for the driver. The platform or operator confirms the exact list.
Can I attach my car without driving it?
Yes. Ola, Uber and local operators such as Safar Kolkata allow an owner to attach a car with a separate registered driver.
Is Safar Kolkata part of Ola or Uber?
No. Safar Kolkata is an independent Kolkata cab and tour operator. Attaching your car with us is separate from Ola and Uber.
How do I attach my car with Safar Kolkata?
Fill in the form on the Attach Your Car page. We call you, verify documents and explain the terms.
Attach your car with Safar Kolkata
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Attach your car