What Is It

The APAD Commercial Vehicle License (Lesen Kenderaan Pengangkutan Awam/Barangan) is an official operational permit issued by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD, formerly SPAD). It is mandatory for operating commercial vehicles, including taxis, rental cars, tour buses, school buses, and cargo trucks (GDL carriers) in Peninsular Malaysia.

Who Is Eligible

  • Malaysian citizens aged 21 and above, or companies registered with SSM.
  • The driver must hold a valid competent driving license (CDL) and a vocational license (GDL/PSV).
  • The company must satisfy equity requirements (minimum paid-up capital limits depending on the license type).

    • Required Documents

  • SSM Registration: Company registration forms (Borang 9/Profile).
  • MyKad: Copies of Directors' or applicant's identity card.
  • Vehicle VOC: Registration card of the target vehicles.
  • Business Plan: Description of route, target market, and fare schedules (for buses/taxis).
  • PUSPAKOM Report: Valid vehicle inspection report.

    • Step-by-Step Procedure

    1. Company Preparation: Ensure your SSM company setup meets the minimum capital requirement (e.g. RM100,000 for cargo haulage). 2. Online Portal: Register on the APAD online licensing portal or submit manual forms at APAD counters. 3. Submit Application: Fill in the specific license type (e.g., Class A/C for goods carrier, taxi permit) and upload SSM profile, vehicle card, and financial statements. 4. Approval & Card Issuance: Upon approval, pay the annual licensing fee. Collect the operator license and the vehicle card (Kad Pengendali).

    Cost & Processing Time

  • Cost: Application fee is RM10 to RM50. The annual license fee varies by vehicle type (typically RM100 to RM300 per vehicle per year).
  • Processing Time: Take 30 to 60 days for new operator permits, and 7 to 14 working days for vehicle card renewals.

    • Where to Apply

  • Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) Headquarters: Putrajaya, or regional APAD offices in Peninsular Malaysia. (Note: LPKP handles East Malaysia).

    • Important Notes

  • Operating commercial transport without a valid APAD permit is a severe offense under the Land Public Transport Act 2010, carrying heavy fines and vehicle seizure.
  • Vehicles must undergo periodic PUSPAKOM inspections every 6 months to maintain the APAD license active.