Passenger transport company naming regulations

Passenger transport company naming regulations requirements often confuse investors during the business establishment phase. Identifying the mandatory elements of a corporate name ensures legal compliance and prevents registration delays. Long Phan Consulting Company provides an expert technical analysis regarding whether the phrase “Commercial Services” is compulsory for transport entities under the Law on Enterprises 2020 (amended in 2025).

Conditions for operating a passenger transport business using contract vehicles.

According to Clause 1, Article 7 of Decree 158/2024/ND-CP, a transport business unit holding a license for road transport business, including the type of passenger transport business under contract, is permitted to participate in the passenger transport business under contract.

Accordingly, based on Clause 2, Article 7 of Decree 158/2024/ND-CP, passenger transport vehicles operating under contract must comply with the following requirements:

• Motor vehicles used for passenger transport under contract must comply with the regulations specified in Clause 10, Article 56 of the Road Law;
• The vehicle must have a “CONTRACT VEHICLE” sticker Form No. 06, Appendix XIII attached to Decree 158/2024/ND-CPand must be affixed permanently to the upper right corner, just below the inspection sticker, on the inside of the front windshield of the vehicle; all other required information must be displayed on the vehicle as per regulations;
• The phrase “CONTRACT VEHICLE” must be affixed (permanently affixed) using reflective material to the front and rear windshields of the vehicle; with a minimum size of 06 x 20 cm for the phrase “CONTRACT VEHICLE”.Form No. 07, Appendix XIII attached to Decree 158/2024/ND-CP;
• In the case of electronic display, the phrase “CONTRACT VEHICLE” must always be illuminated and have a minimum size of 06 x 20 cm.

>>> See more: Re-issuance of Tourist Transport Signage

When operating a passenger transport business, is it mandatory to include the words “commercial services” in the company name?

When engaging in passenger transport business, the company name is not required to include the words “commercial services”. According to Clause 1, Article 37 of the 2020 Enterprise Law, amended and supplemented in 2025, the Vietnamese name of the enterprise can only include two elements in the following order:

• Type of business;
• Proper nouns.

Accordingly, the term “commercial services” is merely an auxiliary term for proper names and is not mandatory.

Things to consider when naming a passenger transport company.

While descriptive terms are optional, transport companies must avoid prohibited naming conventions to successfully register with the authorities.

• Similarity and Confusion: Names must not be identical or confusingly similar to previously registered enterprises.
  • Long Phan Consulting Company conducts exhaustive searches to prevent violations of Article 41.
  • We analyze phonetic similarities that could lead to consumer confusion.
  • Our experts ensure the proper name follows the authorized Vietnamese alphabet, including characters like F, J, Z, and W.
• Institutional Restrictions: Using names of state agencies, military units, or political organizations is strictly forbidden.
  • Consultants verify that the name does not infringe upon historical traditions, culture, or national ethics.
  • Long Phan reviews names to ensure they do not imply affiliation with social-professional organizations without prior approval.
  • We provide technical solutions for naming structures that align with brand identity while maintaining absolute legal safety.

>>> See more: Procedures for registering a change the name of a private enterprise

Long Phan Consulting Company’s business consulting services

Long Phan Consulting Company delivers end-to-end solutions for the passenger transport sector. We assist clients from the initial naming strategy to the final issuance of the Transport Business License.

• Establishment Support: We advise on business conditions, industry codes, and optimal corporate structures.
  • Long Phan prepares and evaluates business registration dossiers with technical precision.
  • We represent clients in direct working sessions with state agencies to clarify file details.
  • Our experts ensure company names balance legal standards with market branding strategies.
• Post-Registration Logistics: We handle seal making, initial tax registration, and banking procedures.
  • Consultants provide ongoing governance advice for labor contracts and internal regulations.
  • Long Phan ensures the high quality and efficiency of the entire registration process.
  • We offer tailored support to meet the unique operational needs of each transport investor.

Frequently Asked Questions about Naming a Transportation Business

Below, Long Phan Consulting Company provides some frequently asked questions related to passenger transport company naming regulations. We invite interested clients to refer to them:

Is it mandatory for the name of a passenger transport business to contain the word “Transport”?

Not mandatory. According to the law on business registration, a business name only needs to have two basic components: the type of business and the proper name. If a business chooses to add the word “Transportation” to its name, this is simply a way to help identify its main business field and facilitate advertising and commercial transactions.

Legal basis: Clause 1, Article 37 of the 2020 Enterprise Law, as amended and supplemented in 2025.

Are passenger transport businesses operating under contract allowed to sell individual tickets?

Not permitted. Contract passenger transport businesses are legally prohibited from confirming individual passenger bookings, selling tickets, and collecting money directly from passengers outside the scope of the signed contract. Transport activities in this case must be carried out on the basis of a written transport contract between the transport business and the hirer.

Legal basis: Point a, Clause 4, Article 7 of Decree 158/2024/ND-CP.

Are passenger transport drivers allowed to pick up passengers at the company’s headquarters?

Drivers are only permitted to pick up and drop off passengers at the locations specified in the signed transportation contract; they are not allowed to gather or pick up passengers outside the list attached to the signed contract provided by the transportation business; they are not allowed to pick up or drop off passengers at the head office, branch offices, representative offices, or at any other fixed location leased or used in cooperation with the transportation business, or on city streets.

Legal basis: Point b, Clause 4, Article 7 of Decree 158/2024/ND-CP.

How long should passenger transport contract records be stored?

Contract-based passenger transport businesses are responsible for storing transport contracts along with passenger lists in accordance with legal regulations. The retention period for these documents is a minimum of 3 years, starting from the date the transport contract is completed.

Legal basis: Clause 6, Article 7 of Decree 158/2024/ND-CP.

In what situations are drivers of passenger transport vehicles not required to carry a passenger list?

In the case of passenger transport contracts for funerals or weddings, drivers are not required to carry the transport contract and passenger list throughout the trip.

Legal basis: Point d, Clause 5, Article 7 of Decree 158/2024/ND-CP.

Can a business name use the letters F, J, Z, or W?

Yes. Business names are permitted to be written using letters from the Vietnamese alphabet, including the letters F, J, Z, and W, and may also include numbers and symbols as prescribed by law. This regulation allows businesses flexibility in naming, ensuring distinctiveness and recognition while remaining compliant with current legal standards.

Legal basis: Clause 3, Article 37 of the 2020 Enterprise Law, as amended and supplemented in 2025.

Conclusion

Understanding the structure of a corporate name allows passenger transport businesses to operate stably and legally. To receive in-depth support for naming procedures and business registration, contact Long Phan Consulting Company via hotline 1900636389