Fundamental Differences Between D1, D2, D3, and D4 Documents
D type authorization documents are issued to individuals and entities wishing to carry passengers domestically by bus or for private transportation. The types under this umbrella, namely D1, D2, D3, and D4, are classified based on whether the transportation is commercial/unregulated, commercial/regulatory, private, or distance-limited.
Therefore, when referring to a "D document," it is understood as a family of authorization documents that vary according to the type of activity. The most significant distinction in transportation legislation is whether the vehicle is working for someone, whether the transportation is paid, and whether there is a distance limit, as in the case of D4.
What is a D1 Document?
The D1 authorization document is issued for those wishing to conduct commercial and regulatory passenger transportation.
The critical point here is:
- The transportation is of a commercial nature.
- The transportation is conducted on a regulatory basis.
- It is evaluated within the framework of the D type authorization document.
D1 stands out in passenger transportation activities that operate on a regular service basis. However, the other requirements, vehicle types, and application details must be checked according to the current UAB regulations.
What is a D2 Document?
The D2 authorization document is issued to individuals and entities that will conduct commercial and unregulated passenger transportation.
The difference from D1 emerges here:
- D1: commercial + regulatory
- D2: commercial + unregulated
In other words, D2 is still for commercial purposes; however, it does not have to adhere to a pre-established schedule. In this respect, it is evaluated for charter-like, flexibly planned passenger transportation.
Within transportation legislation, D2 is most prominent for the distinction of "unregulated service" among D document types.
What is a D3 Document?
The D3 authorization document is issued to individuals and entities that will conduct private transportation activities to carry their own personnel.
The main element here is that the transportation is not an open commercial passenger service; it is aimed at transporting the company's own employees.
Key features for D3 include:
- Not commercial passenger transportation, but private transportation
- Aim to transport its own personnel
- A special area of use within the D type authorization document
Even if passenger transportation is being conducted, this document is distinguished from D1 and D2 due to the nature of the activity. Thus, the question "who is being transported?" is a determining factor for D3.
What is a D4 Document?
The D4 authorization document is issued to individuals and entities that will conduct commercially, intercity passenger transportation up to 100 kilometers, both regulatory and unregulated, regardless of the distance.
The difference with D4 is that it is more specific in terms of both distance and scope of activity compared to other D types.
Important considerations for D4 include:
- There is commercial transportation.
- It can be regulatory or unregulated.
- It falls under the scope of intercity transportation.
- There is a limit of up to 100 kilometers for intercity transportation.
Therefore, D4 is evaluated separately for businesses planning short-distance or regional passenger transportation. The most significant aspect that distinguishes it from D1 and D2 is the presence of a distance limit.
Comparison of D1, D2, D3, and D4
In a brief and practical summary:
- D1: Commercial and regulatory passenger transportation
- D2: Commercial and unregulated passenger transportation
- D3: Private transportation; transporting its own personnel
- D4: Commercial passenger transportation; regulatory/unregulated intercity transportation up to 100 km
This comparison is particularly important for understanding which D document is suitable for which activity. The activity model must be accurately identified before applying; otherwise, it is possible to proceed with the wrong type of authorization document.
The Place of D Document Among Authorization Document Types
According to the Road Transport Regulation, authorization document types are classified based on different areas of activity. The D type authorization document is part of passenger transportation and relates to transportation activities conducted by bus. Therefore, D1, D2, D3, and D4 documents are among the fundamental types of authorization documents for passenger transport businesses.
It should not be confused here:
D document is not a professional competence document for a vehicle driver. In other words, it is not the same as the SRC document. SRC relates to the professional competence of the driver; the D document is within the scope of the business's authorization document.
A Brief Note on Employment of ODY/ÜDY
In firms with authorization documents, such as those operating with D1 or D4 documents, employment of ODY/ÜDY is a separate issue. ODY and ÜDY are managerial professional competence documents and are different from SRC.
The point to pay attention to here is:
- SRC: driver professional competence
- ODY/ÜDY: managerial professional competence
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most fundamental difference between D1 and D2?
D1 is for commercial and regulatory transportation; D2 is for commercial and unregulated transportation.
Who is the D3 document suitable for?
D3 is suitable for individuals and entities conducting private transportation for their own personnel.
Why is the D4 document considered special?
Because D4 transportation is defined with an intercity and up to 100 kilometers limit.
Is the D document the same as SRC?
No. D document is the business's authorization document; SRC is the driver's professional competence document.
Where can the definitive requirements for D document types be checked?
For current requirements, refer to UAB, Official Gazette, and relevant legislative texts.
Official Sources
Note: Fees and conditions may change; check these sources for the latest texts.


