How to request an invoice from a taxi?
Whether for a professional expense report, employer reimbursement or tax return, a taxi invoice is an essential document. Yet many passengers do not know they have a legal right to request one. This guide explains everything: the driver's obligations, required legal details and remedies if refused.
Your right to an invoice: what the law says
The driver's legal obligation
In France, every taxi driver is legally required to provide a receipt (invoice or note) to any passenger who requests one. This obligation stems from Article L441-9 of the Commercial Code and the decree of 3 March 2009 relating to taxis.
In practice:
- The driver cannot refuse to issue an invoice
- The invoice must be provided immediately at the end of the ride, upon request
- Refusal to issue constitutes an offence punishable by fine
The different types of documents
There are two types of documents a taxi can issue:
- 1.The receipt (note): simplified document for low-value rides
- 2.The invoice: complete accounting document with VAT, mandatory for amounts over EUR 25 or upon client request
For professional expense reports, always request a full invoice.
Mandatory details on a taxi invoice
For a simplified receipt
The receipt must include at minimum:
- The date and time of the ride
- The taxi number (licence number)
- The departure point and destination
- The total amount including tax
- The payment method
For a full invoice
The full invoice must include all of the following:
- Driver identification:
- Full name (or company name)
- Business address
- SIREN/SIRET number
- Taxi licence number
- Client identification (if professional):
- Name or company name
- Address
- Ride details:
- Date and time of pickup
- Departure point
- Destination
- Distance travelled (in km)
- Journey duration
- Tariff applied (A, B, C or D)
- Amounts:
- Pickup charge
- Meter price
- Itemised surcharges (luggage, booking, etc.)
- Amount excluding tax
- VAT (10% rate for taxis)
- Total amount including tax
- Invoice number: sequential and continuous numbering
How to request your invoice at the right time
Before the ride
The best time to mention it is before departure. Simply tell the driver: "I will need an invoice at the end of the ride." This gives them time to prepare the document and avoids any discussion upon arrival.
During the ride
If you forget to mention it at the start, ask during the journey. Some drivers use a payment terminal that automatically generates a receipt. Specify that you need a detailed invoice and not just a card payment slip.
After the ride
If the driver has not spontaneously given you an invoice, ask for it before leaving the vehicle. This is your strict right. The driver can write it manually on a counterfoil book or print it from their terminal.
If you forget
If you forgot to ask for the invoice, several solutions exist:
- TaxiNeo app: the invoice is automatically generated and available in your ride history. You can download it at any time.
- Dispatch centre: if you booked by phone, contact the centre for a duplicate.
- Card payment: the bank statement can serve as supplementary proof (but does not replace the invoice).
The invoice for professional expense reports
What your employer requires
For reimbursement by your employer, the invoice generally must contain:
- Exact date and time of the ride
- Journey (departure and arrival)
- Total amount including tax clearly stated
- Passenger name (if possible)
- Payment method
Some companies require additional details, such as the reason for travel. Check with your accounting department.
Recoverable VAT
For companies subject to VAT, taxis are charged at a 10% VAT rate. This VAT is recoverable if the invoice is correctly issued with all mandatory details, including the driver's intra-community VAT number.
Reimbursement limits
Many companies set reimbursement limits for taxi rides. Check your company's expense policy before travelling. Some companies require the use of platforms like TaxiNeo to centralise invoicing.
What to do if refused?
Immediate remedies
If the driver refuses to give you an invoice:
- 1.Remind them of the law: politely inform them it is a legal obligation
- 2.Note the information: record the licence number, registration plate, date, time and amount
- 3.Photograph the meter: take a photo of the displayed amount before leaving the vehicle
Administrative remedies
In case of persistent refusal, you can:
- Contact the prefecture of your department: it manages taxi licences and can sanction the driver
- Report to the DGCCRF (Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention): for breach of invoicing rules
- Leave a review on the platform used: this alerts future passengers
Penalties for the driver
Refusal to issue an invoice exposes the driver to:
- An administrative fine of up to EUR 75,000 for individuals
- A warning from the prefecture
- In case of repeat offence, suspension or withdrawal of licence
The TaxiNeo solution: automatic invoicing
On TaxiNeo, the invoice question no longer arises:
- Invoice automatically generated after every ride
- Sent by email directly to your inbox
- Available in your personal area at any time
- Complete legal details: VAT, SIRET, journey details
- Downloadable PDF format for your expense reports
- Complete history of all your rides
For companies, TaxiNeo also offers an invoicing dashboard to centralise all rides for your employees.
A taxi invoice is a right, not a favour. Whether you need it for an expense report, medical reimbursement or tax return, you are entitled to demand it. With TaxiNeo, invoicing is automatic, complete and always available. No more discussions at the end of the ride.