Apply for a vehicle operator licence

Use this service to apply for:

  • a goods vehicle operator’s licence
  • a public service vehicle (PSV) operator’s licence
  • an interim operator licence

You can also pay any application or licence fees.

Before you start

To support your application, you need to send evidence that proves you have enough money to run your business. All finance documents must be in the name of the business applying for the licence.

If you’re applying for a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) operator licence

You need to advertise your application in a local newspaper in the traffic area your business operates in. You’ll need to upload a copy of your advert when you apply.

Your application will be refused if you do not advertise your application correctly.

You’ll need to hold a goods vehicle operator’s licence for each traffic area where you have an operating centre. The traffic areas are:

  • east of England
  • north-east of England
  • north-west of England
  • west of England
  • London and the south-east of England
  • West Midlands
  • Scotland
  • Wales

To find out more about traffic areas and how to make sure you have the right licence, email the Office of the Traffic Commissioner: enquiries@otc.gov.uk.

Apply for a vehicle operator licence

You’ll need:

  • a debit or credit card
  • your username and password if you’ve used the service before

You can register in the service if you’ve not used it before.

Start now

What you need to know

After you apply online, you’ll usually get a decision within 7 weeks. It can take longer - for example, if you do not provide all requested supporting documents when you apply.

Help with your application

If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, contact the DVSA to get help with your application.

DVSA customer service centre
Telephone: 0300 123 9000
Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6pm
Find out about call charges

If you live in Northern Ireland, contact the Transport Regulation Unit to get help with your application.

Transport Regulation Unit
Telephone: 0300 200 7831
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Find out about call charges

Part of Transport goods out of the UK by road: step by step

  1. Step 1 Apply for operator licences and permits

    1. Check if you need a vehicle operator licence
    2. You are currently viewing: Apply for a vehicle operator licence

    You'll need other licences and permits, depending on the countries you're driving to or through.

    1. Check which licences and permits you need

  2. Step 2 Register and get approval for your vehicle

    You may need to register your trailer to drive through or to the EU if it weighs over 750kg.

    1. Register your trailer to take it abroad

    You’ll need to get specialist vehicle approvals to transport any of the following:

  3. Step 3 Make sure your driver is eligible to drive abroad

    1. Check your driver has the documents they need to drive abroad

    The driver must carry these documents with them.

  4. Step 4 Check the rules for the goods you're carrying

    1. Find out what you need to do if you're exporting your own goods

    There are rules for transporting certain goods. Your driver may need to follow set routes or stop at specific check points. Check the rules for:

    1. Find out what you need to apply for if you’re moving goods temporarily out of the UK

    If you're transporting goods outside the EU they must have been cleared by customs (given ‘permission to progress’). The exporter can tell you if this has happened.

  5. Step 5 Make sure your driver has the right export documents

    Your driver will need copies of:

    • any export licences
    • the road consignment note (‘CMR note’)
    • the Movement Reference Number (MRN) from the export declaration - if you're moving goods out of the EU
    • the MRN and the Local Reference Number (LRN) - if you're moving goods under the Common Transit convention (CTC)
    • the ATA Carnet document - if you're moving goods out of the EU temporarily
    • the TiR Carnet document - if you’re moving goods in a sealed load compartment with a seal number

    The exporter should be able to give all of these to you.

    You'll also need to have a customs seal approval certificate for the vehicle if you’re moving goods in a sealed load compartment. You'll get this when your vehicle passes the TiR test.

    You may need to use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) to move goods through some ports.

    1. Check how to move goods through ports that use the GVMS

  6. Step 6 Find out what vehicle documents your driver needs to carry

    1. Check what HGV and trailer documents your driver must carry
    2. Check what driving documents your driver must carry

  7. Step 7 Check you are ready for the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel or Holyhead

    You may need to attend an inland border facility if you're leaving from the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel or Holyhead.

    1. Check whether you need to attend an inland border facility

  8. Step 8 Check local road rules

    1. Check the road rules for European countries on the AA website
    2. Check travel advice for countries outside Europe

    When you have your documents, insurance and any extra equipment you need, you can transport goods abroad.