Apply for a vehicle operator licence
Apply for a licence
Apply for an operator licence online once you’ve read the guidance and prepared the information you need to provide.
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.
Once you’ve started your application you can save your form and complete it later.
You can also use this service to pay any application or licence fees.
What you need to know
After you apply online, you’ll usually get a decision within 7 weeks. It can take longer if you do not provide all the right supporting documents when you apply.
Evidence you’ll need
To support your application, you need to send financial evidence that proves you have enough money to run your organisation.
You need to name a transport manager and a safety inspector. You also need to provide the financial, licence and conviction history of people who work for your organisation.
Your application will be refused if you do not provide the correct evidence.
If you’re applying for a goods vehicle operator licence for heavy goods vehicles
You must advertise your application in a local newspaper in the traffic area your organisation 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.
Fees
The fees you’ll pay depends on the type of licence you’re applying for.
Fees for a goods vehicle operator licence
You’ll have to pay:
- an application fee
- a fee to issue the licence
- a fee to issue an interim licence, if you need one
You’ll then have to pay a continuation fee every 5 years to keep your licence active.
| Action | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application for a licence | £257 |
| Issue of a licence | £401 |
| Continuation of a licence after 5 years | £401 |
| Issue of an interim licence | £68 |
| Major change to a licence | £257 |
Fees for a public service vehicle operator licence
Once you’ve got your licence it will not have an expiry date, but the Traffic Commissioner’s Office will ask you to confirm your details every 5 years. You’ll need to pay a continuation fee if you’ve got a special restricted (taxi) licence.
| Action | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application for a standard licence | £209 |
| Application for a restricted licence | £209 |
| Application for a special restricted (taxi) licence | £61 |
| Continuation fee for a special restricted (taxi) licence (payable every 5 years) | £61 |
| Make changes to a licence | £122 |
Paying online
You can pay any application or licence fees when you apply for a vehicle operator licence online.
Paying by phone
You can pay by calling the Drive and Vehicle Standard Agency (DVSA) helpline.
DVSA customer service centre
Telephone: 0300 123 9000
Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6pm
Find out about call charges
Paying by post
Send a cheque or postal order made payable to ‘DVSA’ to the Central Licensing Office.
Central Licensing Office
Quarry House
Quarry Hill
Leeds
LS2 7UE
Help with your application
If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, contact 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