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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.

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.

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.

Paying by post

Send a cheque or postal order made payable to ‘DVSA’ to the Central Licensing Office.

Help with your application

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

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