Record details of an HGV with DVSA
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-24)

Apply to get a first ministry plate and plating certificate for a new heavy goods vehicle (HGV) so you can book its first MOT.

After you or the dealer register your heavy goods vehicle (HGV) with DVLA (https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration/new-and-used-vehicles), you must record the HGV’s details with DVSA. This is so you:
- get a ministry plate and plating certificate (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hgv-and-trailer-ministry-plates-and-plating-certificates) (if the vehicle needs them)
- can book an MOT for the vehicle
The form you need to fill in depends on whether the vehicle was approved under the:
- European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (https://www.vehicle-certification-agency.gov.uk/vehicle-type-approval/european-community-whole-vehicle-type-approval-ecwvta/) or National Small Series Type Approval (https://www.vehicle-certification-agency.gov.uk/vehicle-type-approval/gb-type-approval-scheme/) schemes
- Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) (https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-approval/individual-vehicle-approval) scheme
There’s no fee to record the vehicle details with DVSA and get the first ministry plate and plating certificate.

There’s a different form to use for an HGV to have its first MOT (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hgv-first-test-application-form-vtg1) if it’s registered with DVLA and has stopped being exempt from being tested, or if it’s not registered with DVLA and was made more than 25 years ago.

How to send your application

Send the form by email

Email the form to xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) with the supporting documents.

The form tells you what documents you need to include.

Send the form by post

You can download and fill in the form and post it to DVSA.

Technical Data Entry Team (HGV)DVSAThe EllipsePadley RoadSwanseaSA1 8AN

Your application can be delayed if you do not fill in the application form correctly.

What happens next

DVSA aims to process your application in 10 days if you have filled in the form correctly.

If you have not received the ministry plate and plating certificate by then, you should contact DVSA.

DVSA customer service centre Telephone: xx-xxxx-xxxx Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6pm Find out about call charges (https://www.gov.uk/call-charges)

You can use your vehicle while you’re waiting for the plate and plating certificate.

However, until you receive the plate and plating certificate, you will not be able to:
- get an MOT
- make international journeys
Print the plate and plating certificate

DVSA will email an A4 PDF document to you. This contains an A5-sized plate and an A5-sized plating certificate on the same page.

You will need to print this out and then cut the paper into its 2 parts.

You can print on any type or colour of A4 paper, as long as all parts of the plate and plating certificate are clear to read. DVSA recommends that you laminate the plate to help protect it, but it is not a requirement.

Save the PDF file so you can print out replacements if the plate or plating certificate are damaged or lost in the future.

Display the plate and keeping the plating certificate

By law, you must display the plate within the vehicle’s cab within 14 days of it being issued to you.

Fix it securely in a position that’s easy to see and read it from. The plate must be clear enough to read at all times.

You can keep the plating certificate with the other vehicle documents (for example, in an office) or in the vehicle.