Form

Record details of an HGV with DVSA

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

From:
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Published
11 October 2018
Last updated
4 November 2024 — See all updates

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Documents

Record an HGV's details and get a ministry plate and plating certificate if it was approved under 'type approval' schemes

Ref: VTG 788

PDF, 1.21 MB, 4 pages

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Record an HGV's details and get a ministry plate and plating certificate if it was approved under the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) scheme

Ref: VTG 789

PDF, 602 KB, 2 pages

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Details

After you or the dealer register your heavy goods vehicle (HGV) with DVLA, you must record the HGV’s details with DVSA. This is so you:

The form you need to fill in depends on whether the vehicle was approved under the:

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 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 [email protected] 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)

DVSA

The Ellipse

Padley Road

Swansea

SA1 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: 0300 123 9000
Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6pm
Find out about 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

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.

Updates to this page

Published 11 October 2018
Last updated 4 November 2024 + show all updates

  1. Updated to include the latest version of the VTG788 form.

  2. Updated to include the latest version of the VTG788 form.

  3. Added information about what happens after you've applied, as the plate and plating certificate will now be sent to you by email.

  4. Updated VTG788 form.

  5. Updated the form to record an HGV's details and get a plating certificate if it was approved under 'type approval' schemes (VTG 788).

  6. Updated to latest version of VTG789

  7. First published.

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Part of Get an annual test (MOT) for a lorry, bus or trailer: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check when your test is due and get reminders

    1. Check when your annual test is due
    2. Get reminders by email or text message

  2. Step 2 Book the test

    1. Find your nearest test centre and book your test

    The cost will vary depending on where you take the test.

    1. Check the fees for heavy goods vehicles or trailers
    2. Check the fees for public service vehicles

    Fill in an application form before you book your test if it's the first time it's been tested and it's:

  3. Step 3 Prepare your vehicle

    1. Check your vehicle’s headlamp aim
    2. Check the brakes if it's a heavy goods vehicle
    3. Check what to do if your vehicle carries dangerous goods

    You can get your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic to prepare for the test. They should be using the test standards in the:

  4. and Prepare the documents you need

    1. Check what documents you need to take with you

    You need to bring extra documents if your vehicle is used to carry dangerous goods, or if it's exempt from having a tachograph or speed limiter.

  5. Step 4 Take your vehicle to the test

    1. Find out what happens at the test centre

    At the end of the test, you'll be told if your vehicle has passed or failed.