Supply a large goods trailer for use on the road

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How to apply

Apply using form TES1.

You might also need to send evidence of vehicle approval depending on when the trailer was manufactured.

Manufacture date Evidence of approval needed
Trailers (not including special purpose) manufactured in single and multiple stages Up to and including 29 July 2012 No
Trailers (not including special purpose) manufactured in a single stage After 29 July 2012 Yes
Trailers (not including special purpose) manufactured in multiple stages After 29 July 2012 up to and including 29 July 2013 Partial (at least one element of approval)
Trailers (not including special purpose) manufactured in multiple stages After 29 July 2013 Yes
Special Purpose trailers manufactured in a single stage After 29 July 2012 Yes
Special Purpose trailers manufactured in multiple stages After 29 July 2013 Yes

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) accepts the following evidence of vehicle approval:

  • a European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
  • a UK National Small Series Type Approval (NSSTA) CoC
  • a UK Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) certificate

More details are in the guidance notes. There is an additional form if you want to apply for consent of multiple trailers.

You can also get the form and notes from the DVSA helpline:

DVSA helpline
[email protected]
Telephone: 0300 123 9000
Find out about call charges

Send the form and your supporting documents to:

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Trailer Section
Ellipse
Padley Road
Swansea

SA1 8AN

Apply for a trailer identification number

You can apply for a trailer identification number (also known as a ministry number) to add to your trailer while it’s still being built.

Do this by submitting the vehicle identification number (VIN) using form TES 2.

After you apply

Once DVSA has received your application and confirmed that you meet the requirements you’ll get a ‘letter of consent to supply’.

If applicable, you’ll also get ministry plates, provided your approval documents and application give enough technical information.

If your application is rejected, DVSA will send you a letter explaining the reasons why.