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Apr 25, 2023

HGV and trailer ministry plates and plating certificates

Published 20 March 2023 © Crown copyright 2023 This publication is

Published 20 March 2023

© Crown copyright 2023

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected].

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hgv-and-trailer-ministry-plates-and-plating-certificates/hgv-and-trailer-ministry-plates-and-plating-certificates

Heavy goods vehicle (HGV) and trailer plates (sometimes called ‘ministry plates’) and plating certificates are paper documents that show important information about the vehicle or trailer.

HGVs and trailers must have plates and plating certificates if they require an annual MOT.

This includes:

Check form V112G for a list of goods vehicles that are exempt.

The plate shows these details about the vehicle or trailer:

The plating certificate shows the same information, and also shows the tyre size and ply rating or load index.

An example of a plating certificate (left) and a 'ministry' plate (right).

The way you get the plate and plating certificate depends on whether it's an HGV or trailer.

Register the vehicle with DVLA if this has not already been done.

Record the HGV's details with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

DVSA will send you the plate and plating certificates when you’ve recorded the details with them.

There's no fee for this.

The trailer manufacturer must apply for the plate and plating certificate before they sell the trailer. They will give you the documents.

If you’re a trailer manufacturer, you do this by applying to DVSA for permission to supply a large goods trailer for use on the road.

There's no fee for this.

You need to get an updated plate and plating certificate if you make a ‘notifiable alteration’. These include changes to:

Changing the weight you can carry is known as:

It costs £27.

Apply to change the weight an HGV or trailer can carry or make a notifiable alteration.

You have to apply to DVSA to get a replacement plate or plating certificate if the original has been lost or damaged.

It costs £13.

Replace HGV or trailer MOT or plating certificates or ministry plates.