Goods Vehicle Operator's Licence (O Licence): Types, Fees, Finance

The goods vehicle operator's licence

By Vadym Starynets, editor and publisher · Checked against gov.uk guidance on 25 September 2026 · How we work

A business that uses goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes needs an operator's licence (O licence), issued by the traffic commissioners and administered by DVSA. This page covers who needs one, which type, what it costs and the money you must show you have.

Who needs one

You need a licence to carry goods in a lorry, van or other vehicle with a gross plated weight over 3,500 kg, or an unladen weight over 1,525 kg where there is no plated weight. For a vehicle and trailer, the same limits apply to the combined plated or unladen weights; a trailer under 1,020 kg unladen carrying only your own goods does not need one. Carrying other people's goods for hire or reward in Europe with vans or car-and-trailer combinations over 2,500 kg also needs a standard international licence.

The three types

Licence	Your own goods	Other people's goods
Restricted	UK and abroad	No
Standard national	UK and abroad	UK only
Standard international	UK and abroad	UK and abroad; a UK Licence for the Community can then be issued for EU trips, transit and cabotage

Standard licences need a nominated transport manager.

Fees

Action	Fee
Application	£257
Issue of a licence	£401
Continuation after 5 years	£401
Interim licence	£68
Major change	£257

Financial standing

This is not a fee: it is money the business must be able to show is available for as long as it holds the licence.

Licence	First vehicle	Each additional vehicle
Standard international	£8,000 (or £1,600 for a first light goods vehicle if no HGVs are operated)	£4,500 per HGV, £800 per light goods vehicle
Standard national	£8,000	£4,500
Restricted	£3,100	£1,700

Applying

Apply online, advertise the application and your proposed operating centres, and give details of your finances.
Have a maintenance contract with a garage or agent for safety inspections and repairs if you do not do them yourself.
A decision usually takes about 7 weeks, longer if documents are missing. An interim licence can be considered once a complete application is in.
The licence stays valid while you pay the continuation fee every 5 years and keep to its terms.

Questions

Do I need an operator licence for a 7.5 tonne lorry?

Yes. Any goods vehicle with a gross plated weight over 3,500 kg needs one, unless the vehicle or use is exempt.

How much money do I need for an O licence?

For a standard licence £8,000 for the first HGV and £4,500 for each additional one; for a restricted licence £3,100 and £1,700. This is financial standing you must show, not a fee.

How much does an operator licence cost?

£257 to apply and £401 to issue, then £401 every 5 years to continue.

How long does an O licence application take?

Usually about 7 weeks, longer if the application is incomplete.