Do I need an operator licence for a van?

In the UK, the licence is needed for goods vehicles with a gross plated weight over 3,500 kg. For hire-and-reward work in Europe, vans with a maximum authorised mass over 2,500 kg need a standard international licence.

How much does an O-licence cost in the UK?

£257 to apply and £401 to issue, with £401 to continue it after 5 years. The business must also show financial standing — £8,000 for the first vehicle on a standard licence.

What is the difference between a standard national and a standard international licence?

Standard national covers other people's goods only within the UK. Standard international adds other people's goods on international journeys.

Term

Operator licence (O-licence)

An operator licence is the permit a business needs to run goods vehicles commercially. In the UK, any business using goods vehicles over 3,500 kg needs a goods vehicle operator's licence — restricted for its own goods, standard national or standard international for other people's. In the EU, international haulage needs a Community licence.

Also called O-licence, goods vehicle operator licence, operator's licence, Community licence, standard international licence, restricted operator licenceApplies in UK, EUUpdated 14 October 2026

The UK's three types

Licence	What it covers
Restricted	Your own goods, but not other people's
Standard national	Your own goods in the UK and internationally; other people's goods in the UK only
Standard international	Your own and other people's goods, in the UK and on international journeys

GOV.UK, goods vehicle operator licence

For carrying goods for hire in Europe, a standard international licence is also needed for vans with a maximum authorised mass over 2,500 kg. A decision usually comes within 7 weeks, and a standard licence needs a nominated transport manager.

Worked example: a five-truck haulier

UK fees: application £257 + issue £401 = £658 (continuation after 5 years: £401) · financial standing, standard licence: £8,000 for the first vehicle + 4 × £4,500 = £26,000 available · restricted licence instead: £3,100 + 4 × £1,700 = £9,900

Fees and financial-standing rates from GOV.UK. Financial standing is not a fee: GOV.UK calls it resources that must be available for the duration of the licence.

In the EU

Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 sets four conditions for a road haulage operator: an effective and stable establishment in a member state, good repute, appropriate financial standing and the requisite professional competence. International carriage needs a Community licence, issued under Regulation (EC) No 1072/2009 for renewable periods of up to 10 years; since 21 May 2022 the exemption covers only vehicles of up to 2.5 tonnes. Financial standing is €9,000 for the first vehicle over 3.5 tonnes and €5,000 for each additional one — or €1,800 and €900 for vans.

The mistake people make

Treating financial standing as a one-off. It is money the business must be able to show for as long as it holds the licence, and it grows with every vehicle added — the fifth truck on a standard licence needs another £4,500 behind it.

FAQ