Guidance

HGV and trailer ministry plates and plating certificates

Find out if your heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or trailer needs a ministry plate and plating certificate, how to get them and what to do if you lose or damage them.

From:
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Published
20 March 2023
Last updated
11 December 2024 — See all updates

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Documents

HGV and trailer ministry plates and plating certificates

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Details

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

This guide explains:

  • which HGVs and trailers need them
  • how to get them for a new HGV or trailer
  • where to display the plate and where to keep the plating certificate
  • how to get updated plates and plating certificates if you make changes to your vehicle
  • how to fix mistakes on your ministry plate or plating certificate
  • how to get replacements if the originals are damaged or lost

Updates to this page

Published 20 March 2023
Last updated 11 December 2024 + show all updates

  1. Added information about how to get details corrected on your ministry plate or plating certificate if you think it's wrong.

  2. First published.

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