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.
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
Documents
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
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
Update history
2026-06-01 00:01
Updated the list of vehicles to include zero emission goods vehicles with a design gross weight of more than 4,250kg. From 1 June 2026, zero emission goods vehicles weighing between 3,501kg and 4,250kg do not need ministry plates and plating certificates.
2024-12-11 16:00
Added information about how to get details corrected on your ministry plate or plating certificate if you think it’s wrong.
2023-03-20 10:00
First published.