Vehicle documents for international road haulage
Certificates, licences and permits for HGVs and trailer
There is some essential documentation which you need to carry about your HGV and trailer if you drive a commercial vehicle carrying goods abroad.
Vehicle and trailer registration documents
You need to carry your vehicle registration documents when driving abroad for less than 12 months.
This can be either:
- the vehicle log book (V5C), if you have one
- a VE103 to show you’re allowed to use a hired or leased vehicle abroad
There are different rules if you take the vehicle out of the UK for 12 months or more.
Trailer registration certificate
You need to carry the trailer registration certificate when you travel abroad.
Find out how to register your trailer to take it abroad.
If you have an abnormal load trailer
You also need to carry a ‘certificate of keeper’ if you have an abnormal load trailer.
Certificates for specialist vehicle approvals
You need to carry any documents about specialist approvals your vehicle has. These might include approvals for:
- carrying dangerous goods
- transporting perishable food
- sealed load compartments for quicker border crossings under the TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) system
Goods vehicle operator licence disc
You must display a valid operator licence disc for either:
- a standard international operator licence for Great Britain
- a standard international operator licence for Northern Ireland
Haulage licences or permits needed for the journey
You need to carry copies of the licences or permits that are needed for the journey you’re making.
Check which international road haulage permits you need to carry.
If you’re carrying out a job within an EU country (cabotage)
You need to carry extra documents about the load you’re carrying if you’re doing a cabotage job.
If you’re using an ECMT permit
If you’re using a European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) permit, you also need to carry:
- an ECMT certificate of compliance for the vehicle and trailer
- an ECMT certificate of roadworthiness