Trailer logging
You must apply to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for a 'letter of consent' if you are the final supplier of new large goods trailers for use on the road. You need this for any new trailers that the Goods Vehicle (Testing) Regulations apply to.
When you need permission
You need to get permission if you’re a ‘final supplier’ of trailers.
Final suppliers are:
- trailer manufacturers
- trailer dealers
- importers of new trailers
If you’re a dealer or importer, you only have to get permission if it hasn’t already been obtained (if the trailer was built abroad and the manufacturer did not apply).
When you need to get permission depends on when the trailer was manufactured.
| Type of trailer | When you need permission |
|---|---|
| New trailers manufactured in a single stage | From 29 October 2012 |
| New trailers manufactured in multiple stages | From 29 October 2013 |
| Special purpose trailers (trailer caravans, boat launching trailers, gritters, towed machinery) | From 29 October 2014 |
It’s an offence to supply or use these trailers without getting permission first and you could be fined.
If you’re an operator using large goods trailers on the road supplied after the dates above, you don’t need to get permission - it should already have been given.
You can check this by calling the number below:
- DVSA helpline telephone: 0300 123 9000
- email: enquiries@vosa.gov.uk
How to apply
You can apply by filling in:
You might also need to send evidence of vehicle approval depending on when the trailer was manufactured.
| Type of trailer | Manufactured date | Evidence of approval needed? |
|---|---|---|
| New trailers (including special purpose) manufactured in a single stage | Up to and including 29 July 2012 | No |
| New trailers (including special purpose) manufactured in a single stage | After 29 July 2012 | Yes |
| New trailers (including special purpose) manufactured in multiple stages | Up to and including 29 July 2013 | No |
| New trailers (including special purpose) manufactured in multiple stages | After 29 July 2013 | Yes |
DVSA accepts the following evidence of vehicle approval:
- a European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
- a UK National Small Series Type Approval (NSSTA) CoC
- a UK Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) certificate
More details are in the guidance notes.
There is an additional form if you want to apply for consent of multiple trailers.
You can also get the form and notes from the DVSA helpline:
- DVSA helpline telephone: 0300 123 9000
- email: enquiries@vosa.gov.uk
Send the form and your supporting documents to:
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Trailer Section
Ellipse
Padley Road
Swansea
SA1 8AN
After you apply
Once DVSA has received your application and confirmed that you meet the requirements you’ll get a ‘letter of consent to supply’.
If your application is rejected, DVSA will send you a letter explaining the reasons why.