DVLA fee2 min read
A trade licence is the duty DVLA charges a motor trader for trade plates, and this guide shows you where to find the current figures. It is separate from the cost of having a vehicle moved. If you need a car or van driven, OVM brings its own plates, so get an instant quote or call 0141 459 1302.
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Our form prices a driven movement, not a DVLA licence application. Enter the registration and both postcodes.
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This Instant Quote is an indicative price, not a booking. It is subject to driver availability. We cover Scotland, England and Wales, but we cannot guarantee to accept every job.
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A trade licence is what DVLA charges a motor trader for trade plates. It has nothing to do with what OVM charges to drive a car or van between two postcodes.
The duty figures come from the GOV.UK apply table, which we checked on 2 September 2026. Our movement prices are quoted job by job, so you will not find a rate card here.
For an overview of how trade plates work, start with the GOV.UK trade licence overview.
The 12 month all vehicles duty, which covers cars and vans, is £177 according to the GOV.UK apply table.
If you apply in January, the 6 month duty for a licence running to 30 June is £97.35, from the same GOV.UK apply table.
Every licence expires on 30 June or 31 December, according to apply for a trade licence. The same apply page explains that a licence cannot be issued for less than 6 months or more than 12 months at a time.
GOV.UK keeps the full month by month table up to date, so check it for the current figure before you apply.
| When you apply | Length | All vehicles duty |
|---|---|---|
| January, to 30 June (GOV.UK apply) | 6 months (GOV.UK apply) | £97.35 (GOV.UK apply table) |
| January, to 31 December (GOV.UK apply) | 12 months (GOV.UK apply) | £177 (GOV.UK apply table) |
Download form VTL301, the DVLA application for a first trade licence. It is a print only form, so you complete it and post it to DVLA.
GOV.UK explains that you need motor trade insurance to apply, as set out on apply for a trade licence.
OVM already holds its own trade plates, so booking a movement with us never involves applying for a licence in your name.
A trade plate movement with OVM still needs a roadworthy car or van with a valid MOT. Trade plates do not replace an MOT, and non runners are outside our service.
Our trade plate vehicle movements service puts one of our drivers in your roadworthy car or van on our trade plates, door to door, with digital proof of collection and delivery.
To price a movement, get an instant quote online or call 0141 459 1302.
Questions
Prefer to talk it through? Call the team in Glasgow.
No, this is the DVLA trade licence duty. For a movement price, enter the registration and both postcodes for an instant quote or call 0141 459 1302.
From the GOV.UK apply table, which we checked on 2 September 2026. It lists the 12 month all vehicles duty at £177 and the 6 month duty for a January application at £97.35.
Yes. A trade plate movement with OVM always needs a roadworthy car or van with a valid MOT, and you can check the status on GOV.UK. Get an instant quote or call 0141 459 1302.
Our form prices a driven movement. Get an instant quote or call 0141 459 1302, and if the vehicle cannot legally be driven we will tell you.
