Where to get trade plates

The DVLA indicates that trade plates should be visible both on the front and rear ends of the car. They should also be displayed vertically and should not be kept or displayed inside the vehicle. As a trade plate owner, you should be careful not to cover the existing number plate of the car with the trade plates as this could result in a traffic offence.

These rules may look clear, but sometimes displaying a trade plate as required may be difficult or impossible for car owners. We therefore encourage you to apply for one using the VTL form if you need to apply for your first trade licence.

To successfully apply for your trade plate, you will have to let the DVLA know your business name and the type of business you run. You will also have to give them an address among other details. You do not have to worry about filling out the form because there are detailed notes that come with the form that will help you fill it out successfully. If you need to know how much trade plates cost, the fees paid for trade plates vary depending on how long the licences are valid.

If you are a first-time trade number plate buyer, you are likely to get a licence that lasts for between seven to eleven months. If you are a repeat buyer, you are only eligible for those that expire after 6 or 12 months.

From the cost, it is easy to see how you can get a significant cost reduction when you get these plates. Contact us to find out. You can only use trade plates for the purpose for which we supply them. If you use the plates for any other purpose, you can be fined. Most trade plates are used on unregistered vehicles.

Only vehicle repairers, local authorities and vehicle inspection certifiers can use trade plates on vehicles that are registered but unlicensed. More information about using trade plates on uncertified vehicles.

Trader registration number You can get this from the Ministry of Economic Development external link. If you've already been approved for a trade plate, you can also apply for additional or replacement trade plates. When applying for or renewing a trade plate you will need to pay an administration fee as well as any applicable licence fees and ACC levies. The fee you will pay depends on which month you apply in.

Acceptable photographs may include but are not limited to:. Lodge your application forms, present your identification documents and pay the required fee at a Service SA customer service centre. A trade plate holder can apply for a replacement plate if the original plate is lost, stolen or damaged. The plate holder must complete an Application for replacement of a trade plate If the plate has been damaged, it must be surrendered and the Surrender of number plate All other vehicle category types and combinations will be issued a general vehicle-sized trade plate.

A trade plate may be issued for one, two or three years. A certificate and label will be issued to you when all the requirements are completed. A motor vehicle or trailer that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding kg excluding a farm implement and farm machine or special purpose vehicle. The heavy vehicle category does not allow the trade plate to be used for vehicles that belong to the light vehicle category. If you wish to use a trade plate for both types of vehicles, you would need to nominate both categories in your application.

A motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding kg excluding a motorcycle, trailer, farm machine, farm implement and special purpose vehicle. A trailer that has a gross trailer mass not exceeding kg excluding a farm implement, farm machine and special purpose vehicle. Any vehicle not specifically designed for the carriage of passengers or goods including farm implements and farm machines.

It is an offence to use a trade plate on a category of vehicle that is not recorded on the certificate and label that is issued to you. The Motor Vehicle Regulations detail the purposes for which a trade plate may be used.