O-licence applications go paper-free

The traffic commissioners for Great Britain, and Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure, have warned that from 1 August, they will no longer be accepting paper applications for new operator licences, or for major changes to existing licenses.

While 89 per cent of UK operator licence holders have a vehicle operator licensing (VOL) digital account and 94 per cent of major applications are now made online, some submissions are still being made via paper forms.

“Many applications made on paper forms are on old, outdated forms that we can’t accept, and this delays applications,” said the TCs and the department, in a joint blog post detailing the changes.

“We are constantly looking to improve the VOL system. We’ve grown it and developed it so that compliant businesses can apply for a licence, make major changes to it, continue (renew) the licence and if they need to, surrender the licence online. Most applications are being made using this faster digital service.”

Those making a new application are advised to register to use the VOL system, as are those already operating but without an online account.

Operators can register and make licence changes here. 

For the small number of users unable to submit an application online, an assisted digital service is being made available. Operators in Great Britain should contact 0300 123 9000 to access this assistance, and Northern Ireland operators 0300 200 7831.