Free tool
Operator licence newspaper advert generator
GOV.UK’s official wording for a new licence or a change to a licence, with your name, address, operating centres and vehicle numbers put in the right places.
Every new goods vehicle operator licence for heavy vehicles, and every variation that adds vehicles or operating centres or changes conditions, must be advertised in a local newspaper between 21 days before and 21 days after you apply, using GOV.UK’s template word for word. Fill in your details below and the advert is ready to send.
Advert generator
Your advert
Goods vehicle operator’s licence
[Operator name] of [Full correspondence address] is applying for a licence to use [Full address of the operating centre] as an operating centre for [Number] goods vehicles and [Number] trailers.
Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UE, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available at www.gov.uk/object-hgv-operator-licence.
Highlighted parts in square brackets still need your details. Do not change any other wording.
How it works
- Choose a new licence or a variation. A variation advert can keep extra vehicles at a centre, add a centre, or change or remove a condition or undertaking.
- Enter your details. Use the company name exactly as at Companies House, or full names for a sole trader or partnership. The advert updates as you type.
- Copy or download it and send it to a local newspaper. Book it to appear within 21 days either side of your application date, then upload a photo of the printed page with your application.
Applying for a licence? Work out your financial standing and the fees. Once the application is published, it appears in the Traffic Commissioner’s weekly Applications and Decisions.
Frequently asked questions
When must my operator licence advert appear in the newspaper?
At least once between 21 days before and 21 days after you submit the application. If you apply on 1 June, the advert must appear on a day between 11 May and 22 June. An advert outside that window is out of time and the application is rejected.
Which newspaper can I use?
A local newspaper (not regional or national) that covers the area of the operating centre, carries news stories as well as adverts, and carries other public notices such as planning applications. Free sheets are not accepted.
Can I change the wording of the advert?
No. GOV.UK says you replace the parts in square brackets with your details and must not change any of the other wording. This generator keeps GOV.UK's wording exactly.
Do I need an advert for a PSV or van-only licence?
No. Only goods vehicle licences for heavy goods vehicles are advertised. PSV licences and light goods vehicle licences need no newspaper advert.
I have two operating centres. Do I need two adverts?
One advert is enough when the same local newspaper covers both centres; it lists each centre with its vehicles and trailers. Centres covered by different local newspapers need separate adverts.
What do I send with my application?
A photo or scan of the whole newspaper page with the advert, showing the newspaper's name and the publication date. If the page does not show them, add the front page too.
More free tools
- Free toolFinancial standing calculatorHow much money you must show for a goods or PSV operator licence, from your licence type and fleet size. 2026 rates.
- Free toolOperator licence fee calculatorEvery fee for a new licence, a variation or continuation, goods or PSV, with when each one is due.
- Free toolContinuation date and fee checkerEnter a licence number to see its continuation date, when the fee is due and how many days are left.
Figures and wording from GOV.UK, checked 1 October 2026: