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As you may already know, since August 2022 we have been encouraging applicants to submit all applications for an operator’s licence electronically through the Vehicle Operator Licensing (VOL) service. This makes the process for the applicant quicker and easier. We said that we would look at further opportunities to move other licensing services fully online. We are now proposing to work towards make the process that operators have to follow every five years to continue their licence digital by default.
There is already provision for operators who have registered with VOL self-service to continue their licence electronically. Those who have a VOL account benefit from faster processing times, reduced costs and more security. This in turn allows you to receive your new documents earlier.
Operators who do not utilise the electronic service receive a printed checklist posted to their correspondence address and have to follow a time-consuming manual procedure and return the form to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner for processing. This can extend the time that the process takes and the potential for lost forms and documents, risking the continuing validity of the operator’s licence.
Our intention is to prepare to introduce a wholly digital service during 2024, but we want to ensure that those who require additional support can continue to receive it.
You may have asked to receive mail by post rather than email. To ensure that we can communicate with you quickly and assist you in managing your licence, we will now send most of our communication by email.
Those operators who already have a VOL self-service account should ensure that their details are correct. You should also ensure that the email address we hold for your business is up to date and that the Admin Users recorded on the account are the right people with access to the account.
You can check your details by logging in to your VOL self-service account. To check your email address select ‘Your account’ and to check your Admin Users select ‘Manage users’ from the options at the top of the page.
If you do not have a VOL self-service account, you should create one in order to manage your operator’s licence. You can do this by visiting: https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/register
We will send further messages to remind you to ensure that your details are updated and any further action you need to take.
You will not notice any difference to the service for the time-being whilst we allow you to prepare by updating your records. Operators who do not have VOL self-service accounts will continue receiving continuation forms through the post but will be encouraged to complete the process electronically.
When we consider that it is the appropriate time to remove the option to continue the licence through postal services, we will advise you in advance.
It is important to us that the small number of licence holders who require assistance on using electronic services are helped. We will continue to provide a full assisted digital service for those operators.
If you need help using the online processes, you should contact the Licensing Office:
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