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UK Licence for the Community
The authorisation carried for international hire-or-reward journeys, plus any extra permits.
This is general information for UK goods-vehicle operators. It is not legal advice. Use the official source on this page, and your operator licence conditions, before you rely on it.
What it is
Operators who carry goods internationally for hire or reward need the right international authority as well as a standard international operator licence. Since the UK left the EU, that authority includes the UK Licence for the Community for many journeys, and extra permits for some countries and some types of work. Own-account and certain specialised journeys can sit under different rules. The permit, and a certified copy for the vehicle, are what the driver carries. Domestic-only work does not need this document.
Who holds it
The operator holds the original licence. The driver carries the certified copy for the vehicle on the international journey, together with any bilateral or ECMT permit the trip requires.
At a visit
Border and roadside checks outside Great Britain, and checks on return, look for the copy and the permits. A standard national licence alone does not authorise international hire or reward.