ARR certified true copy for freight transport: required documents, costs and the complete procedure in 2026

The ARR certified true copy is one of the essential documents for carrying out road freight transport legally.

Although the name can cause confusion, the certified true copy is not a simple photocopy of the Community licence. It is an original document, issued by Autoritatea Rutieră Română (ARR, the Romanian Road Authority), for a specific motor vehicle used to perform the transport.

The document is personalised with the registration number of the vehicle, cannot be transferred from one truck to another and must be on board for the entire duration of the transport.

The original Community licence is kept at the registered office of the transport operator, and every vehicle used must have its own valid certified true copy. The Community licence is valid for 10 years, while the certified true copy is issued for a minimum of one year and cannot go beyond the expiry date of the licence.

Contents:

• The difference between the licence, the ARR certified true copy and the CMR
• Who has to obtain an ARR certified true copy?
• The documents required for an ARR certified true copy
• The short list for an operator that already holds a licence
• What does financial standing mean?
• The first Community licence and the first certified true copy
• The main documents for first-time licensing
• ARR costs in 2026
• How long does it take for the certified true copy to be issued?
• Where and how is the file submitted?
• The procedure for obtaining the certified true copy, step by step
• What must be on board the truck?
• The certified true copy for ADR transport
• The certified true copy for own-account transport
• What happens when the vehicle changes?
• Penalties for not having a valid certified true copy
• The most common mistakes
• Three practical situations
• Checklist before submitting the file
• Frequently asked questions

The difference between the licence, the ARR certified true copy and the CMR

The three documents have different roles:

Document	What it proves	Where it is kept
The Community licence	The company's right to carry on road transport for hire or reward	The original, at the operator's registered office
The ARR certified true copy	The right of a specific vehicle to be used on the basis of the licence	On board the vehicle
The CMR or the transport document	The specific details of a shipment: goods, sender, consignee, route, quantity	On board, for the transport concerned

The certified true copy does not replace the CMR, the invoice, the delivery note, the UIT code, the ADR documents or the customs documents.

At the same time, a photograph of the certified true copy kept on a phone must not be regarded as a substitute for the document that has to be presented at an inspection.

Who has to obtain an ARR certified true copy?

The answer depends on:

• the type of activity;
• the maximum permissible mass of the vehicle or combination;
• whether the transport is for hire or reward or on own account;
• the national or international nature of the operation.

Road transport for hire or reward

Transport for hire or reward is the activity by which a company carries a customer's goods in exchange for a charge.

Under the general rule laid down by the current legal framework in Romania, the requirements on admission to the occupation of road transport operator apply to undertakings that perform national or international road transport for hire or reward with motor vehicles or combinations of vehicles whose maximum permissible total mass exceeds 2.5 tonnes.

Consequently, 3.5-tonne vans also have to be examined. The fact that a vehicle is commercially called a “van” or a “light commercial vehicle” does not automatically exempt it from the licensing obligation.

Examples

Example 1: A company carries pallets for customers with a 7.5-tonne truck.

The company must hold a Community licence and a valid certified true copy for the truck.

Example 2: A company performs transport for hire or reward with three 3.5-tonne vans.

Since the vehicles exceed the 2.5-tonne threshold, the company must check and meet the applicable licensing requirements. Every van used must have its own certified true copy.

Example 3: The company owns five trucks, but only four are used.

To be able to use all five vehicles legally, five valid certified true copies are needed. A single copy cannot be moved back and forth between several trucks.

Own-account transport

Own-account transport arises when a company carries its own goods and the transport is an ancillary activity, not the main commercial service provided to a customer.

For example, a construction company that carries its materials to the site or a manufacturer that moves its products between its own places of business may perform own-account transport.

For the own-account carriage of goods by road with vehicles or combinations exceeding 3.5 tonnes, the applicable document is, as a rule, the own-account transport certificate and its certified true copy, not the certified true copy of the Community licence.

Own-account transport with vehicles or combinations not exceeding 3.5 tonnes benefits, in principle, from the exception laid down in the specific legislation. Operators that already hold a Community licence may also perform own-account transport on the basis of that licence and the related certified true copies.

Example

A factory carries its products between its own warehouse and its own shop with a 12-tonne truck.

If it does not provide transport services for third parties, the activity can be classed as own-account transport. The company will look into obtaining the own-account transport certificate and the certified true copy for the truck.

If the same company also starts to carry other companies' goods for hire or reward, the activity can no longer be treated solely as own-account transport.

The documents required for an ARR certified true copy

In this situation we assume that the company:

• already holds a valid Community licence;
• wishes to add a new vehicle to the fleet;
• wishes to renew a certified true copy;
• is requesting an additional copy.

The usual file comprises the following documents.

1. The ARR application – Annex 2CC

The current form made available by ARR for issuing additional certified true copies or for renewing them is used.

The application must be completed carefully, in particular as regards:

• the operator's details;
• the unique registration code;
• the registered office;
• the series and number of the licence;
• the registration number of the vehicle;
• the period for which the document is requested;
• the details of the legal representative.

For the first Community licence, the form for initial licensing is used, not Annex 2CC.

2. The vehicle identity card

A copy of the vehicle identity card – the CIV – is submitted.

The CIV shows data such as:

• the vehicle category;
• the maximum permissible total mass;
• the chassis number;
• the technical characteristics;
• the owner or the relevant details about the vehicle.

It is important that the data in the CIV, the registration certificate and the application match.

3. The registration certificate

A copy of the vehicle's registration certificate is submitted.

The registration number is essential because the certified true copy will be made out individually for that vehicle.

If the registration number changes, the document must not continue to be used without being updated or replaced.

4. The annex to the registration certificate and proof of a valid ITP (periodic technical inspection)

The file must show that the vehicle has a valid periodic technical inspection.

Before submission, the following must be checked:

• the expiry date of the ITP;
• that the registration number matches;
• the chassis number;
• the legibility of the documents.

An expired ITP can prevent the certified true copy from being issued and, independently of that, the legal use of the vehicle.

5. Proof of financial standing

The operator must demonstrate that it meets the financial standing requirement for the number and type of vehicles used.

This document is frequently omitted when a company adds a new truck. The fact that the company has demonstrated financial standing for the existing vehicles does not automatically mean that it can receive certified true copies for an unlimited number of vehicles.

ARR can issue certified true copies only for the number of vehicles for which the operator meets the financial standing requirement.

6. Proof of payment of the ARR fee

For each certified true copy, the fee for the period requested is paid.

At the date this article was updated, the fee is 360 lei for each certified true copy, for one year.

It is recommended that the payment document correctly shows:

• the company name;
• the unique registration code;
• the service being paid for;
• the number of copies requested;
• the relevant ARR agency, if the payment instructions require it.

7. The rental or leasing contract or the document on the right of use

If the vehicle is not owned by the company, the legal right to use it must be demonstrated.

Depending on the situation, the following may be relevant:

• the leasing contract;
• the rental contract;
• the documents making the vehicle available;
• the addenda;
• the certified translation.

For vehicles hired from another Member State of the European Union, ARR requires a copy of the contract and a certified translation into Romanian. For this situation there are also special conditions on the period of use, which must be checked before the file is submitted.

The applicable contract must also be kept on board, in the original or in the form accepted by the regulations, when the vehicle is used on the basis of a rental or leasing contract.

8. Certification of the copies submitted

The copies of the documents placed in the physical file must be certified in accordance with ARR's requirements.

In practice, they are signed by the director or the legal representative and are accompanied by the statement or declaration that the documents correspond to the originals. ARR publishes the wording of the declaration that must be used for documents submitted as copies.

The documents must be:

• complete;
• legible;
• unexpired;
• copied in full;
• certified by the authorised person;
• consistent with the data in the application.

The short list for an operator that already holds a licence

For an additional certified true copy or for a renewal, the file can be checked against the following list:

• the Annex 2CC application;
• the copy of the CIV;
• the copy of the registration certificate;
• the copy of the annex showing a valid ITP;
• proof of financial standing;
• proof of payment of the ARR fee;
• the leasing or rental contract, where applicable;
• the certified translation, where applicable;
• certification of the copies as true to the original;
• the special documents for ADR, if the activity requires them.

The list may be supplemented depending on the situation of the operator and of the vehicle and on the results of ARR's check.

What does financial standing mean?

Financial standing is not a charge paid to ARR.

It is the minimum level of financial resources that the operator must be able to demonstrate in relation to the fleet used.

A fleet that includes vehicles of more than 3.5 tonnes

For operators that use at least one vehicle or combination of more than 3.5 tonnes, the levels are:

• 9,000 euro for the first vehicle;
• 5,000 euro for each additional vehicle of more than 3.5 tonnes;
• 900 euro for each additional vehicle with a mass of more than 2.5 tonnes but not more than 3.5 tonnes.

A fleet made up exclusively of vehicles of more than 2.5 tonnes and not more than 3.5 tonnes

For operators that use only vehicles in this category:

• 1,800 euro for the first vehicle;
• 900 euro for each additional vehicle.

Financial standing is demonstrated, as a rule, by means of the annual financial statements certified in accordance with the law. In the cases permitted, bank guarantees, insurance or other instruments accepted by the legal framework may be used. For a newly established undertaking there are specific rules on demonstrating financial standing in the first year of activity.

Calculation examples

Fleet structure	Calculation	Minimum financial standing
One truck of more than 3.5 t	9,000 euro	9,000 euro
Two trucks of more than 3.5 t	9,000 + 5,000	14,000 euro
One truck and two 3.5 t vans	9,000 + 900 + 900	10,800 euro
Three 3.5 t vans, with no heavy truck	1,800 + 900 + 900	3,600 euro
Five trucks of more than 3.5 t	9,000 + 4 × 5,000	29,000 euro

Practical example

A company owns two trucks and has certified true copies for both. The company buys a third truck.

Before requesting the certified true copy for the new vehicle, it must make sure that it can demonstrate:

• 9,000 euro for the first truck;
• 5,000 euro for the second;
• 5,000 euro for the third.

The total financial standing required will be 19,000 euro.

If the existing financial documents demonstrated only 14,000 euro, simply submitting the CIV and paying the fee for the new truck is not enough.

The first Community licence and the first certified true copy

When the company does not yet hold a Community licence, the file is more extensive than the one for a simple additional copy.

The company must demonstrate that it meets the conditions for admission to the occupation of road transport operator:

• an effective and stable establishment;
• good repute;
• financial standing;
• professional competence;
• the existence of a transport manager;
• the existence of the vehicles and of a technical maintenance system.

The main documents for first-time licensing

The file may include:

The company's documents

• the ARR application for the Community licence and the initial copies;
• documents on registration with the Trade Register;
• documents on the effective and stable establishment;
• documents on the tax situation and registration for VAT purposes, where applicable;
• documents on how records are organised and kept;
• proof of how the technical maintenance of the vehicles is ensured;
• the declarations required by the ARR forms.

The transport manager's documents

• the certificate of professional competence;
• the document designating the manager;
• the criminal record certificate;
• the declarations on good repute;
• recognition of the certificate, if it was issued in another state and the recognition procedure is required.

The transport manager may, in accordance with the law, be the director, an employee or a contracted person, but must effectively and continuously manage the transport activity and meet the applicable requirements.

The documents on the company's good repute

• the company's criminal record certificate;
• the declarations of the legal representative;
• the documents required for checking the relevant penalties or incompatibilities.

The financial documents

• the financial statements or the accepted alternative documents;
• the report or certification of the competent specialist;
• the bank guarantee or the accepted insurance policy, where permitted;
• the calculation of financial standing for the entire fleet requested.

The vehicles' documents

For each vehicle:

• the CIV;
• the registration certificate;
• the annex showing a valid ITP;
• the leasing or rental contract, as applicable;
• the special documents, if the vehicle is subject to particular rules.

Proof of payment of the fees

The following are paid separately:

• the fee for the Community licence;
• the fee for each certified true copy.

The official requirements for initial licensing include the documents on the establishment, good repute, the transport manager, financial standing, vehicle maintenance and the papers for each motor vehicle.

ARR costs in 2026

The official fees in force on 24 June 2026 are:

Document	Fee
Community licence	1,000 lei/document, valid for 10 years
Certified true copy of the Community licence	360 lei/copy/year
Own-account transport certificate	1,000 lei/document, valid for 10 years
Certified true copy of the own-account transport certificate	360 lei/copy/year
Replacement in the situations for which ARR charges a fee	360 lei/copy/year

The fees are those published by ARR and applicable from 30 December 2025.

Cost examples

An existing operator adding a truck

For one certified true copy requested for one year:

1 × 360 lei = 360 lei

An operator with three trucks

For one certified true copy each, valid for one year:

3 × 360 lei = 1,080 lei

A company being licensed for the first time, with three trucks

• Community licence: 1,000 lei;
• three certified true copies for one year: 1,080 lei.

Total ARR fees: 2,080 lei

This total does not include other possible expenses, such as:

• obtaining the criminal record certificates;
• certification of the financial statements;
• guarantees or insurance;
• certified translations;
• preparation of the documents;
• professional certification;
• the ADR documents.

How long does it take for the certified true copy to be issued?

The rules provide for certified true copies to be issued within a period of up to 15 days.

The period must be seen in relation to the existence of a complete and correct file. Missing documents, inconsistent information, insufficient financial standing or an expired ITP can lead to requests for additional documents and to delays.

It is risky for a transport to be scheduled on the assumption that proof of submission of the application replaces the certified true copy.

The application, the payment order or the message confirming submission is not the certified true copy. The vehicle should be brought into the licensed activity only after the valid document has been issued.

Where and how is the file submitted?

The documents are handled through the ARR territorial agency for the operator's registered office.

Depending on the applicable procedure and the type of request, the documents may be submitted:

• physically, at the territorial agency;
• through the ARR licensing platform;
• with an electronic signature, where required;
• by post, with acknowledgement of receipt, for certain requests.

ARR allows some licensing operations to be handled online, and for additional copies physical, electronic or postal means of transmission are provided for.

Before sending, the current version of the form must be used. Forms saved a long time ago may no longer correspond to the current procedure.

The procedure for obtaining the certified true copy, step by step

Step 1: Establish the type of transport

It must be clarified whether the activity is:

• transport for hire or reward;
• own-account transport;
• national transport;
• international transport;
• general cargo transport;
• ADR or specialised transport.

A wrong classification can lead to the wrong document being requested.

Step 2: Check the permissible mass

The maximum permissible total mass in the documents of the vehicle and, where relevant, of the combination is checked.

It is not only the actual weight of the goods on the day of the transport that counts.

A van with a maximum permissible total mass (MTMA) of 3.5 tonnes does not become exempt just because it is carrying 400 kg of goods at that moment.

Step 3: Check the company's licence

The licence must be:

• valid;
• issued to the operator concerned;
• compatible with the activity;
• unexpired;
• not suspended.

The validity of the copy requested cannot exceed the validity of the licence.

Step 4: Calculate the financial standing

All the vehicles for which the operator holds or is requesting certified true copies are added together.

Financial standing is not calculated only for the new vehicle, but for the total relevant fleet.

Step 5: Check the vehicle's documents

There must be consistency between:

• the CIV;
• the registration certificate;
• the ITP;
• the leasing or rental contract;
• the ARR application;
• the registration number.

Step 6: Pay the correct fee

The fee must be checked on the official ARR page on the date of payment.

It is not advisable automatically to use an amount taken from an old article, from a previously saved form or from a page that has not been updated.

Step 7: Submit the file

The file is sent by the method accepted for the request concerned.

It is useful to keep:

• the registration number;
• proof of transmission;
• the acknowledgement of receipt;
• proof of payment;
• a complete copy of the file.

Step 8: Check the document received

On receipt of the certified true copy, the following must be checked immediately:

• the operator's name;
• the licence number;
• the registration number;
• the period of validity;
• the integrity of the document.

An error in the registration number must be reported before the vehicle sets off on a transport.

Step 9: Put the certified true copy in the on-board file

The document must be kept in the vehicle and protected against damage.

The administrative staff and the driver must know:

• where the document is;
• when it expires;
• which registration number it is issued for;
• that it cannot be moved to another vehicle.

Step 10: Monitor validity at all times

A centralised record with alerts is recommended for:

• the expiry of the certified true copy;
• the expiry of the licence;
• the ITP;
• the RCA motor third-party liability insurance;
• the carrier's liability insurance;
• the tachograph;
• the drivers' certificates;
• the ADR documents;
• the leasing or rental contracts.

What must be on board the truck?

The certified true copy is only one of the components of the on-board file.

Depending on the trip and the type of goods, the following may be required:

• the valid ARR certified true copy;
• the registration certificate;
• the transport document, as a rule the CMR or a consignment note;
• the driver's driving licence;
• the driver's professional certificate or attestation;
• the tachograph card;
• the leasing or rental contract, where applicable;
• the necessary international permits;
• the ADR documents;
• the UIT code and the RO e-Transport documents;
• the invoice or the delivery note;
• the packing list;
• the customs declarations and documents;
• the sanitary, veterinary or phytosanitary certificates;
• the special permits for oversized transport.

For national transport for hire or reward, the rules provide for the certified true copy, the transport document and the documents specific to the driver and the vehicle to be on board. For international transport, the permits and documents required by the countries or regimes crossed in transit are added.

The certified true copy for ADR transport

Holding the certified true copy does not automatically mean that the operator can carry dangerous goods safely.

For ADR activity, the following may additionally be required, depending on the goods and the vehicle:

• the documents on the appointment of the safety adviser;
• proof of the employment or contractual relationship with the adviser;
• the safety adviser's certificate;
• recognition of a certificate issued abroad;
• the vehicle's ADR certificate of approval, where mandatory;
• the drivers' ADR certificates;
• the list of drivers used;
• the documents for specialised superstructures;
• special permits;
• the CNCAN authorisation (CNCAN: the Romanian National Commission for Nuclear Activities Control), for the carriage of class 7 radioactive material.

The additional documents depend on the classification of the goods, the quantity, the packaging, the type of vehicle and any ADR exemptions.

Example

A company holds a Community licence and a certified true copy for a road tanker.

These two documents are not sufficient for the carriage of fuel. The following must be checked separately:

• the approval of the vehicle;
• the driver's ADR certification;
• the ADR transport document;
• the mandatory equipment;
• the marks and labels;
• the safety adviser;
• the instructions in writing;
• any specific permits.

The certified true copy for own-account transport

For own-account transport, the documents have a different name:

• own-account transport certificate;
• certified true copy of the own-account transport certificate.

For first issue

The file may comprise:

• the application;
• the criminal record certificate of the designated person;
• the declarations required;
• the company's criminal record certificate;
• the documents on professional competence, where applicable;
• the CIV;
• the registration certificate;
• the annex showing a valid ITP;
• proof of payment;
• the ADR papers, where applicable.

For an additional copy

The following are normally required:

• the application;
• the vehicle's documents;
• proof of a valid ITP;
• proof of payment of the fee;
• certification of the copies as true to the original;
• the documents on the right of use, where applicable.

The current fee for the certified true copy of the own-account transport certificate is likewise 360 lei for each year and each copy.

What happens when the vehicle changes?

The certified true copy is tied to the vehicle for which it was issued.

It cannot be moved to a new truck and cannot be “corrected” by hand.

Sale of the vehicle

If the vehicle is sold and the operator no longer owns it or no longer uses it legally, the related certified true copy must not be used for another motor vehicle.

A new copy is requested for the vehicle bought subsequently.

End of the leasing or rental

When the right of use ceases, the status of the document must be updated with ARR.

The copy does not remain available to the company to be assigned to another vehicle.

Change of registration number

Because the copy is personalised with the registration number, a change of that number requires the document to be replaced.

The ARR fee schedule lists separately the case of replacement following a change of registration number.

Loss, theft or damage

In the event of loss, theft or damage, the ARR replacement procedure must be followed.

A photograph, a scan or a photocopy made earlier does not turn the missing document into a document valid for an inspection.

Transfer of the vehicle between operators

If a vehicle passes to another transport operator, the copy issued in the name of the former operator cannot be used by the new company.

The issue of a copy for a vehicle in the name of another operator affects the validity of the previous copy, in accordance with the applicable rules.

Penalties for not having a valid certified true copy

Using a vehicle for which the operator does not hold a valid certified true copy is classified as a very serious infringement.

For this offence, the penalty applicable to the transport operator is a fine of between 6,000 and 8,000 lei. In the situations provided for by law, administrative measures may also be applied to the right to use the vehicle, including the withholding of the registration certificate and the number plates.

The commercial consequences can be greater than the fine:

• the trip may be delayed;
• the goods may arrive after the deadline;
• the customer may apply contractual penalties;
• the truck may remain unavailable;
• waiting-time costs may arise;
• the following trips may be lost;
• the relationship with the customer may be affected.

For this reason, the certified true copy must not be treated as a minor administrative formality.

The most common mistakes

1. Confusing the certified true copy with a photocopy

A photocopy of the Community licence is not an ARR certified true copy.

The document must be issued by ARR and made out individually for the vehicle.

2. Using the same copy for several vehicles

Every vehicle must have its own document.

The registration number entered on the copy must match the vehicle being inspected.

3. Requesting the document without updating the financial standing

The purchase of a new truck increases the financial standing that the company must demonstrate.

Payment of the 360 lei fee does not replace this requirement.

4. Starting the transport before the copy is issued

Proof that the file has been submitted is not a transport document and does not replace the certified true copy.

5. Not updating the registration number

A change of number, including after the permanent registration of a vehicle, requires the document to be updated.

6. An ITP that has expired or is very close to expiry

A file can become problematic if the ITP expires before the procedure is completed or immediately after issue.

7. Confusing own-account transport with transport for hire or reward

The fact that the goods are carried with the company's vehicle does not automatically mean own-account transport.

What matters is who owns the goods, the purpose of the journey, how it is organised and whether the transport is provided for another person in exchange for a charge.

8. Assuming that a 3.5-tonne van is always exempt

For transport for hire or reward, the relevant threshold must be checked against the rule of more than 2.5 tonnes and the characteristics of the activity.

9. The absence of the rental or leasing contract

The certified true copy does not on its own demonstrate the company's right to use a vehicle that belongs to another person.

10. Treating the certified true copy as an ADR authorisation

The licensing of the carrier and ADR compliance are two distinct components.

Three practical situations

Situation 1: A licensed company buying a truck

The company already has:

• a Community licence;
• two trucks;
• two certified true copies;
• financial standing for two vehicles.

For the third truck it must:

1. recalculate the financial standing;
2. prepare the CIV, the registration certificate and the ITP;
3. complete Annex 2CC;
4. pay the fee;
5. submit the file;
6. wait for the document to be issued;
7. bring the vehicle into service only after receiving the valid copy.

Situation 2: A leased vehicle

The company has a Community licence and wishes to use a leased truck.

In addition to the vehicle's documents, the file must reflect the right of use. The contract must be checked with regard to:

• the parties;
• the vehicle number;
• the chassis number;
• the period;
• the right to use the vehicle for transport;
• any addenda.

During transport, the relevant contractual documents must be kept on board in accordance with the applicable requirements.

Situation 3: A manufacturing company carrying its own goods

The company does not carry goods for customers. It delivers only its own products with a 10-tonne truck.

Before the request is made, it must be established whether the operation meets all the conditions for own-account transport.

If so, the company will look into:

• the own-account transport certificate;
• the certified true copy of the certificate;
• the vehicle's documents;
• the document justifying the movement of the goods;
• the driver's papers;
• the RO e-Transport obligations, if the transport falls within the system.

Checklist before submitting the file

The company

• the Community licence is valid;
• the company's details are up to date;
• the registered office has not changed without being updated;
• the transport manager meets the conditions;
• the financial standing covers the entire fleet;
• there are no inconsistencies in the operator's documents.

The vehicle

• the CIV is available;
• the registration certificate is available;
• the registration number is permanent and correct;
• the ITP is valid;
• the leasing or rental contract is valid;
• the data in all the documents match;
• the ADR documents exist, where applicable.

The file

• the current Annex 2CC is used;
• the application is completed in full;
• the copies are legible;
• the copies are certified as true to the original;
• the correct fee has been paid;
• proof of payment is attached;
• the certified translations are ready;
• the file is sent to the competent ARR agency;
• proof of submission is kept.

After issue

• the registration number is correct;
• the period of validity is correct;
• the copy is placed in the vehicle;
• the driver knows where it is;
• the expiry date is recorded in the internal system;
• the renewal is scheduled in good time.

Frequently asked questions

Is the certified true copy the same thing as the Community licence?

No. The Community licence is the operator's main document and is kept at the registered office. The certified true copy is issued for a specific vehicle and is kept on board.

Can I make a photocopy of the licence and put it in the truck?

No. The document on board must be the certified true copy issued by ARR.

Does a company with four trucks need four copies?

Yes, if all four vehicles are used in the activity for which licensing is required.

Can I move the copy from a truck that is not working to another truck?

No. The copy is personalised with the registration number.

How much does a certified true copy cost in 2026?

The current fee is 360 lei for each copy and for each year of validity.

How long is it valid?

It is issued for a minimum of one year and cannot exceed the validity of the Community licence.

Can I drive with proof that I have submitted the file?

Submitting the application does not replace the valid document. The vehicle should not be used in the licensed activity until the certified true copy has been issued.

Does a 3.5-tonne van need a certified true copy?

For transport for hire or reward, the current rule on vehicles or combinations exceeding 2.5 tonnes must be taken into account. The activity, the configuration of the vehicle and any exceptions must be checked case by case.

Do I need the same copy for my own goods?

Not necessarily. For own-account transport, the own-account transport certificate and its certified true copy may apply. Operators that already hold a Community licence may use the licence and its copies under the conditions laid down by law.

Does the certified true copy replace the CMR?

No. The CMR or the transport document describes the trip and the goods. The certified true copy proves the vehicle's right to operate on the basis of the licence.

Is the certified true copy sufficient for ADR?

No. All the applicable ADR documents, approvals, equipment and certifications are required separately.

In conclusion, obtaining the ARR certified true copy does not just mean completing an application and paying a fee.

The operator must demonstrate that:

• it holds a valid licence;
• it meets the financial standing requirement for the entire fleet;
• it uses the vehicle legally;
• the vehicle has valid documents and a valid ITP;
• the details of the company and of the truck are correct;
• the special conditions of the activity are met.

The practical rule is simple: every vehicle must be checked, documented and authorised before its first trip. A correctly issued certified true copy protects the continuity of transport, reduces the risk of penalties and gives customers confidence that the operation is professionally organised.

Through Honexpres, companies can request a transport solution tailored to the goods, the route and the delivery deadline. The team organises domestic and international road transport and can integrate, depending on the project, logistics and customs services and solutions for general, ADR, refrigerated, oversized or urgent cargo.

Note: This article is for information purposes and reflects the rules and fees available on 24 June 2026. For each file, the current ARR form, the operator's specific situation and any legislative changes that have occurred before submission must be consulted.