GVMS Registration: Complete Guide for Hauliers and Carriers

Registering with the Goods Vehicle Movement Service

Before you can create any Goods Movement References (GMRs), your business must be registered with HM Government's Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS). This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the registration process.

Who Needs to Register?

You need to register with GVMS if you are a:

Haulier or carrier moving commercial goods through GVMS-enabled ports
Logistics company managing movements on behalf of traders
Freight forwarder handling cross-border movements

You may not need to register if you only move personal goods or commercial goods in your personal baggage.

What You Need Before Registering

Before starting the GVMS registration, have the following ready:

EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) — if you don't have one, apply via gov.uk first
Government Gateway user ID and password — linked to your organisation
Business details — registered company name, address, VAT number

The Registration Process

Step 1: Access the Registration Service

Go to gov.uk and search for "Register for the Goods Vehicle Movement Service". You can also navigate directly to the GVMS landing page from the HMRC services section.

Step 2: Sign In with Government Gateway

Sign in using your organisation's Government Gateway credentials. If you don't have an organisation Government Gateway account, you'll need to create one first.

Step 3: Complete the Registration Form

The registration form asks for:

Business name and trading name (if different)
EORI number
Business address
Primary contact details

Step 4: Submit and Wait for Confirmation

After submitting, HMRC will review your registration. Confirmation usually arrives within:

Standard processing: 2-5 working days
Peak periods: May take longer

Step 5: Activate Your GVMS Access

Once confirmed, you can sign in to GVMS and begin creating GMRs.

Managing User Access

If multiple people in your organisation need GVMS access, you can manage this through your Government Gateway account:

Add authorised users
Set permission levels
Remove access when staff leave

Common Registration Issues

"My EORI number isn't being recognised"

Ensure your EORI number is correctly formatted (GB followed by your 12-digit VAT number, or a standalone EORI). If recently issued, it may take 24-48 hours to appear in HMRC systems.

"I can't find the registration page"

The GVMS registration is part of the HMRC services suite. Make sure you're signed in to the correct Government Gateway account (your organisation account, not your personal account).

"My registration was rejected"

This typically happens if there are discrepancies in your EORI or business details. Contact HMRC or let our team assist you.

Keeping Your Registration Up to Date

Remember to:

Update GVMS if your business details change
Ensure your EORI remains active and valid
Review user access regularly

We Can Register on Your Behalf

The GVMS registration process can be confusing, especially if it's your first time dealing with UK customs systems. Our team at CreateGMR can:

Guide you through every step of registration
Help resolve issues with your EORI or Government Gateway account
Manage your GVMS account on an ongoing basis