If you’re planning to take a UK-hired or leased car abroad, you’ll normally need a VE103 Vehicle on Hire Certificate. This provides evidence that you have permission to use the vehicle outside the UK and acts as an alternative to carrying the vehicle’s original V5C registration document.
Failing to carry the correct vehicle documents could cause problems if you’re stopped by police or other authorities while travelling overseas, so it’s important to arrange everything before you leave the UK.
What is a VE103 certificate?
A VE103, officially known as a Vehicle on Hire Certificate, is a document that shows you have permission to take and use a hired or leased UK-registered vehicle abroad.
Drivers taking their own vehicle abroad would normally carry the original V5C log book. However, leasing and vehicle hire companies generally retain the V5C because they are the registered keeper of the vehicle. The VE103 provides an accepted alternative for drivers of hired and leased vehicles.
Do I need a VE103 to drive a leased or hired car abroad?
Yes. Current GOV.UK guidance for taking a vehicle abroad states that you’ll need a VE103 Vehicle on Hire Certificate to show you’re allowed to use a hired or leased vehicle when driving it abroad.
This applies whether the vehicle is rented for a short period, leased under a longer-term agreement or supplied through certain company and fleet arrangements where you are not the registered keeper and cannot take the original V5C with you.
Do I need permission from the leasing or hire company?
Before travelling, contact the company that owns or supplies the vehicle and tell them exactly where you intend to take it.
You should obtain permission to take the vehicle abroad. The RAC, for example, requires a copy of a letter of authority from the hire or leasing company as part of its VE103 application process.
Don’t assume that your normal lease or rental agreement automatically allows overseas travel. Restrictions, additional insurance requirements or administration charges may apply depending on your provider and destination.
How do I get a VE103 certificate?
Start by contacting your vehicle’s hire, leasing, fleet or finance company. They can confirm what documentation you need and whether they will arrange the VE103 for you.
According to GOV.UK, VE103 certificates are available for a fee through authorised organisations including:
- AA
- British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA)
- RAC Motoring Services
- Road Haulage Association (RHA)
Your leasing or hire company may have its own preferred process, so it’s best to contact them first rather than applying independently.
How much does a VE103 cost?
There is no single fixed price for a VE103 certificate. You’ll normally have to pay a fee, but the total cost can vary depending on the issuing organisation, your leasing or rental provider and whether you require faster or special delivery.
Check the current fee with your vehicle provider or VE103 issuing organisation before applying.
How long is a VE103 valid for?
A VE103 Vehicle on Hire Certificate is normally valid for one year. However, you should make sure the details remain correct for the vehicle and your journey before travelling.
How long does it take to get a VE103?
Processing and delivery times depend on the organisation arranging your certificate. It’s therefore sensible to request your documentation well before your departure date rather than leaving it until the last few days.
Some providers offer faster delivery. The RAC, for example, currently offers special delivery for an additional charge where a VE103R is required within two working days.
What happens if I drive abroad without a VE103?
If you’re driving a hired or leased UK vehicle abroad without the correct documentation, you may be unable to prove that you have the owner’s permission to use the vehicle.
This could result in delays or further action from local authorities, depending on the country and circumstances. Don’t rely solely on your rental or lease agreement as a replacement for the required vehicle documentation.
What other documents do I need to drive a leased car in Europe?
The VE103 is only one part of preparing to drive abroad. Depending on your destination, you may also need to take or arrange:
- Your valid UK driving licence
- Your passport and other required travel documents
- Evidence of valid motor insurance
- An International Driving Permit (IDP), where required
- A UK identifier or UK sticker on the vehicle, where required
- Any compulsory safety equipment required by the countries you’re visiting
- Low-emission zone permits or stickers required at your destination
A UK photocard driving licence is generally sufficient for driving in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein without an International Driving Permit. Different rules can apply to some other licence types and destinations, so check the latest GOV.UK International Driving Permit guidance.
Do I need a Green Card to drive a leased car in Europe?
You don’t currently need to carry an insurance Green Card when driving in the EU, including Ireland, or in Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, Norway, Serbia and Switzerland.
You still need valid motor insurance and should check with the leasing, rental or insurance company that your level of cover applies to all the countries you’re visiting. A Green Card may still be required for some countries outside these areas. Check the latest GOV.UK guidance on vehicle insurance abroad before travelling.
Do I need a UK sticker when driving in Europe?
It depends on your number plate and destination. If the vehicle’s number plate already displays the UK identifier with the Union flag, you generally don’t need a separate UK sticker in most countries.
You’ll normally need a UK sticker if the number plate displays only numbers and letters, a GB identifier, an EU symbol or an English, Scottish or Welsh national identifier.
There are additional requirements for Spain, Cyprus and Malta, where a UK sticker must be displayed regardless of what’s shown on the number plate. Check the latest GOV.UK guidance on UK identifiers and stickers.
What about Crit’Air stickers when driving a leased car in France?
If you’re taking a leased or hired vehicle to France, remember that many French cities and metropolitan areas operate low-emission zones known as Zones à Faibles Émissions (ZFEs).
Vehicles entering affected zones may need to display a Crit’Air emissions sticker. The scheme is no longer limited to Paris, Lyon and Grenoble, so check every city on your planned route before travelling.
Crit’Air stickers are linked to the vehicle rather than the driver, which can make arranging one for a leased or hired vehicle different from doing so for your own car. Speak to your leasing or rental company in plenty of time if you’re planning to enter a French low-emission zone.
See our updated Crit’Air sticker guide for UK drivers for information on how the system works, which vehicles need a sticker and how to order one.
VE103 checklist before driving abroad
- Contact the vehicle owner: Tell your hire, leasing or fleet provider where you’re travelling.
- Get permission: Obtain any required letter of authority or written permission.
- Arrange your VE103: Apply well before your departure date.
- Check insurance: Make sure you’re covered in every country you’ll drive through.
- Check your licence: Find out whether you need an International Driving Permit.
- Check the number plate: Make sure the correct UK identifier is displayed.
- Check local driving laws: Look for compulsory equipment, tolls and low-emission zones.
- Check France’s Crit’Air rules: If travelling through France, find out whether any city on your route requires an emissions sticker.
VE103 frequently asked questions
Is a VE103 the same as a V5C?
No. A V5C is the vehicle’s registration document or log book. A VE103 is a Vehicle on Hire Certificate used to show that you’re authorised to use a hired or leased vehicle abroad when you don’t have the original V5C.
Do I need a VE103 for a company car?
You may need one if the company or a leasing provider is the registered keeper and you’re taking the vehicle abroad without its original V5C. Check with your employer, fleet manager or leasing company before travelling.
Can I use a photocopy of the V5C instead of a VE103?
Don’t assume a photocopy of the V5C is an acceptable substitute. GOV.UK specifically states that drivers taking hired or leased vehicles abroad need a VE103 to show they’re allowed to use the vehicle.
How long does a VE103 last?
A VE103 is normally valid for one year. Make sure all the details are still correct before each overseas journey.
Can I take a lease car to France?
Usually, yes, provided your leasing company gives permission and you have the necessary documentation, insurance and VE103. You should also check France’s current driving requirements, including Crit’Air low-emission zones.
Where can I find the latest official VE103 rules?
For the latest requirements, check the GOV.UK guidance for taking a vehicle out of the UK before travelling. Rules can vary by destination and may change, so it’s also worth checking the official travel advice for every country on your route.