If your vehicles have digital tachographs, you need a company card. Without one you cannot download the data from the vehicle unit, and you cannot protect it.
What a company card is
A company card is a chip card, similar in size to a driving licence, that identifies your business to the tachograph. It is not a driver card and it is not used for driving. It is how an operator downloads data from a vehicle unit, and how the operator “locks in” to a vehicle.
Why you need one
- To download vehicle unit data. Vehicle units must be downloaded at least every 90 days. You cannot do that without a company card.
- To lock in. Once your company has locked in to a vehicle, the data recorded from then on is protected from being accessed by anyone else.
- You do not need it for driver cards. A driver card can be downloaded without a company card.
How to apply
- Apply online on GOV.UK using the company digital tachograph card service. Company cards have their own service, separate from the one drivers use. The paper route is no longer available for a first application.
- You will need your company details. The card is issued to the company.
- The card arrives by post from DVLA. If you get stuck, the DVLA Digital Tachograph Team is on 0300 300 2079 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm).
Cost. The fee is set by DVLA. At the time of writing (October 2026) it is £32 for a first card and £19 for a replacement or additional card. Check the current fee on GOV.UK before you apply.
Get at least two. A company can hold more than one card, and it is wise to have a spare. If your only card is lost, damaged or expires, you cannot download or lock in until a replacement arrives.
How long it lasts
A company card is valid for five years. DVLA sends a reminder before it expires, and you should apply to renew at least 15 working days before the expiry date. An expired card cannot be used to lock in, lock out or download, so do not leave it until the week it runs out.
Using it
- Put the card in either driver card slot of the tachograph.
- Follow the on-screen prompt to lock in. You lock in once for each vehicle.
- To download, put the card in, connect your download device, download the vehicle unit data, then take the card out.
- When you stop using a vehicle (sold, returned, off the fleet), lock out so the next operator can lock in.
Keep it safe
Treat the card like a key to your business data. Keep it in a safe place, record who has used it, and report it lost or stolen. If it is damaged or stops working, send it back with your replacement application, because a fee may apply if you do not.
What next?
Once you have downloaded the data you need somewhere to analyse it. OperatorSafe reads vehicle unit and driver card files and shows you the infringements in plain English, and can pick up new downloads automatically from your PC.
If you would like help reviewing your drivers’ hours, HGV Consult can introduce an external Transport Manager.
See what OperatorSafe does
Driver checks, vehicle and driver files, maintenance planning and tachograph analysis. Unlimited drivers, from £49 a month.
More guides
- Why you need tachograph and fleet compliance software, and which features matter
- How to download a digital tachograph vehicle unit, step by step
- How to download a driver card, and how often you must
- What time should a tachograph be set to? (It’s UTC)