The information below is purely for members derived from the most up to date information available as at 27.08.2025.
It is not an exhaustive list. The information below will not apply to members if they do not intend to travel to Europe with their caravans.
Disclaimer: The club is supplying this for members information only.
The club/committee is not an advisory body on this matter. It is for the individual member to decide if this information and any subsequent actions are pertinent to them and the timing of doing so.
On 26th August 2025, the UK Government issued a fresh update on UK trailer registration rules for travel abroad, reminding drivers that trailers including caravans over 750kg should be registered before being taken to most European Countries. Whereas in the past this registration process only pertained mainly to commercial trailers, the new update now includes caravans.
The latest guidance confirms caravan owners must ensure compliance before departing from the UK, or risk fines if stopped whilst travelling in Europe. A full list of countries where registration is compulsory (as of Aug 2025) can be found on the .Gov website ‘Check if you need to register a trailer before towing it abroad’.
The key points of note are:
- All trailers/caravans over 750kg must be registered to travel in or through most European countries. The exception being Malta, Ireland*, Spain, and Cyprus, however registration is still required if travelling through European countries to get to those destinations. (*travel from the UK to Ireland (Eire/Republic of Ireland) does not require registration of the caravan).
- Registered trailers/caravans must display their own number plates (separate to the tow car registration number plate). A white square number plate situated on the rear of the caravan and away from the car registration plate (e.g. top left- or right-hand corner of the back panel)
- The trailer/caravan registration certificate should be always carried when in Europe to show to the Police/Border Officials if requested.
- A UK sticker/Number Plate identifier is still required.
Registration can be made online at: www.gov.uk/register-trailer-to-take-abroad You will need the CRiS number of your caravan, the Gross and Unladen weight of your caravan and the manufacturer (The Swift Group), an email address and debit or credit card. You will need a Government Gateway ID and password, however if you do not have one you can set one up on application as part of the registration process. Please note that even if the website says you do not need a registration there is a button to click which states you wish to continue to register – use this button to continue your registration.
Cost
- The charge for registration for the life of the caravan is £26.00
- A new registration certificate is issued on the change of keeper at £21.00
- A £10.00 charge is levied for a replacement certificate.
Once registration is complete you will receive an email with the caravan’s individual registration number and will then receive in the post a certificate that can be used to obtain the relevant number plate. More information on the registration plate requirements can be found in leaflet: DVLA INF291
Please note: The Gov and DVLA websites show conflicting information currently but are being updated and therefore may show contradictory information in the short term.
