UK Caravan Registration for Europe: The Complete Beginner's Guide.
- Caravan Coach
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
UK Caravan Registration for Europe - Introduction
If you are planning to tow your caravan to Europe, you need to be aware of updated DVLA guidance that came into effect on 26 August 2025. Most European countries expect caravans weighing over 750kg (gross weight) to be registered before entering their territory. Without registration, you risk enforcement action abroad, which could include fines or being refused entry at the border.
It is important to understand that this is not a change to UK law. The underlying legislation, the Haulage Permits and Trailer Registration Act 2018, has not been amended. If you only use your caravan within the UK, there is no legal requirement to register under this scheme. The registration requirement applies specifically when travelling internationally to countries that have ratified the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
This UK caravan registration for Europe guide explains which countries require registration, how to complete the process, and how to display your number plate correctly.
Which Countries Require Registration?
Registration is required for travel to or through over 40 European countries that have ratified the 1968 Vienna Convention. These include France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Norway, Sweden, and most of Eastern Europe.
Countries where registration is not currently required: Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta do not require UK trailer registration. Spain has ratified the Convention but does not currently require separate registration for UK leisure caravans. However, you must still register if travelling through a country that does require it to reach any of these destinations.
Important caveat on routes: If you travel through a country that requires registration to reach your destination, you must still register your caravan. This is a crucial point that is easy to overlook. For example, if you drive through France to reach Spain, registration is required because France expects it.
Similarly, if you take a ferry that docks in France before continuing to Spain, you are technically entering French territory. Only if your entire journey avoids all countries requiring registration (for instance, a direct ferry from the UK to Spain) would registration not apply.
How to Register Your Caravan
Registration is completed online through the DVLA and typically takes only a few minutes. The fee is £26, and your certificate is valid for 10 years.
What You Need
Before starting, gather the following information: your caravan manufacturer's name, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or chassis number (usually on a metal plate or stamped into the chassis), and the gross and unladen weights. You will also need an email address, a debit or credit card, and a Government Gateway account (which you can create during registration).
Registration Steps
Visit the official DVLA registration page at https://www.gov.uk/register-trailer-to-take-abroad and follow the prompts to enter your caravan details. After payment, you will receive an email with a number plate authorisation certificate. Your official trailer registration certificate will arrive by post within a few weeks.
Obtaining and Displaying Your Number Plate
Once registered, your caravan must display its own unique registration plate alongside your towing vehicle's plate when travelling in countries that require registration.
Plate format: Trailer plates have one letter followed by seven numbers, displayed over two lines on a white background with black characters. This differs from standard vehicle plates.
Where to get your plate: You must use a Registered Number Plate Supplier (RNPS). Find your nearest at https://www.gov.uk/number-plate-supplier. Take your authorisation certificate (or registration certificate once it arrives) plus proof of name and address.
Display position: Fix the plate to the rear of your caravan in a visible, vertical position, as far as possible from your towing vehicle's plate. If rear mounting is not possible, fit plates to both sides of the caravan instead. Under UK regulations, incorrectly displayed number plates can attract fines of up to £1,000.
UK sticker: It is recommended that you also display a UK oval sticker on your caravan, positioned next to (not on) the trailer plate, to avoid any risk of enforcement action abroad.
What to Carry When Travelling
Trailer registration certificate: This is the key document specific to caravan registration. The DVLA will post this to you after completing your online application. Keep it in your vehicle and be prepared to show it to police or border officials on request.
General travel documentation: As with any European trip, you should also carry your towing vehicle's V5C registration certificate and motor insurance documents confirming European cover. These are standard requirements for driving abroad rather than specific to trailer registration.
Conclusion
If you are taking your caravan to most European countries, registering with the DVLA is a sensible precaution to avoid potential enforcement action abroad. The process is straightforward, costs £26, and your certificate lasts 10 years. Remember that the requirement depends on your route, not just your destination, so check carefully if you are passing through any countries that require registration.
Complete your registration at https://www.gov.uk/register-trailer-to-take-abroad, obtain your number plate from a registered supplier, and carry your certificate on every European trip.
Disclaimer
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References
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (2025) Register your trailer to take it abroad. GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/register-trailer-to-take-abroad (Accessed: 7 December 2025).
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (2025) Check if you need to register a trailer before towing it abroad. GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trailer-registration (Accessed: 7 December 2025).
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (2025) Trailer registration numbers and number plates (INF291). GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/trailer-registration-numbers-and-number-plates-inf291/trailer-registration-numbers-and-number-plates-inf291 (Accessed: 7 December 2025).
National Caravan Council (2025) Trailer Registration Scheme – Statement from the NCC. The NCC. Available at: https://www.thencc.org.uk/hubs/news/trailer-registration-scheme-statement-from-the-ncc/ (Accessed: 7 December 2025).
