Trailer Registration Rules for Caravan and Motorhome Owners

The ruling now applies to any trailer or caravan that has a maximum weight (MTPLM) over 750kg. This includes the Bailey Discovery, Phoenix, Pegasus, Unicorn, and Alicanto ranges.

It’s worth noting that this ruling also applies to car and motorhome owners who tow trailers weighing over 750kg in most of Europe.

What has changed?

On the 26th August 2025, the UK government updated the registration requirements for certain trailers used abroad. As mentioned above, this includes caravans, which count as trailers under EU transport law.
The key point is, if you are taking a UK trailer over 750kg MTPLM abroad, you likely need to register it before travel and fit the trailer plate. However, this doesn’t apply to all EU countries.

Do I need to register my Caravan for European travel?

Most owners will need to register their caravan or trailer for use abroad, although there are a few exceptions. Spain, for example, does not require trailer registration, so if you arrive by ferry in Santander or Bilbao and your travel plans don’t include surrounding countries, registration isn’t needed. However, if you pass through France on your way to Spain, registration is required.

Countries where registration is required

• France
• Germany
• Belgium
• Netherlands
• Italy
• Austria
• Denmark
• Sweden
• Most Schengen-area countries

Countries where UK trailer registration is not required

• Spain
• Ireland
• Malta
• Cyprus

Owners should still carry documentation, but formal registration is not required in those countries.

What counts as a ‘trailer’ under these rules?

If the maximum weight, or MTPLM, is over 750kg, the rule applies to:

• Touring caravans
• Trailer tents and folding campers
• Box trailers
• Small cargo trailers towed by motorhomes
• Motorcycle/scooter trailers
• Other trailer types

If it has a VIN and a weight plate, it is treated as a trailer.

CRiS Document or DVLA V5C?

Occasionally, confusion arises from the registration requirements for caravans. The points below highlight the differences between a CRiS document and a V5C issued by the DVLA:

• Caravans do not have a V5C from the DVLA because they are not motor vehicles.
• They are instead registered through CRiS, the Central Registration & Identification Scheme.
• CRiS serves as the caravan’s official record of ownership, similar to a V5C, which records the keeper’s details for a car.
• CRiS is widely recognised across Europe and is accepted as proof of ownership.

For European travel, you should carry:

•  Trailer registration certificate (once registered for Europe). N.B. The VIN/chassis plate should be clean and readable.
• Documents relating to the tow car. E.g. V5C, insurance certificate, etc.
• CRiS registration document
• Passport & driving licence
• Country-specific equipment (vests, triangle, spare bulbs, etc.)

Caravan receive their own trailer registration number

Under the new UK scheme, your caravan will be issued with a unique trailer registration number.
This means:

• The caravan displays the tow car’s number plate and the trailer registration plate when used abroad.
• It should be placed as far from the number plate as practically possible.

How to register your caravan and receive a trailer number

The process is carried out online via the trailer registration page on the Government website.

What you’ll need:

• Caravan VIN
• MTPLM
• Manufacturer details (if not yet listed, select “manufacturer not listed” and continue the registration process)
• Payment method

Costs (correct as of December 2025):

• £26 to register a trailer for the first time.
• £21 to issue a new registration certificate for a new registered keeper.
• £10 duplicate certificate.
• £7 changes (address, details, etc.)

What you will receive:

• A unique trailer registration number
• A downloadable registration certificate (PDF)

What you need to do next:

• Once registered, you must purchase a trailer registration plate that displays your unique number. These can be purchased from Government-recommended suppliers.
• Your caravan or trailer must display the trailer registration number in addition to the usual number plate. The trailer plate should be mounted as far from the number plate as practically possible. E.g on the upper left corner of the rear panel.

What you need to do next:

• Once registered, you must purchase a trailer registration plate that displays your unique number. These can be purchased from Government-recommended suppliers.
• Your caravan or trailer must display the trailer registration number in addition to the usual number plate. The trailer plate should be mounted as far from the number plate as practically possible. E.g on the upper left corner of the rear panel.

What happens if you don’t display trailer number plates?

Industry and legal summaries warn that potential issues include:

• Possible fines
• Delays at roadside stops
• Problems at the border or the port
• Complications with insurance claims

However, these are possibilities, not guaranteed events. Enforcement varies between countries and routes.

Registering ensures you are compliant and avoids unnecessary complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do caravans have a V5C?

No. Caravans are not motor vehicles and do not have a DVLA-issued V5C. Instead, they are registered with the CRiS caravan registration scheme.

Is CRiS documentation accepted in Europe?
Yes. It is widely recognised as official evidence of ownership and identification.

Does the trailer registration plate replace the number plate on the rear of the caravan?

No, both must be displayed. The trailer registration plate should be as far from the number plate as practically possible.

Does Spain require the caravan to be registered?
No. At the time of writing, Spain does not require trailers or caravans to be registered.

Does a folding camper or trailer tent need registration?
Yes, if over 750kg MTPLM and used abroad in a country requiring registration.

Will I be checked at the border or roadside?

Not necessarily, but registration is required by law in the listed countries.

Final Thoughts: Keeping European Touring Easy

Touring Europe in a Bailey caravan remains one of the best ways to see the continent, and the updated rules add a one-time administrative step. By registering your caravan, fitting the correct plate, and carrying the necessary documentation, you’ll be fully prepared for smooth, trouble-free touring across Europe from 2025 onwards.