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quoteCaravanners and motorhomers heading abroad are being urged to check new rules announced by the DVLA that came into effect on August 26th, 2025.
If you’re planning to tow your caravan, trailer tent, or any trailer weighing more than 750kg to or through most European countries, you’ll now need to register it with the DVLA before you set off.
Which trailers need to be registered?
- All trailers over 750kg gross weight (including caravans and trailer tents) being used internationally.
- This applies whether they’re for personal use (holidays, leisure trips) or commercial use (such as horseboxes).
Exceptions
You do not need to register trailers for journeys within:
- The UK
- Between the UK and Ireland
- Or when only travelling in Spain, Malta, or Cyprus
However, if you’re driving through another European country to reach one of those destinations, you’ll still need to register your trailer.
Countries where registration is needed
If you’re travelling in or through popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Austria, or Switzerland, your caravan or trailer must be registered.
In total, more than 40 countries are covered by this requirement, including Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, and most of Eastern Europe.
What does registration involve?
When you register your caravan or trailer with the DVLA, you’ll be issued with a unique trailer registration number.
You’ll then need to:
- Display a separate trailer registration plate at the back of your caravan or trailer, as well as your towing vehicle’s plate.
- Carry a trailer registration certificate, which might need to be shown to foreign authorities on request.
- Display a UK sticker on your trailer to avoid any risk of enforcement action abroad.
Failure to have the trailer registered could also lead to refusal of entry to the country.
Costs
- £26 to register a trailer for the first time
- £21 for a new certificate if ownership changes
- £10 for a replacement registration certificate
Trailer number plates – what you need to know
The plate for your caravan or trailer is slightly different from a vehicle plate:
- It’s the same size as a motorcycle plate
- Has black characters on a white background
- Must be displayed on the back of the caravan or trailer, or on both sides if this isn’t possible
Plates can only be made by a registered number plate supplier (RNPS). Find your nearest number plate supplier – GOV.UK. You’ll need your number plate authorisation certificate (issued after online registration) plus ID and proof of address.
Failure to display the registration correctly could lead to fines of up to £1,000. Find out more about the correct trailer number plate specification at www.gov.uk.
Why has this change been introduced?
Many European countries already require caravan and trailer registration, and this move brings UK rules in line with their expectations. The system allows trailers to be easily identified abroad and helps reduce the risk of fines or enforcement action when touring overseas.
Planning a European trip with your caravan?
If you’re hitting the road across Europe, it’s now essential to check that your caravan or trailer is properly registered. Registration is quick and simple via the DVLA’s trailer registration service on GOV.UK.
Taking these steps will help you enjoy a smooth, stress-free touring adventure in Europe and avoid any unwanted holiday headaches. And remember that you must take the trailer registration certificate and registration plate with you.
And don’t forget to make sure your caravan insurance has European cover. Our policy has European cover options to take trips abroad for up to 180 days, or you can pay to extend this up to 240 days.
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