Effective as of 26 August 2025, the UK government has expanded its trailer registration requirements to include caravans. The update means, all Trailers and Caravans with a gross weight over 750 kg must be registered with the DVLA and display a Trailer Plate when going on European trips.
Don’t be caught out by the rule changes, Register your Caravan for European Travel before you tow!
Register Your Caravan for European Travel
UK trailer registration regulations now include all caravans over 750kg, so you’ll need to register your caravan for European travel & display a trailer plate to comply with EU Rules.
Key Updates:
- 2025 Update: All trailers, including caravans & horse boxes over 750kg must now be registered with the DVLA for travelling in most European countries.
- Exempt Countries: Ireland, Cyprus, Malta & Spain are currently exempt from the scheme, unless you travel through other locations to reach them.
- Registration Costs: £26 for first-time registration, £21 when changing keeper and £10 for replacing a lost certificate. The trailers certificate will be sent in the post after online registration.
- Requirements: Registered trailers must display their own unique Trailer Plate, separate from the towing vehicles number plate and keepers must carry the trailers registration certificate.
- Penalties: Non-plated or incorrect display of a Trailer Plate can result of fines of up to £1000. Border control authorities can refuse entry for non-compliance.
Caravanners
Publicity for this recent update has been sparse, leading to much confusion for Caravanners. At the time of the August 2025 update the Trailer Registration Service webpage still needs updating, although the trailer types listed now includes caravans. Even if the online service indicates you may not need to register your caravan, we recommend you do so anyway.
- Border Issues: Authorities across Europe can refuse entry or enforce on the spot penalties if a caravan isn’t correctly registered or plated.
- Cost-Effective: A £26 charge for registration & a similar fee for having Trailer Plates made ensures you’re legally prepared and eliminates fines.
- Legal Clarity: A vague or grey area on trailers has now been codified, any room for misunderstanding has been removed.
Trailer Plates
Once a trailer has been registered it will be allocated a unique registration number it must display. A trailer number plate authorisation certificate will be emailed to you after registration, show this to a number plate supplier when buying a Trailer Plate.
Plate Format & Supply
International Trailer Plate Regulations set in 2018 specify a registration format of one letter followed by 7 numbers, set out over 2 lines just like motorcycles. The plate itself must have black characters on a white background. Just like number plates, only a DVLA registered supplier (RNPS) can make & supply a Trailer Plate.
Display on Vehicle
The Trailer Plate must be displayed on the rear of the trailer or caravan in a visible and vertical position. It must be displayed as well as the towing vehicle’s number plate and fixed as far as reasonably possible from this plate. Alternately to rear mounting, trailer plates can be fixed to both sides of the vehicle instead.
UK Stickers
Some countries also require a UK identifier to be displayed on the trailer. To avoid any risk of enforcement action abroad, we recommend that you display a UK Oval Sticker next to the towing vehicles number plate on the caravan or trailer.
