Trailer / Caravan Registrations now required for Europe

[colintfcolintf]

Seems since late Aug’25 if you take a Caravan or Trailer over to Europe with a Gross Weight of 750kg or more that it needs its own unique registration. Both of these are worth a read. The attached published recently by the DVLA
Stumbled across it (from a trailer supplier) over the weekend, and upon first read thought the attached document referred to trailers carrying commercial goods only, but re-reading led to understanding it’s for private use trailers and caravans as well. This was then backed up by others who tow overseas more regular than I do, including one who also sent the attached link.

https://tccservices.co.uk/blogs/tcc...uld-leave-your-caravan-stranded-at-the-border

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

There is a gov website with a series of questions that defines what and what isn't required. It seems to be around carriage of goods commercially

 

[colintfcolintf]

There is a gov website with a series of questions that defines what and what isn't required. It seems to be around carriage of goods commercially

That’s how I first read it but their new publication (attached) implies private as well as commercial now if over 750kg gross weight

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

That’s how I first read it but their new publication (attached) implies private as well as commercial now if over 750kg gross weight

Yeah The Gov Website says £26 for a trailer over 750Kgs and it need a VIN plate so that gets rid of all the home built POS running around here.

I'm saving for a woodford.

 

[stoobthealien]

Yeah The Gov Website says £26 for a trailer over 750Kgs and it need a VIN plate so that gets rid of all the home built POS running around here.

I'm saving for a woodford.

Only if they want to take them to Europe though - I'm not sure there's likely a big crossover

 

[5i1ver8ack]

That’s how I first read it but their new publication (attached) implies private as well as commercial now if over 750kg gross weight

The guidance has been revised. This now applies to private as well as commercial.

Since 26 August 2025, DVLA has advised UK trailer owners, including caravanners, to register any trailer over 750kg before travelling to most European countries (excluding Ireland and Spain).

This changes the long standing practice by which UK leisure trailers including caravans, have been able to travel throughout Europe without requiring individual registration for the trailer itself.

 

[andyinluton]

It appears to be a pretty simple process for the equivalent of a V5 for the trailer & the purchase of an additional square numberplate to be displayed in addition to the towcars plate.
Doesn't look to be anything stopping you making your own vin plate for a homebuilt trailer etc.
No requirement for lighting to the additional plate.

 

[AlanC]

Yes it is simple.

Once you have registered your trailer on line, you will receive a temporary registration document, which will enable you to get a plate made. The permanent registration document comes by post from DVLA a few days later.

Don't bother going to Halfords, when I went, they
A. Didn't know about the requirement.
B. Don't stock square white number plates.

I had mine made up by a company in Exeter, who were very quick and sent it to me by return post.

The number plate is the same size as the motorcycle's rear ones.
If you drive the motorways, you may well see the plates that are starting to appear on the rear of lorry trailers.

Alan

 

[CaliforniaCylus]

Already registered mine. There was no recent legislation change but a Brexit omission as within the EU there is an exemption to displaying the trailer registration.

I've had one printed on "clingy vinyl" to slap on the back of our caravan.

 

[Homesteader]

There is a gov website with a series of questions that defines what and what isn't required. It seems to be around carriage of goods commercially

It also mentions caravans and motorhomes