Caravans must now be registered to travel in most parts of Europe. The new rules came into effect on 26 August 2025, ending an exemption for non-commercial trailers.
Here’s what you need to know to prepare for a European caravan holiday.
What are the new rules?
All trailers with a gross weight of 750kg or over must now be registered to travel in most parts of Europe. This includes the various types of caravans, folding campers and trailer tents.
Do the rules apply to all European countries?
No. There are exceptions. Ireland, Spain, Malta and Cyprus don’t require UK trailers and tourers to be registered separately from the caravan tow car.
However, registration is needed for caravans while travelling to these destinations through other European countries. For example, if travelling through France to reach Spain, registration would be required.
How do I register my caravan?
You will need to go online on the government website.
To complete registration, you will need:
- The name of the caravan manufacturer
- The caravan’s 17-digit-long vehicle identification number (VIN), which you should be able to find on the weight plate
- The gross and unladen weight of the caravan (often referred to as the Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass and the Mass in Running Order – see our guide to caravan weights for more on this)
- An email address
- A debit or credit card
You will also need a Government Gateway ID, which you can set up during the registration process if you don’t have one already.
How much does it cost?
The fee to register your caravan is £26 plus £21 to issue the registration certificate. If you lose or damage the certificate a replacement costs £10.
How long does it take?
So long as you have all the information to hand it should only take a few minutes.
At first you create an account, then you enter your Government Gateway ID (or set one up). You then enter your address and email address.
Having created the account, you can now register your caravan. Despite attempting to register a caravan from a popular manufacturer, Elddis, we found the system didn’t recognise the maker’s name. However, the website did allow us to continue with the registration.
We tried again with the details of a Swift caravan. Again, the system did not recognise Swift, but we were able to continue by clicking on ‘manufacturer not listed’ and entering the manufacturer name manually.
Many caravanners have expressed their frustration through online forums that the system has not been updated to include caravan manufacturers as soon as the new rules came into force. However, so long as you spot the ‘manufacturer not listed’ button you should be able to complete registration.
What should I do before I travel?
You need to take the registration certificate with you. You should also have a plate made for the back of the caravan.
This doesn’t replace the plate which duplicates the tow car’s number plate, it’s in addition. The new trailer plate is square (like a motorcycle number plate) and shows black lettering on a white background. It should be attached as far as is reasonably practicable from the plate which shows the tow car’s registration number.
Caravans should also display a UK identifying sticker.
How do I have a plate made up?
You will need to use a registered number plate supplier (RNPS). You can find one through the government’s website. You’ll need some ID and your trailer number plate certificate.
What are the penalties if I travel without registering my caravan?
Fines of up to €1000 are possible. You may even be turned around at the border, so it’s definitely not worth the risk.
When you’re hitched up to a tourer, one thing you will want to avoid will be any avoidable errors; be sure to take a look at my guide to common towing mistakes.
Lead image: Alamy Stock Photo
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