The Government has issued a fresh update on UK trailer registration rules for travelling abroad, reminding drivers that trailers over 750kg must be registered before being taken to most European countries.
The latest guidance, updated on 26 August, 2025, confirms that caravan owners must ensure compliance before setting off, or risk being turned back at the border.
Key points from the 2025 update
- All trailers over 750kg must be registered to travel in or through most European countries
- Exceptions: Ireland, Cyprus, Malta and Spain – but trailers still need to be registered if travelling through other countries to reach these destinations
- Registered trailers must display their own number plate (separate from the towing vehicle)
- Drivers must carry a trailer registration certificate, ready to show to police or border officials abroad
Costs for caravan and trailer owners
Registering a trailer remains a low-cost but essential requirement:
- £26 to register a trailer for the first time
- £21 to issue a new registration certificate when the keeper changes
- £10 for a replacement certificate
Where you must register your trailer
Countries where registration is compulsory include France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Poland and Greece, alongside most other European nations.
Full list (as of August 2025): Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine.
How to Register your Caravan
You will need to register your caravan with the DVLA here. To get details of the new caravan registration number, which has to be displayed alongside the tow car number plate. You will also get a registation certificate, which you need to carry with you at all times.