UK caravan owners driving to the EU must now register with DVLA

To the Editor,

In the latest magazine from the Camping and Caravan Club, I read that from January this year caravans being taken to the EU must be registered with the DVLA. 

The registration costs £26 and the DVLA then issues a special registration certificate and number, allowing owners to obtain a separate plate for the back of the caravan.

The plate itself costs about £19.99 and measures 23cm by 18cm, with black letters and numbers on a white background. 

It must be displayed on the rear of the caravan, positioned as far away as possible from the normal vehicle registration plate, but only when travelling in the EU. 

The requirement is intended to bring caravans in line with rules that apply to lorry trailers operating in the EU.

I thought this might be useful information for your readers, as it could come as a surprise to some. 

In the past, we kept our caravan at our home in France and used it for holidays there, and I imagine others are in a similar position. Anyone leaving their caravan in France will likely also need to register it.

Full details can be found on the DVLA website under “DVLA Caravan Registration”, which explains the information required, such as chassis and manufacturer details.

M.D, by email

Have you had to register your caravan with the DVLA to travel to France or the EU? Tell us about your experience at letters@connexionfrance.com