21/02/2026
Planning a journey to Europe with a caravan or trailer?
Trailer registration numbers and number plates (INF291)
1. Trailer registration numbers
1.1 Trailer registration – background information
Under UK legislation, certain trailers that are being used internationally must be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
This applies to:
all commercial use trailers that weigh over 750kg in gross weight
all non-commercial use trailers that weigh over 3,500kg in gross weight
Although not mandated in the UK, most countries expect trailers over 750kg gross weight driving to or through their country, apart from Ireland, Cyprus, Malta and Spain, to be registered and they may take enforcement action if the trailer is not registered. This applies to commercial and non-commercial trailers (for example, a caravan or horsebox).
You must register any trailer over 750kg gross weight to drive to or through most countries in Europe, to avoid the risk of enforcement action when using your trailer outside the UK.
Once a trailer has been registered with DVLA, it will be allocated a unique registration number that must be displayed on the trailer.
The trailer registration service can be found on GOV.UK.
1.2 Why we have trailer registration numbers
By law, certain trailers must display a unique registration number. These registration numbers are a way of identifying UK-registered trailers that are being driven internationally. This will help to ensure ease of travel while abroad.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/trailer-registration-numbers-and-number-plates-inf291/trailer-registration-numbers-and-number-plates-inf291
GOV.UK - The best place to find government services and information.
