DVLA £26 alert to Brits going on holiday this summer

Brits going on holiday this summer have been issued an alert by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). If you’re taking a trailer or caravan abroad, it may need to be registered to do so.

Failing to do so could see you refused entry at European borders. You could also be fined up to €1,000.

However, this only applies if the caravan or trailer weighs more than 750kg and you’re visiting certain countries. In a reminder posted to social media platform X, the DVLA said: “Going abroad this summer? If you’re taking a trailer or caravan, check if it needs to be registered before you travel.”

This rule applies to “most” European countries, except for Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, and Spain. You can use the DVLA’s online service via GOV.UK to:

• Register any trailer to take it abroad
• Create an account to register your trailer or trailers
• Manage your registered trailer details - for example if you sell or scrap a trailer, or change your name or address

GOV.UK explained: “If you have an abnormal load trailer, you must also get a keeper’s certificate. Keep it in your vehicle to show at border crossings.”

Fees

It costs:

• £26 to register a trailer for the first time
• £21 to issue a new registration certificate for a new registered keeper
• £10 to replace a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed UK trailer registration certificate

Register online

To register online, you need:

• The name of the trailer manufacturer
• The trailer type - for example, box trailer, container trailer, horsebox or caravan
• The trailer’s vehicle identification number (VIN) (usually 17 characters) or chassis number - this is usually on a metal plate fitted to the trailer or stamped into the chassis
• The gross and unladen weight of the trailer
• An email address
• A debit or credit card

You also need a Government Gateway user ID and password.

If you do not have one, you can create one when you use this service online here.