So, I've registered my caravan with DVLA, now you have to use an official reg plate maker under UK law but it's not needed in the UK but will be required when we go to France so can I make my own as long as it's the same spec , do EU police actually check to see if the plate is officially made by a licenced UK maker
Thanks
2025 swift sprite Executive SB4
Nissan Navara towing veh.
You can certainly obtain font and plate size details and materials to make a DIY plate that is substantially compliant, but I believe to be truly compliant it needs the registered plate manufacturers details shown on it too - which you can't do.
As to whether anybody, especially foreign authorities would check that closely is pretty debatable IMHO. The million dollar question is what do you do IF they deem it unacceptable and stop you in your tracks! - all for the cost of a £20 professional plate!
That's me, all for saving money, but also balance that against the 'cost' (in whatever form) against a 'budget' solution not being accepted whilst being somewhere you can't easily put it right! Plenty of on-line suppliers, so no need to find a physical supplier.
Concur with Monty's sentiment, why risk being fined for a small sum to get a registration plate made professionally?!
It is similar to the need to carry spare bulbs/glasses/red triangle/hi-viz/etc. when driving in Europe. The chances of being stopped for whatever reasons, although remote, it is never zero IMHO.
The motor parts supply shop in town will not make a registration plate without the V5 document confirming ownership of the vehicle.
Not sure if such a document exists for a caravan, however, be prepared to provide this if asked.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 14/2/2026
Concur with Monty's sentiment, why risk being fined for a small sum to get a registration plate made professionally?!
It is similar to the need to carry spare bulbs/glasses/red triangle/hi-viz/etc. when driving in Europe. The chances of being stopped for whatever reasons, although remote, it is never zero IMHO.
The motor parts supply shop in town will not make a registration plate without the V5 document confirming ownership of the vehicle.
Not sure if such a document exists for a caravan, however, be prepared to provide this if asked.
DK
To get a compliant plate made abroad, to allow ongoing travel, you would likely need much the same as in the UK, the official DVLA UK trailer registration certificate (which gives the unique trailer/owner reg number), and acceptable form of ID (with address), both originals no doubt! Then you have the faff of fitting it under some duress!
When travelling abroad, I just find it far more relaxing if all the compliances are in place, the financial cost is rather minimal in the overall scheme of things, but the knowledge that nothing will cause problems is priceless IMHO. Never been stopped/needed to demonstrate compliance in around 40 years of foreign motoring, but that's not to say it won't happen!
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Quote: Originally posted by bofs on 26/2/2026
In fact the registration plate arrived today - I only ordered it yesterday!
Fantastic service. Wouldn't hesitate to use again.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Hello new member here
via mobile 13/2/2026 at 4:34pm
