Does a Caravan Have to Be CRiS Registered

Most caravan owners and enthusiasts will be aware of what a CRiS number is and what it means to be registered – but does a caravan have to be CRiS registered, or is this optional? In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about this topic, from what a CRiS number is, the benefits of it, and whether it is a legal requirement or not. 

At Northam Farm Caravan Sales, we tell you everything you need to know about caravans and answer your important questions, what the 85% rule is for caravans, if caravans need MOT, and how to keep your caravan safe and secure. 

What Does it Mean to be CRiS Registered?

Started in 1992, the CRiS, or Central Registration and Identification Scheme, is a UK-wide system that is designed to identify and track caravans. It is similar to the VINs (Vehicle Identification Numbers) on cars, and can be very beneficial for a number of reasons, which we will explore later in this article. 

All CRiS registered caravans have a unique 17-digit code that is linked to its CRiS record. Within the number, you will find a collection of important information, including things like the year of manufacture, the model, and the caravan make. 

The fantastic thing about CRiS registrations is that you can do a quick search of the 17-digit code to check if a caravan you would like to rent or buy has been written off, has been stolen, or even has any outstanding finances associated with it. This alone makes it incredibly useful for any potential buyers, as you will be able to see these details before you exchange any money, and you can fact-check to make sure that the buyer is being truthful about any information given. 

Does a Caravan Have to Be CRiS Registered?

So, does a caravan have to be CRiS registered? No, there is no obligation to CRiS register your caravan under CRiS. Unlike cars in the UK, caravans don’t have to get registered with the DVLA, either, but this doesn’t mean that there are no benefits of taking additional steps to protect your caravan. 

Carrying Out a CRiS Check

If you would like to carry out a CRiS check, this is a lot easier than you might think! There are two options to choose from: calling 0203 282 1000 to get in touch with the CRiS call centre, or by doing an online check.  

You will need to get your 17-digit VIN number and have a payment method at-hand to complete this check, as checks currently cost £17.95 at the time of writing this. 

Where to Find the VIN Number

If you do not know where to find the 17-digit code for CRiS registration, there are some simple places to check. Much like a car’s VIN number, this code will be found in the button on the right corner of the windows, in the main door, on the chassis, and the frame of the caravan. 

Depending on the type of caravan you have, there may be additional locations, such as on the door frame. 

Some caravans will have less than 17 digits in their code. This will be the case if:

  • The caravan was manufactured outside the UK or before 1992 – these caravans may have a Serial Number instead, which can be any length depending on the manufacturer 
  • The number may have been tampered with – if you suspect this, you should immediately get in touch with CRiS to find out what to do 

What Does This Tell Me?

A CRiS check will tell you all the information you are going to want to know before you finalise a purchase on the caravan. Doing this before you exchange any money can save you a lot of time and trouble, and is highly recommended.

When you carry out a CRiS check, you will be told about the following information:

  • The number of previous registered keepers there have been for that caravan (please note, the term ‘keeper’ does not mean ‘legal owner’, but someone who is responsible for the caravan)
  • The current registered keeper’s name 
  • The age, make, and model of the caravan you are checking
  • Any outstanding finance
  • If the caravan has been recorded on the CRiS security register
  • If the caravan has been written off by an insurance company

What to do When You Sell a Caravan

When you sell a CRiS-registered caravan, you will need to fill out the CVR7 (Notification of Sale or Transfer) part of the Registration Document with all the details of the new keeper and let CRiS know. The current keeper will need to sign and date the form to confirm the sale, so please remember to do this! 

Once you have sold your CRiS-registered caravan, you can complete an online form to advise CRiS on the sale. 

What About Buying a Caravan?

Brand-new caravans will automatically be CRiS-registered for free by the dealer, so you will not need to do anything in this case. 

However, if you are buying a second-hand caravan, then you will need to re-register it if you decide that you want the CRiS registration. For this, you will need to pay a one-time fee of £20.95 and have the 17-digit code at hand. 

For those who have the previous keeper’s CRiS Registration Document, simply fill out the CVR8 section of the document, then send it to CRiS Ltd, Unit 1, First Floor Greenways Business Park, Bellinger Close, Chippenham, SN15 1BN with a £20.95 cheque that is made payable to CRiS Ltd.

Benefits of CRiS-Registering Your Caravan

If you aren’t sold on CRiS-registering your caravan, maybe the below benefits will be enough to change your mind:

  • Makes it easier to sell in the future 
  • Easy identification in the case of theft
  • CRiS is a lifetime ownership after a one-off fee 
  • Assistance with warranties, security, and safety 
  • CRiS Registration Documents help prove keepership of caravans abroad 
  • Some insurance companies only pay out after CRiS document submissions 

Caravan Rules and Regulations in the UK

Does a Caravan Have to Be CRiS Registered

As we mentioned, you do not need to register caravans with the DVLA in the UK, and there is no equivalent like there is for cars. While CRiS is incredibly useful and something that we recommend all caravan owners to register under, there is no obligation to do so. 

It’s also worth mentioning that you do not need to pay road tax on caravans in the UK that weigh less than 3,500 kg MAM (or Maximum Authorised Mass). Your caravans also do not legally require MOT, but it is always recommended to organise annual services to keep it in good working condition and roadworthy. 

It also is not a legal requirement for caravans to be insured. However, this is also something that we highly recommend you do, as insurance can protect you against accidental damage, theft, and more, depending on the insurance you choose.  

Final Thoughts

At Northam Farm Caravan Sales, we fully believe in protecting your caravan to the best of your ability, and CRiS is a fantastic way to do this. With the rise in popularity of caravans over the last few years, the small fee to CRiS register your caravan can go a long way to securing it for years to come. 

So, does a caravan have to be CRiS registered? No, caravans in the UK don’t need to be registered with the DVLA, and CRiS registration is not legally required, either. However, there are benefits to doing this regardless, and it is something that we would recommend for what you get. Learn more about our finance options, holiday homes, and useful information. If you want to get in touch about parts and servicing, pre-owned caravans, or new caravans, we would love to hear from you and help you out.