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For a UK van the CRIS Document is usually considered as proof of ownership, having of course first confirmed that with the CRIS organisation. In Europe many countries require caravans to be registered as vehicles in their own right and in some countries are subject to MOT style checks.

David

It it not similar to someone being in a country that does not register title to a car. If you imported here you would need to apply to the DVLA to register.

Taking our caravans on holiday as a temporary visitor does not change things but if we sold to someone in say, Germany, would they not have to apply to their local registration authority to register the import?

Quote: Originally posted by ClassicCaravan on 12/2/2010

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Right, I understand that, but the government where the trailer is being bought is asking for a normal vehicle title, and I assume that a CRIS register is an optional registration for your own protection.

Its a great idea, but this was never CRIS registered.

I've looked at DVLA and everything I can see, but nothing that says that there is no law to title a caravan in UK.

Any help is sincerely appreciated. Thanks!

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All new UK caravans have been CRIS registered since about 1992/93. My understanding is that other caravans that are older or imported from elsewhere can be registered on CRIS on a voluntary basis, at a cost of course. I expect what is happening is, as has already been suggested, is the country where you are taking the van don't understand the UK way of doing things and are really looking for a registration document. There is also another document you need to register a caravan in another country, not quite sure what it is called, but it is basically the manufacturers built and equipment specification which can then be checked against the rules in the country where you are taking it. I assume to check whether it meets the construction and use regulations in that country. One source of possible information are any ex pat forums in the country where you are taking the van as someone has likely done the same thing before. I know there is one forum in France that would have information of that sort.

David

Are you sure that your seller is asking the right question? As folks on here have said there is no specific requirement in the UK to have title to the van registered in the same way as we do with cars. Your seller will want to be satisfied that you own the van and so may be asking for evidence that it is yours to sell.

You say that the government is asking for evidence of registration. I am somewhat puzzled by that and question whether any "government" would be stepping in between you and your purchaser. It may be a legal requirement for the purchaser to have some import documentation but that would be for the purchaser to sort out.

In some places towing a UK van with other nationals' car number is unlawful e.g France. There are also requirements to register the van but that is for the new owner to arrange. Is your buyer actually asking you to register the van over there before they buy perhaps?. As I say are they asking the right question?...Maybe something lost in translation?.

This is what they do in France (or used to if the system has changed) which may clarify matters....or confuse further!!!!

Caravans are registered in France through the Prefecture (forms to fill in), then an inspection at Directions Régionales de l'Industrie de la Recherche et de l'Environnement (DRIRE) where they need to see your caravan papers and here they will ask for a letter of conformity that the caravan is to european standard, by this they mean french standard. Now, english caravan makers tend not to produce one and this is where it can be difficult. Is this what they are after? If so then perhaps a letter from the manufacturer confirming that the chasis, brakes, linkage and body meet european conformity regulations would assist. It has to come from the manufacturer. The van would need a metal plate on the chasis (near the towball) with weights, chasis number etc. Next the van goes to the Bureau Veritas to have the gas and electricity checked. They would expect to see french sockets and that each gas appliance has its own shutdown tap. They also check that the gas bottle piping is in date, together with the fire extinguisher. Once these proceudres have been followed the Prefecture will issue a carte gris (CG) after you have palmed their hand with a sum of money. With the CG you then get your numberplate. Some places ask for the CRISS if your van has one which would help 

Hope this assists....easy option...sell in the UK

Phil

Quote: Originally posted by Tentz on 12/2/2010

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At risk of going off topic, its easy to see why its so easy for caravan thieves in't UK & one can understand why other European countries find our system with no means of legal registration or the abilty to check caravans are even road legal so unbelievable.

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