Deadline for Trailer Registrations Approaches

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has developed an online system for trailer registration, which is required for operators who operate internationally following Brexit. The requirement is for a separate number plate to be affixed to any trailer above 750kg MAM being used commercially in countries who are ratified to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. For trailers being used for non-commercial operations the requirement for registration is for trailers over 3,500kg MAM. Certain countries are not ratified to the 1968 convention and as such the trailer registration is no required, these countries are Republic of Ireland, Spain, Malta and Cyprus. 

The registration system is online only and there will be no paper version available. The system can be accessed via GOV.UK with the official public launch now behind us. If you have not already applied for ECMT permits for 2019, you can apply until 11:59pm on 16 March 2019.

Once signed up for the service, users will be able to apply for a registration number for each of their trailers, the cost per registration is approximately £25.00 with payments via debit or credit card only excluding American Express. Once the process is completed the operator will be issued with a certificate which they can use to get a registration plate made up at an approved number plate manufacturer. DVLA will also send the operator a UK Trailer Registration Certificate, via post, within three to five working days. The original certificate must accompany the trailer on relevant international journeys. The registration lasts for 10 years after which time the operator or keeper must re-register the trailer for a further 10 years. Re-registration of a trailer will attract a lower fee.

The plate to be fixed to the rear of the trailer and should be visible but not impede the drawing vehicles registration plate. It must be either square or rectangular in shape with white letters on a black background (one alpha character and seven numerical characters). As yet it is not clear if this registration plate will need to be illuminated.