Touring caravans aren't registered with the DVLA, so the paperwork works differently from a car. Here's what a buyer expects to see, and what to do if you can't find it.
CRiS — the Central Registration and Identification Scheme — is the UK register for touring caravans. Caravans from the mainstream manufacturers are registered on it and carry a unique 17-digit VIN, etched into the windows and recorded on a registration document. CRiS lets a buyer confirm the caravan's identity, whether it has been reported stolen, and whether it is recorded as written off.
It happens often, and it isn't a dead end. CRiS can usually reissue or transfer a keeper record, and missing service history simply becomes part of the description rather than a barrier. What matters is that we know the position before inspection rather than discovering it on the day.
If the caravan came to you through an estate, see selling an inherited caravan.
When a sale completes, the CRiS keeper record needs to be transferred to the new keeper so the register stays accurate. We handle our side of that as part of completing the purchase, and we tell you exactly which steps we complete for you — and anything left for you to do — when the sale is agreed, so nothing is left hanging afterwards.
When we agree the sale we confirm how and when payment will be made, and whether your documents are handed over on collection day or sent to us in advance — so you know what to expect before the transporter is booked.
Answers
Touring caravans have no V5C. The useful documents are the CRiS registration document, proof that you own the caravan or have authority to sell it, photo ID matching that proof, and any service or habitation records. Finance details are needed if an agreement is still running.
Written by Caravan2Cash buying team, Touring caravan buyers. Published 2026-01-12, last reviewed 2026-01-12.
CRiS is the UK registration scheme for touring caravans, holding the chassis number, make, model and registered keeper. It is not proof of legal ownership, but it helps confirm identity and shows nothing is recorded against the caravan, so it makes a sale more straightforward.
Written by Caravan2Cash buying team, Touring caravan buyers. Published 2026-01-12, last reviewed 2026-01-12.
Often yes. A missing CRiS document is common on older caravans and does not automatically stop a sale, but you will need other evidence that the caravan is yours to sell — a purchase receipt, insurance documents or storage records. CRiS can also supply a replacement to the registered keeper.
Written by Caravan2Cash buying team, Touring caravan buyers. Published 2026-01-12, last reviewed 2026-01-12.
Yes — we need to be satisfied the caravan is yours to sell, or that you have authority to sell it. That can be the CRiS document in your name, a purchase invoice, insurance paperwork or storage records, together with photo ID in the same name.
Written by Caravan2Cash buying team, Touring caravan buyers. Published 2026-01-12, last reviewed 2026-01-12.
Usually yes. Missing service books, manuals or habitation reports are not a barrier. Missing ownership documents matter more: a caravan without its CRiS document needs other evidence that it is yours, and a motorhome's V5C can be replaced through DVLA.
Tell us what you have and what is missing when you ask for a valuation. In most cases we can tell you straight away what else would be needed, and whether anything has to be replaced before collection.
Written by Caravan2Cash buying team, Caravan and motorhome buyers. Published 2026-01-12, last reviewed 2026-01-12.
Tell us about your vehicle and our buying team will come back to you about a possible offer. It's free and there's no obligation to sell.