What Paperwork Do I Need to Sell My Caravan? A Complete UK Checklist
The documents you need to sell a touring caravan or motorhome in the UK, what to do about outstanding finance, and how to sell if paperwork is missing.
Having the right paperwork ready makes selling your caravan quicker, smoother and more valuable. Buyers pay more when they can see a caravan’s identity, ownership and history, and it gives both sides confidence that everything is above board.
What you need depends on what you’re selling. This guide covers touring caravans and motorhomes, plus what to do about finance and missing documents.
Touring caravans
Touring caravans aren’t registered with the DVLA, so there’s no V5C logbook. Instead, gather the following.
CRiS registration document
Most touring caravans built in the UK since 1992 are registered on CRiS, the Central Registration and Identification Scheme. Each caravan has a unique 17-character identification number (VIN), which is marked on the chassis and etched into the windows. The CRiS document records the caravan’s details and its registered keeper.
When you sell, update the keeper details using the instructions on your CRiS document.
Proof of ownership
Your original purchase receipt or sales invoice is the clearest proof that the caravan is yours. If you don’t have it, other documents help, such as insurance schedules, storage invoices or bank statements showing the purchase.
Service history
Keep your service book or annual habitation check certificates together. A full history shows the caravan has been looked after and its damp checked regularly, which can make a real difference to its value. Find out more in our guide: How much is my caravan worth?
Handbooks, keys and accessories
- Owner’s handbook and appliance manuals
- All keys: door, lockers, gas locker, hitch lock, wheel lock and alarm fobs
- Tracker details, so the subscription can be transferred or cancelled
Motorhomes and campervans
Motorhomes are road vehicles, so the paperwork is more like selling a car:
- V5C logbook. You must tell the DVLA that you’ve sold the vehicle. You can do this online on GOV.UK.
- MOT certificate, if the vehicle is over three years old
- Service history for both the base vehicle and the habitation side
- Spare keys, handbooks and any alarm or tracker details
Vehicle tax doesn’t transfer to the new owner. Once you tell the DVLA you’ve sold it, any full months of tax remaining are refunded to you automatically.
Selling a caravan with outstanding finance
You can sell a caravan that still has finance on it. Ask your lender for a settlement figure, which is the amount needed to clear the agreement on a given date.
If the caravan is on hire purchase (HP), the finance company legally owns it until the final payment, so the finance must be settled as part of the sale. The settlement is paid first and you receive the balance. A reputable buyer can deal with the finance company directly for you.
What if paperwork is missing?
Missing documents rarely stop a sale:
- Lost CRiS document? You can apply for a replacement, and the caravan’s VIN can still be checked on the chassis and windows.
- No service history? It may reduce the price a little, but it won’t prevent a sale.
- No receipt? Other evidence of ownership, such as insurance or storage paperwork, usually helps.
Whatever you’re selling, you’ll need photo ID. A genuine buyer will always ask for it, and it protects you too.
Paperwork checklist
| Document | Touring caravan | Motorhome |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | ✓ | ✓ |
| CRiS document | ✓ | |
| V5C logbook | ✓ | |
| MOT certificate | ✓ (if 3+ years old) | |
| Proof of purchase | ✓ | ✓ |
| Service or habitation records | ✓ | ✓ |
| Finance settlement figure | If applicable | If applicable |
| All keys and fobs | ✓ | ✓ |
Protect yourself when you sell
- Never hand over keys or documents until payment has cleared in your account.
- Be wary of overpayment or unusual payment requests. These are common scams in private sales.
- Keep a written receipt of the sale, signed by both parties, including the date, price and the caravan’s VIN.
For more on staying safe, read how to avoid scams when selling your caravan.
If your caravan has damp or other issues, read selling a damp caravan before you advertise.
Ready to sell your caravan?
Have most of your paperwork together? That’s all we need to get started. At Aki Caravan Buyers, based in Boston, Lincolnshire, we buy caravans across the UK and pay on the spot before we leave. Get your free quote, or message us on WhatsApp if you’re unsure about any of your documents. We’re happy to help.
Frequently asked questions
Do touring caravans have a logbook?
No. Touring caravans are not registered with the DVLA, so there is no V5C. Most caravans built in the UK since 1992 are registered on CRiS (the Central Registration and Identification Scheme), which records the caravan’s unique 17-character identification number and its registered keeper.
Can I sell my caravan without the CRiS document?
Yes, in most cases. The caravan’s identification number is etched into the windows and marked on the chassis, so its identity can still be checked. Other proof of ownership, such as the purchase invoice, insurance or storage paperwork, helps. You can also apply for a replacement CRiS document.
Can I sell a caravan that still has finance on it?
Yes. Ask your lender for a settlement figure. If the caravan is on hire purchase, the finance company owns it until the finance is paid off, so the settlement is paid first and you receive the balance. Aki Caravan Buyers can deal with the finance company directly.
What do I need to do when I sell a motorhome?
Tell the DVLA that you have sold it, which you can do online on GOV.UK, and pass on the relevant part of the V5C to the buyer. Any full months of vehicle tax left are refunded to you automatically once the DVLA has been told, because tax does not transfer to the new keeper.
What ID do I need to sell a caravan?
A genuine buyer will ask for photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence, and may ask for proof of address. This protects you as well as the buyer, because it shows the sale is being handled properly.
