Is CRiS the same as a V5C?

Functionally similar — both are registration/identity records. But CRiS is for touring caravans (which don't have their own DVLA registration), while V5C is for motor vehicles. CRiS records the caravan's VIN, keeper, and theft status.

How do I check a caravan's CRiS record?

Run a CRiS check via cris.co.uk or an HPI caravan check. Enter the 17-digit CRiS number (etched on the windows). The check shows the registered keeper, whether it's recorded as stolen, and any outstanding finance.

How do I transfer CRiS when buying a caravan?

The seller completes a transfer document (the CRiS 'Touring Caravan Registration Document'), or notifies CRiS of the change of keeper. The buyer is then recorded as the new keeper. A small fee may apply.

What if a caravan has no CRiS number?

Pre-1992 caravans predate CRiS. For newer caravans, a missing or removed CRiS number is a major red flag — it may indicate a stolen caravan with its identity removed. Walk away or investigate thoroughly.

Home /Caravan & Motorhome Logbooks

Caravan & Motorhome Logbooks · Filed 08 Jun 2026

CRiS Registration: The Caravan Logbook Explained (UK 2026)

CRiS is the caravan world's V5C — the Central Registration & Identification Scheme that records every touring caravan's identity. How to check, transfer, and why buyers demand it.

By Jamie Dawson · Editor ▮ Updated 08 Jun 2026 ▮ 3 min read read

A UK touring caravan — CRiS is the central registration scheme, the caravan equivalent of a vehicle V5C logbook.

Quick answer: CRiS (Central Registration & Identification Scheme) is the UK's official touring caravan register, run by HPI. It's the caravan world's equivalent of a vehicle V5C. Every touring caravan built since 1992 has a unique 17-digit CRiS number etched on its windows and recorded centrally, linking the caravan to its registered keeper, theft status, and finance history. When buying a used caravan, a CRiS check is the single most important verification — it reveals stolen caravans, outstanding finance, and identity tampering.

What CRiS is

Touring caravans don't have DVLA registration (they're not motor vehicles), so the caravan industry created its own central register: CRiS, the Central Registration & Identification Scheme, now operated by HPI.

Every touring caravan manufactured since 1992 (when the scheme began with the NCC — National Caravan Council) has:

A unique 17-digit CRiS number / VIN
That number etched onto all windows
A central record linking the caravan to its keeper
Often a microdot identification kit and a tamper-evident registration plate

CRiS vs V5C — the comparison

Feature	CRiS (caravan)	V5C (vehicle)
What it registers	Touring caravans	Motor vehicles
Run by	HPI / NCC	DVLA
Unique ID	17-digit CRiS number / VIN	VRM + VIN
Records keeper	Yes	Yes
Proves ownership	No (keeper, not owner)	No (keeper, not owner)
Theft register	Yes	Via PNC/HPI

Where to find the CRiS number

Etched into each window (look in the corners)
On the CRiS registration document
On a tamper-evident plate (often near the door or A-frame)
On chassis stampings

All these should show the same 17-digit number. A mismatch is a serious fraud flag.

How to check a caravan's CRiS record

Find the 17-digit CRiS number (etched on windows)
Run a CRiS check at cris.co.uk or via an HPI caravan check (£10-£20)
The check reveals: registered keeper, stolen status, outstanding finance, and whether the identity matches

This is the caravan equivalent of an HPI check on a car — essential before any used purchase.

Transferring CRiS when buying or selling

When a caravan changes hands:

The seller completes the CRiS Touring Caravan Registration Document transfer section, or notifies CRiS online
The buyer's details are recorded as the new keeper
A small administrative fee may apply
The buyer should verify the transfer completed by running a fresh CRiS check

Why CRiS matters at sale

Theft — caravan theft is rife; CRiS reveals stolen units before you buy
Finance — outstanding finance transfers with the caravan; CRiS flags it
Identity tampering — removed or altered CRiS numbers indicate a "ringed" (re-identified stolen) caravan
Resale value — a clean, transferable CRiS record adds confidence and value

Pre-1992 caravans

Caravans built before 1992 predate CRiS and have no central registration. Verification relies on chassis numbers, purchase history, and physical inspection. Buy these with extra caution.

Common CRiS mistakes

Not running a CRiS check before buying (the caravan equivalent of skipping HPI)
Buying a caravan with mismatched or missing CRiS numbers
Not transferring the CRiS keeper record after purchase
Assuming CRiS proves ownership (it records keeper, like a V5C)
Ignoring outstanding finance flagged on the check

FAQs

How much does a CRiS check cost?

Typically £10-£20 for a full check including theft and finance data. Cheaper than the risk of buying a stolen or financed caravan.

Can I register an unregistered caravan with CRiS?

Caravans built since 1992 should already be registered. For imports or special cases, contact CRiS directly about registration options.

Does CRiS cover static caravans?

CRiS primarily covers touring caravans. Static caravans and park homes have different registration arrangements, often site-specific.

What if the seller can't provide the CRiS document?

A missing document isn't necessarily fatal (it can be reissued), but combined with other red flags it's concerning. Always run an independent CRiS check rather than relying on the seller's paperwork.

Last reviewed 2026-06-08 by Jamie Dawson, Editor.