Your van's V5C logbook (also called the registration document) contains all the official details about your vehicle. Converting a panel van into a campervan means some of those details will change.
This guide covers every V5C update you might need after a conversion.
When to Update the DVLA
You must inform the DVLA when:
- The body type changes (Panel Van → Motor Caravan)
- The vehicle colour changes
- You significantly modify the engine
- You change the number of seats
- The vehicle weight changes (downplating or uprating)
- You change the registered keeper
- You change the address of the registered keeper
Body Type Change
This is the main change for van converters. See our separate guide on "DVLA Motor Caravan Reclassification" for the full process.
Key points:
- Body type code changes from 40 (Panel Van) to 27 (Motor Caravan) on the V5C
- This is done online through GOV.UK
- You need photos showing the conversion meets the Motor Caravan criteria
Colour Changes
If you repaint your van (partial or full), you must update the V5C. This is common during conversions.
When to update:
- Any colour change that affects the registration document description
- Two-tone paint (e.g., white cab, coloured rear) should be noted
How to update:
- Online at GOV.UK
- No charge
- The DVLA may ask for photos of the new colour
Cost: Free (online). £0 if by post but you need to send the V5C.
Seat Count Changes
Most panel vans have 2 or 3 seats. A conversion may install a rear seat bench, changing the total seat count.
When to update:
- Adding rear seats changes the vehicle's seating capacity
- Removing the passenger seat to create a walk-through also changes the count
How to update:
- Notify the DVLA through the online portal
- Some insurers require the updated seat count
Important: If you add rear seats, they must have seatbelts (3-point preferred) and ISO fix mounting points if the seat was built after 2014.
No Update Needed For
The DVLA does NOT need to know about:
- Interior furniture (bed, kitchen, cupboards) — this is communicated via the body type change
- Suspension or wheel changes (unless they affect vehicle height significantly)
- Adding a roof rack or bike rack
- Fitting a towbar
- Window additions (the body type change covers this)
Engine and Vehicle Identification Changes
If you replace the engine (common in older van conversions):
Same engine type:
- e.g., 2.0L diesel to another 2.0L diesel
- Inform the DVLA but no inspection needed
Different engine type:
- e.g., 1.9D to 2.8JTD
- Contact the DVLA for guidance
- May need an inspection or modified emissions data
VIN plate changes:
- If you modify the chassis or add a new VIN plate (e.g., after accident repair)
- Must be notified within 14 days
Weight Changes
Many van converters downplate to under 3,500kg to stay within car driving licence rules.
Downplating:
- Changes the revenue weight on the V5C
- Requires a weight certificate from a weighbridge
- Must be within the vehicle's original design limits
Process:
- Take the fully converted van to a certified weighbridge
- Get a weight certificate (around £15-20)
- Apply online or by post to change the revenue weight
Multi-Stage Build (MSB) Code
If your van was sold as a chassis cab (no rear body) and you added a rear conversion, the V5C may show a Multi-Stage Build code.
- MSB code 1 = Incomplete vehicle (chassis cab)
- MSB code 2 = Completed vehicle (motor caravan)
If your van shows MSB 1, completing the conversion means the MSB code should change to MSB 2. Inform the DVLA.
Address Updates
If you live in your van and change address:
- You must update your V5C with your current address
- This is a legal requirement (failing to update is an offence)
- The V5C can be sent to a postal address
- Use a friend, family member, or mail forwarding service (UK Postbox, Poste Restante, or similar)
Timeframes
| Update Type | DVLA Processing | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Body type change | 2-6 weeks | Free |
| Colour change | 1-2 weeks | Free |
| Weight change | 2-4 weeks | Free (weighbridge fee: £15-20) |
| Address change | 1-2 weeks | Free |
| Keeper change | 1-2 weeks | Free |
| Engine change | 2-4 weeks | Free |
The New V5C
When the DVLA processes your update, you receive:
- A new V5C with the updated details
- A new tax disc is not issued (paper tax discs ended in 2014)
- Keep the new V5C in the van or at your postal address
Penalties
Failure to update the V5C can result in:
- £1,000 fine for not updating the registered keeper address
- Potential insurance invalidation (if body type does not match actual vehicle)
- MOT issues (if the MOT station expects a panel van but finds a campervan)
Conclusion
The V5C logbook should reflect your converted van's actual state. The most important update is the body type change to Motor Caravan. Colour and weight changes are secondary but worth doing for accuracy.
Our recommendation: Submit the body type change as soon as the conversion is complete. Do the colour change at the same time if applicable. Keep the V5C at a postal address, not in the van (if the van is stolen, the thief has your address).
