If you’re converting a van into a campervan, you need to understand the DVLA’s requirements to change your vehicle’s body type to “motor caravan” on your V5C logbook.
Important update: October 2026. The DVLA has updated its motor caravan conversion guidance. Pop-top elevating roofs are now an accepted external feature, while the previous references to motor caravan-style graphics and awning bars have been removed. The DVLA has also confirmed that previously rejected applications can be resubmitted or reviewed under its updated policy.
In this guide, we explain the latest DVLA campervan conversion checklist, the evidence you need to provide, and how to apply for a change to your V5C.
Why Inform the DVLA About Your Campervan Conversion?
When you convert a van into a campervan, you may want to update the body type recorded on your V5C registration certificate to “motor caravan”.
The DVLA assesses applications to determine whether the vehicle’s recorded body type accurately reflects its appearance in traffic. However, changing the body type is not automatic, even if your van has been professionally converted.
It’s also important to distinguish between the DVLA’s body-type classification and your insurance arrangements. The DVLA states that the body type recorded on the V5C does not determine your insurance category or affect speed limits.
Before making changes to your V5C, check the latest official guidance and speak to your insurer about your completed conversion.
DVLA Campervan Checklist: Requirements for Reclassification
To have your vehicle considered for reclassification as a motor caravan, it must meet the DVLA’s internal and external feature requirements.
External features
The updated DVLA guidance lists the following external features commonly associated with motor caravans:
Windows: At least two windows on one side of the main body, excluding the driver and passenger door windows. These should provide a reasonable amount of daylight to the living accommodation.
Separate access door: A door providing access to the living accommodation, separate from the driver and passenger doors. A window in this door can count as one of the required windows.
High-top or pop-top roof: A fixed high-top roof or a pop-top elevating roof is now included in the DVLA’s external feature guidance.
What has changed? Previously, the DVLA’s guidance excluded pop-top elevating roofs and listed motor caravan-style graphics on both sides and an awning bar as external features. These references have now been removed, making the updated guidance particularly relevant to owners of pop-top conversions, including VW Transporters and Ford Transit Customs.
The DVLA considers the vehicle’s overall appearance and the evidence submitted. Meeting the listed criteria does not guarantee that your application will be accepted.
For the latest requirements, consult the official DVLA guidance on converting a vehicle into a motor caravan.
Internal features
Your completed conversion must also include the following living accommodation:
Seats and a table: Seating must be securely fixed, and the table mounting must be a permanent feature, although the tabletop can be removable.
Sleeping accommodation: A bed or sleeping space that may convert from the seats.
Cooking facilities: Cooking equipment forming part of the living accommodation.
Storage facilities: Storage incorporated into the living area.
The required equipment must be rigidly fixed to the living compartment, subject to the specific allowance for a removable tabletop. Check the official guidance on internal features for motor caravans for the detailed requirements.
Evidence Required for Your DVLA Application
The DVLA requires photographic evidence of your completed conversion to support an application to change the vehicle’s body type.
Prepare the following before submitting your application:
Completed Motor Caravan Conversion Checklist (V1006): Use the latest version linked from the official DVLA motor caravan guidance.
V5C logbook: Include your vehicle registration certificate.
Interior photographs: Show the required living facilities, with the bed and table in their usable positions. Your photographs must also demonstrate the required windows.
Exterior photographs: Include clear views of the front, rear and both sides of the vehicle, with the registration plates visible.
VIN or chassis number photograph: Provide a clear photograph of the vehicle identification number or chassis number stamped on the original chassis or vehicle bodyshell.
Photograph checklist
Before sending your application, check that you have:
Photographed the bed and table in their usable positions.
Shown the seats, table, sleeping accommodation, cooking facilities and storage.
Clearly demonstrated the required windows.
Taken exterior photographs from the front, rear and both sides.
Included a clear photograph of the VIN or chassis number.
Written a description, date and vehicle registration number on the back of each photograph.
The DVLA states that photographs will not automatically be returned unless you request their return in your application.
How to Complete Your Application
Once your conversion is complete and you have gathered the required evidence, follow the DVLA's instructions for applying to change the body type on your V5C.
1. Complete the V5C
The section you need to complete depends on the version of your V5C:
New-style V5C: Complete section 1, where applicable.
Older-style V5C: Complete section 7, where applicable.
Check the current instructions on changing vehicle details on a V5C registration certificate before completing your paperwork.
2. Gather your checklist and photographs
Include the completed V1006 checklist, your V5C and all the required interior, exterior and VIN or chassis number photographs.
Make sure your photographs clearly show the finished conversion and the features listed in the current DVLA guidance.
3. Submit your application
Follow the latest GOV.UK instructions for sending your application and supporting evidence to the DVLA. The agency will review the information and decide whether to retain the existing body type or assign a more appropriate description.
The DVLA may request an inspection of your vehicle. Although it covers the cost of an inspection it requests, you will not be reimbursed for transporting your vehicle to the inspection.
4. What if your application was previously rejected?
If the DVLA previously rejected your application to change your vehicle's body type to “motor caravan”, you may now reapply or ask the DVLA to review the earlier decision under its updated policy.
This is particularly relevant if your application was affected by the previous guidance on pop-top roofs, graphics or awning bars. However, approval is not guaranteed, as the DVLA will still assess the vehicle and the available evidence.
For the latest instructions, visit the official DVLA motor caravan conversion guidance.
Further Reading
If you're planning a campervan conversion, you may also find these guides useful:
Contact Grizzly Customs Vans
If you have questions about converting your van into a campervan, choosing a pop-top roof or understanding the latest DVLA guidance, get in touch with Grizzly Customs Vans.
You can fill in our contact form to discuss your conversion plans. We're always happy to help you turn your campervan ideas into reality.
