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You must update the details on your registration certificate (V5C) to tell DVLA about:

• mistakes on your V5C
• most changes you make to your vehicle

Changes you must put in your V5C

You must update your V5C when you change any of the following:

• colour
• engine
• cylinder capacity (cc)
• fuel type – for example, if you convert your vehicle to run on electricity
• seating capacity
• weight of a large vehicle, for example goods vehicle or campervan
• chassis, monocoque bodyshell or motorcycle frame, if their size or appearance is different from when your vehicle was made – find out about structural modifications

Telling DVLA about like for like changes

Even if you do not change the vehicle’s original appearance or dimensions, you must tell DVLA if you restore or replace your vehicle’s:

• chassis
• combined chassis and bodyshell (sometimes known as a ‘monocoque bodyshell’)
• motorcycle frame

You do not need to update your V5C but you must tell DVLA using a Vehicle parts statement’ (V627/1).

Find out about repairs and restorations.

Changes that may need inspection

You must also update your V5C if you change any of the following:

• wheel plan
• body type, for example you convert a van to a campervan or ’motor caravan’ (DVLA gives a body type description based on the vehicle’s external appearance)
• vehicle identification number (VIN)
• chassis number
• frame number for motorbikes

DVLA will tell you if they need to inspect the change.

You must give DVLA evidence or written confirmation if you make any of the following changes to your vehicle. Your V5C update will be rejected if you do not.

Change of engine number or cylinder capacity (cc)

You need to provide one of the following:

• a receipt for the replacement engine that includes the engine number and cylinder capacity
• written evidence from the manufacturer
• an inspection report provided for insurance purposes
• written confirmation on headed paper from a garage (if the change took place before you bought the vehicle)

Change of fuel type

You need to provide evidence if:

• your existing engine is converted – the confirmation must be on headed paper from the garage that did the work
• a new engine is fitted – you’ll need to send the receipt
• you’ve converted your vehicle to run on electricity

Change of chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame, or electric conversion

You’ll need to provide evidence with your V5C updates, if you’ve:

• altered (‘modified’) or replaced your vehicle’s chassis
• modified or replaced your vehicle’s combined chassis and bodyshell (monocoque bodyshell)
• modified or replaced your motorcycle’s frame
• converted your vehicle to run on electricity

If you do not change the vehicle’s original look and size

If you’ve replaced a chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame without changing the dimensions or appearance of the vehicle since it was first made, you must provide:

• the latest V5C registration certificate or V62 application formÌý
• V627/1 Vehicle parts statement
• the V5C of the vehicle that any replacement part comes from, if you’re not using new partsÌý
• an invoice or receipt that includes the specification of the replacement chassis – you can send the original or a photocopy

You must send photos of all the following:

• the whole vehicle, including its front, back, sides, interior and registration number plate
• the vehicle’s engine number
• the vehicle registration identification number (VIN) stamp or plate on the old chassis or frame that’s being replaced
• the old VIN sticker – you can usually find it near the driver’s door or on the dashboard near the windscreen on the driver’s side

If you’ve made a structural modification or electric conversion

Your vehicle has a structural modification if you’ve altered (‘modified’) the original dimensions or appearance and any of the following:

• chassis
• monocoque bodyshell
• frame

If you’ve converted your vehicle to run on electricity, it counts as a modification.

You must send the following evidence of the structural modification or electric conversion when you update your V5C:

• V627/3 modified vehicle statement, which includes the registration number and details of the modificationÌýÌý
• evidence of a current MOT, if your vehicle needs one
• motorcycle single vehicle approval (MSVA), if your motorcycle needs one

Change of weight of a larger vehicle

If you change the weight of a large vehicle (for example, a campervan or goods vehicle), you’ll need to provide either:

• a plating certificate
• a design weight certificate

Change of body type to motor caravan

Check what evidence you need when you convert a van to a campervan or motor caravan.

Fill in section 1 if you have a new style log book with multi-coloured numbered blocks on the front cover. Fill in section 7 if you have the older style log book.

Send it to DVLA with any necessary evidence.

If the change is not listed in section 1 or 7, add notes to the ‘vehicle details’ section instead. Send it to DVLA with evidence and a letter explaining the change.

Where to send your V5C

Send your V5C to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DZ if you changed any of the following:

• engine size (cc)
• fuel type
• weight of a goods vehicle
• number of seats on a bus

For all other changes, send your V5C to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.

What happens next

DVLA will contact you to:

• confirm the change or tell you if it needs an inspection
• tell you if the change means you have to pay more vehicle tax

It can take up to 2 to 4 weeks to get a replacement certificate if you apply by post.

Contact DVLA if you have not received your log book and it’s been 4 weeks since you applied.