Change vehicle details on a V5C registration certificate (log book)
When you need to update your V5C
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
You cannot change tax class by updating your V5C. You do this by changing your vehicle tax – even if you’re changing to a tax class that’s exempt from vehicle tax, for example ‘disabled’.
This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
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.