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Converting a van - Applications to DVLA for a Change of Body Type
See the latest update below
Legal requirement - when is a camper van not a motor caravan?
It has become apparent to us that there has been a change of policy at the DVLA regarding the approval of requests to change the Body type, as recorded on the V5C Registration Document, of previously registered commercial vehicles to 'Motor Caravan' after a conversion has been carried out, despite the published criteria here

Previous flexibility
In addition to documentary evidence customers will still be required to provide external and internal photographic evidence of the conversion/build and also return their V5C for amendment. As previously advised cases can vary significantly and DVLA deals with each case individually, based on the photographic and documentary evidence provided by the customer/registered keeper. DVLA will continue to consider applications requesting a change of body type description but we will need to consider both the internal and external appearance of a vehicle. I should advise you that conversions will still be required to meet the internal criteria required for a motorhome/motorcaravan but greater flexibility will be applied to the external appearance of a vehicle.
Having the Body type correctly recorded, to reflect the current published requirements, has implications beyond the actual 'use' of the vehicle. It can affect the ability of owners to insure their vehicles; to park their vehicles, for example in cases where commercial vehicles are excluded and indeed in locations where motor caravans are excluded; and may determine the speed limits that are applicable.
"DVLA’s policy to take into consideration the external appearance of a “motor caravan” in describing a converted vehicle has been in place for many years and there have not been any recent changes. The guidance provided on the GOV.UK website confirms that “the body type will not be changed unless the exterior of the vehicle actually appears to be that of a motor home”.
DVLA receives many requests to change a vehicle’s body type to a “motor caravan” and these vehicles range in different shapes, sizes, and have various distinguishing features so we are unable to provide an exhaustive list of what we would expect to see on an application. However, following customer feedback, DVLA is currently working to further reword the guidelines and search links on GOV.UK. The aim is to provide further clarity for customers on information and actions to take regarding the conversion process."
On 21st October 2019 DVLA published revised guidelines covering the requirements for changing body type to motor caravan.
Essentially, to qualify for a change of body type the following requirements must be met:
External permanent features:
2 or more windows on at least one side of the main body (this does not include windows on the driver or passenger doors) to provide a reasonable amount of daylight into the living accommodation
A separate door which provides access to the living accommodation of the vehicle (this excludes the driver and passenger doors); a window on this door counts as a separate window on the main body
Motor caravan-style graphics on both sides of the vehicle
An awning bar attached to either side of the vehicle
A high-top roof (this does not include a pop-top elevating roof)
Internal features:
seats and a table
sleeping accommodation which may be converted from the seats
cooking facilities
storage facilities
The full guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/converting-a-vehicle-into-a-motor-caravan The page includes a downloadable checklist (Form V1006) which must accompany applications for a change of Body type to Motor Caravan.
The 'external permanent features' requirements do not seem to apply in the case of vehicles converted before first registration, if they have European Whole Vehicle Type Approval or National Small Series Approval.