Change vehicle details on a V5C registration certificate (log book)

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1. 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鈥檙e changing to a tax class that鈥檚 exempt from vehicle tax, for example 鈥榙isabled鈥�.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Changes you need to update

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

  • colour
  • engine
  • cylinder capacity (cc)
  • fuel type
  • chassis or bodyshell (replaced or modified)
  • seating capacity
  • weight of a large vehicle, for example goods vehicle or campervan

Changes that may need inspection

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

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

2. What evidence to give

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 鈥� the confirmation must be on headed paper from the garage that did the work
  • a new engine is fitted 鈥� provide the receipt as confirmation

Change of weight of a larger vehicle

If you change the weight of a large vehicle (for example, a campervan or goods vehicle), you鈥檒l 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.

3. How to update your V5C

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 鈥榲ehicle details鈥� 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鈥檚 been 4 weeks since you applied.

If you have not received your log book after 6 weeks and you have not notified DVLA, you鈥檒l have to pay 拢25 to get a replacement.