Good news for pop-top owners. On 19 October 2026 DVLA updated its guidance on converting a vehicle into a motor caravan. A pop-top elevating roof now counts alongside a high-top roof, and side graphics and an awning bar are no longer on the list of external features. If you’ve been turned down before, DVLA says you can reapply because the policy has changed, and there’s a new online form to ask for a review.
Here’s the plain English version of what you need and how to apply.
First, what does the body type actually do?
The body type on your V5C describes what your vehicle looks like in traffic. DVLA says it’s used for identifying the vehicle and should not affect your insurance category, speed limits or other legal requirements. Even if your body type stays as “panel van”, you can still use your van as a camper, as long as you’re happy it has the required internal features.
What counts as a motor caravan
Outside (permanent features):
- 2 or more windows on at least one side of the main body. Windows in the driver and passenger doors don’t count.
- A separate door into the living area (not the driver or passenger doors). A window in this door counts as one of your side windows.
- A high-top roof or a pop-top elevating roof.
Inside:
- Seats and a table
- Sleeping accommodation (this can be converted from the seats)
- Cooking facilities
- Storage facilities
All of this must be rigidly fixed to the living area. The table is the exception and can be designed to be easily removable.
Step by step: how to apply
- Fill in the motor caravan conversion checklist (V1006). Download it here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ad6363a0f7b53973e026940/v1006-motor-caravan-conversion-checklist.pdf
- Take your interior photos. Photograph each of the required internal features, with the bed and table set up in the use position. The photos must also show the 2 or more windows letting daylight into the living area on at least one side.
- Take your exterior photos. Front, both sides and rear, with the number plates clearly visible.
- Photograph the VIN. Take a photo of the vehicle identification number (VIN) or chassis number stamped on the plate attached to the original chassis or bodyshell.
- Label every photo. On the back of each one, write what it shows, the date and your registration number.
- Fill in your V5C. On the new style V5C (with multi-coloured numbered blocks on the front), fill in section 1. On the older style V5C, fill in section 7.
- Post it all to DVLA. Send the V5C, checklist and photos to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.
- Wait for the decision. DVLA will either keep your body type the same or give it a description that matches how your van looks. They may ask to inspect the van. DVLA covers the inspection cost, but not the cost of getting your van there. If the van can’t be inspected, the application will be refused.
Full guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/converting-a-vehicle-into-a-motor-caravan
Been turned down before?
If your motorhome body type application was rejected, you can now ask DVLA to review it online here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ask-dvla-to-review-a-rejected-motorhome-body-type-application
You’ll need:
- The name and address the vehicle is registered to
- Your registration number
- An image of your latest V5C log book
DVLA will review the decision using the evidence you sent before. If it’s acceptable, they’ll send you a new V5C showing the new body type. If not, they’ll tell you their decision and your V5C stays as it is.
Quick tips
- Set the van up as if you’re camping. Bed made up, table out, so every feature is clear in the photos.
- Get those windows in shot. Your interior photos need to show daylight coming in through 2 or more side windows.
- Check the plates are readable in every exterior photo.
- Want your photos back? DVLA won’t return them automatically, so ask for this in your application.
- Think about safety and weight. DVLA reminds owners to use a reputable converter, make sure travel seats and seat belts are securely mounted, and check you still have enough payload for passengers, luggage and full water tanks. If you sell the van later, it’s up to you to show the conversion was done safely.
Helpful official links
- Converting a vehicle into a motor caravan (guidance): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/converting-a-vehicle-into-a-motor-caravan
- V1006 motor caravan conversion checklist (PDF): https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ad6363a0f7b53973e026940/v1006-motor-caravan-conversion-checklist.pdf
- Ask DVLA to review a rejected motorhome body type application: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ask-dvla-to-review-a-rejected-motorhome-body-type-application
- Change your vehicle’s details on your V5C: https://www.gov.uk/change-vehicle-details-registration-certificate
- Contact DVLA about vehicles: https://www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvla/y/vehicles
This is a plain English summary to help you get started. The GOV.UK guidance is the final word, so always check it before you apply.
So, are you a pop-top owner who’s finally going to apply, or have you already been through it? Tell us how you got on in the comments!