Everything you need to know about Campervan reclassification

DVLA Campervan Reclassification

If you are converting an everyday work van into a campervan, one important consideration is DVLA reclassification. 

What does it mean to reclassify a vehicle?

Reclassifying a vehicle means officially updating its description on the V5C logbook (registration certificate) with the DVLA to reflect significant, permanent changes to its structure, use, or appearance.

Reclassifying your vehicle from a “panel van” or “light commercial vehicle” to a “motor caravan” can affect insurance, taxation, and how the vehicle is recorded by the DVLA.

What Is a DVLA Reclassification?

DVLA reclassification is the process of changing a vehicle’s body type on the V5C logbook from “van” or “light goods vehicle” to “motor caravan.” While reclassification is not mandatory for using your vehicle as a campervan, many owners want to apply as it can offer benefits such as clearer vehicle identification, insurance advantages (although most of campervan insurers are fully aware of the complications involved in reclassification).

However, in our opinion and experience this is an extremely grey area and the final decision offered does not typically conform to DVLA requirements as listed on their website.

Our personal experience as van owners

In my own personal experience from working in the campervan industry, since April 2019, no Transporter/Transit custom sized vehicle with a standard (original) or elevating pop top, have been reclassified as a motor caravan.  

The only way forward regardless of how many decals are added or the perfect interior comprising of all DVLA requirements, including an awning rail will definitely not receive reclassification.  

The only acceptance for re-classification for a Transporter/Transit Custom sized vehicle is to have a permanent hard/high top fitted.  This is a fixed requirement by DVLA and everyone’s reclassification paperwork we have undertaken for our customers have been approved.

For the larger vehicles (medium wheel base and upwards), this is completely unknown as some vehicles which we do not believe will be registered come back as reclassified and others which have campervan decals and meet all of DVLA requirements in place are rejected.

In our workshop we recently converted a (LWB) long wheel base Crafter. It had pods, awning, pop top and was fully loaded internally and externally and yet this was rejected…. Yet another without pods or an awning was approved. Maybe the customer service operative at DVLA had not had their caffeine injection that morning… safe to say that even for campervan conversion professionals, the decisions are unpredictable.

Is DVLA reclassification mandatory?

No, DVLA campervan reclassification is not mandatory. They can be beneficial, but it is not essential to own a campervan. The most important factor is a safe, high-quality conversion that suits your lifestyle.

DVLA Requirements for a Motor Caravan

To be considered for reclassification, the DVLA assesses both external appearance and internal features. The vehicle must clearly resemble a campervan from the outside and meet specific criteria inside.

Internally, the DVLA typically expects the vehicle to include:

• A fixed bed or seating area that converts into a bed (R&R Bed)
• Fixed cooking facilities
• Storage units
• A table (fixed or removable)
• Seating and living space suitable for camping use

These features must be permanently fixed and usable when the vehicle is stationary.

Externally, DVLA looks for visual indicators that the vehicle is a campervan rather than a commercial van. This often includes:

• Side windows
• A high-top or pop-top roof
• Camper-style graphics or styling (not always required but helpful)

Why reclassifying your van can be tricky

In recent years, the DVLA has tightened its assessment process. This meant that some conversions that are perfectly usable campervans may not be reclassified. The criteria is strict, and vans are vastly different.

This can be frustrating for owners, but it does not affect the legality or usability of the conversion itself.  The majority of insurance companies will still insure a vehicle as a campervans that remain registered as vans with windows and legal seating amendment, provided the conversion is declared at time of insurance renewal. Long story short, make sure you fill out all off the information as accurately as possible.

We like to recommend Howdens Thatcham.

They are an insurance company that insure all kinds of campers. If you mentioned The Dub Hut you will also receive a recommendation discount. Call them on 01635 879910

One of our customers who dropped in to talk vans at the workshop decided to go with Howdens, and he actually received a discount of over £600.00 (including the inclusion of his son who was currently only 24). Now he’s able to take his parents campervan out and about and have some time off grid. Really love it what a plan comes together!

How The Dub Hut Helps

Our team are experts in understanding how to make sure your van complies with van reclassification requirements. While DVLA approval cannot be guaranteed, we ensure that our builds meet recognised campervan layouts and standards so they have a really good shot at being approved. We can advise you on documentation, photographs, and the application process and all of the admin faff that comes with it.

If you happen to be local to Ashford, feel welcome to drop in and see us in our workshop. . One of the team can explain the pros and cons of applying for reclassification, and help you make an informed decisions based on how you plan to use and insure your vehicle/campervan.

You’re welcome to come in and look around the workshop as well. We have an open door policy and people like to see vans being worked on in real time.

Useful Links:

DVLA reclassification information

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