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

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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 – the confirmation must be on headed paper from the garage that did the work
  • a new engine is fitted – you’ll need to send the receipt
  • you’ve converted your vehicle to run on electricity

Change of chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame, or electric conversion

You’ll need to provide evidence with your V5C updates, if you’ve:

  • altered (‘modified’) or replaced your vehicle’s chassis
  • modified or replaced your vehicle’s combined chassis and bodyshell (monocoque bodyshell)
  • modified or replaced your motorcycle’s frame
  • converted your vehicle to run on electricity

If you do not change the vehicle’s original look and size

If you’ve replaced a chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame without changing the dimensions or appearance of the vehicle since it was first made, you must provide:

  • the latest V5C registration certificate or V62 application form 
  • V627/1 Vehicle parts statement
  • the V5C of the vehicle that any replacement part comes from, if you’re not using new parts 
  • an invoice or receipt that includes the specification of the replacement chassis – you can send the original or a photocopy

You must send photos of all the following:

  • the whole vehicle, including its front, back, sides, interior and registration number plate
  • the vehicle’s engine number
  • the vehicle registration identification number (VIN) stamp or plate on the old chassis or frame that’s being replaced
  • the old VIN sticker – you can usually find it near the driver’s door or on the dashboard near the windscreen on the driver’s side

If you’ve made a structural modification or electric conversion

Your vehicle has a structural modification if you’ve altered (‘modified’) the original dimensions or appearance and any of the following:

  • chassis
  • monocoque bodyshell
  • frame

If you’ve converted your vehicle to run on electricity, it counts as a modification.

You must send the following evidence of the structural modification or electric conversion when you update your V5C:

Change of weight of a larger vehicle

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

View a printable version of the whole guide

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