No, you do not have to declare or reclassify a campervan conversion from a van with the DVLA in the UK—it’s optional, not mandatory.

You can legally convert a panel van (or similar) into a campervan and use it as such without notifying the DVLA or changing the body type on your V5C registration certificate (log book).

The key official DVLA guidance states that even if the body type isn’t updated to “motor caravan,” the vehicle can still be used for camping/living purposes as long as it meets the basic internal features for a motor caravan (per their guidelines).

When You Might Want to Declare/Reclassify (Optional Benefits)

Reclassifying to “motor caravan” on the V5C is voluntary but can provide advantages like:

• Potentially lower insurance premiums (campervan/leisure policies are often 10–50% cheaper than standard panel van insurance, as insurers see lower risk for non-commercial use).
• Eligibility for cheaper ferry fares (some companies check the log book and charge less for “motor caravans”).
• Possible minor differences in MOT categorization or resale appeal.

However, since changes around 2019, the DVLA has made reclassification much stricter and harder to achieve. They require the vehicle to meet all three main criteria:

1. The current body type on your V5C must be one of a specific list (e.g., panel van, box van, light van, multi-purpose vehicle, van with side windows—full list on GOV.UK).
2. It must have certain internal permanent fixtures (e.g., sleeping accommodation/bed, seating/table area, cooking facilities, storage—full checklist in form V1006).
3. It must have external features recognisable as a motor caravan in traffic (e.g., windows on the side, access door to living area, high-top roof, awning rail, or camper-style graphics—often multiple needed, and pop-tops alone don’t count).

Many applications get rejected because the exterior doesn’t look distinct enough from a standard van (DVLA focuses on outward appearance for identification/law enforcement reasons). If you apply, you’ll need to submit the completed V1006 checklist, photos (internal/external), and possibly other evidence, but approval isn’t guaranteed.

Other Important Notes

• Always inform your insurer about the conversion (even if not reclassifying), as modifications can affect coverage.
• The vehicle must remain roadworthy and pass its annual MOT (Class 4, same as cars).
• No major structural changes usually require inspection unless they affect things like seating capacity or weight.
• For official details, check the GOV.UK page on converting a vehicle into a motor caravan and the related checklist.

Convert away and enjoy your campervan—no mandatory declaration needed—but weigh up the pros/cons of reclassification depending on your priorities (like insurance savings).

If in doubt for your specific van, contact DVLA directly or consult a specialist converter/insurer.