Respraying your van – do you need to notify the DVLA?

Are you thinking about giving your Caddy a fresh new look? 

Before transforming your van's appearance with a van respray, you need to know some important legal requirements. 

What counts as a colour change? 

Whether you opt for a complete colour transformation or refresh your van's existing shade, any significant change to your vehicle's appearance is reportable to the DVLA. This includes switching from white to black, blue to red, or light grey to dark grey. 

Notifying the authorities 

When changing your van's colour, you must inform the DVLA. 

The process is straightforward: simply complete section 1 of your V5C logbook (or section 7 if you have an older version) with the new colour details and post it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA. 

There's no fee for updating your details. You'll receive a new V5C reflecting the change. 

Insurance implications 

Your insurance provider needs to know about the respray, too. While some insurers might see it as a modification that could affect your premium, many understand that professional resprays from certified workshops like TMG can enhance your van's value and protection. 

 Contact your insurer before the work begins to avoid any potential issues with your policy. 

Professional respraying versus DIY 

While DIY might seem tempting, professional respraying ensures proper preparation, high-quality materials, and expert application. 

At TMG, we understand that your van is more than just a vehicle – it's your business's image on wheels. Our Manchester workshop specialises in Caddy customisations, providing factory-grade finishes that look outstanding and meet all legal requirements. 

Remember to keep all documentation of your colour change, including before and after photos, as these can be helpful for insurance purposes and future resale value.