03 December 2025 | The Sussex Sign Company Ltd
When do you need to tell the DVLA about your van wrap
Do You Need to Tell the DVLA If You Wrap Your Van? The Complete 2025 Guide for Business Owners
If you’re a tradesperson or small business owner thinking about signwriting or wrapping your van, you’ve probably wondered:
“Do I have to tell the DVLA?” “Do I have to tell my insurer?” “What about my leasing company?”
These questions come up every single week at The Sussex Sign Company, and the good news is, the rules are far simpler than the rumours suggest.
In this edition, I’m breaking it all down in plain English, cutting through the myths (yes, including the famous “door shuts” one), and giving you a clear, no-nonsense guide for 2025.
Do You Need to Tell the DVLA If You Wrap or Signwrite Your Van?
In most cases: no.
You only need to tell the DVLA if the wrap changes the main colour of the vehicle.
The official wording from DVLA is very clear:
“You must update your V5C if the colour of your vehicle changes.” Source: GOV.UK – Change Vehicle Details
This rule applies whether the colour is changed with paint or vinyl.
You MUST notify DVLA if:
- You fully wrap a van in a different colour.
- You apply a printed wrap where one colour becomes clearly dominant
- You wrap the whole vehicle in matte/gloss/texture where the original colour disappears
You DO NOT need to notify DVLA if:
- You add standard signwriting
- You apply branding graphics but most of the original colour is visible
- You do a partial wrap (half wrap, rear only, sides only)
The “Door Shuts” Myth, Let’s Put It to Bed
There’s a long-running rumour in the trade that:
“You only have to tell the DVLA if you wrap the door shuts.”
This is completely untrue.
DVLA do not mention door shuts anywhere. Notification is based on visible colour only. Nothing else.
Whether the shut lines are wrapped or not has zero impact on the DVLA rules.
How to Notify the DVLA (If You Need To)
Good news — it’s free and takes a few minutes.
- Grab your V5C logbook
- Go to Section 7: “Changes to current vehicle”
- Write the new dominant colour
- Post to DVLA: Swansea, SA99 1BA
- Updated V5C arrives within 1–4 weeks
Cost: £0 Tip: Take a few photos of the wrap in case DVLA ask for evidence.
If you remove the wrap later and return the van to its original colour, update the V5C again.
Do You Need to Tell Your Insurance Company? (YES — Always)
This is the big one most people get wrong.
Unlike the DVLA, insurers must be told about any wrap or graphics, even small logos.
Why? Because insurance companies classify a wrap as a modification.
Reasons insurers need to know:
- To ensure your policy stays valid
- To assess if the wrap changes risk
- To record branding that might reduce theft risk (A heavily branded van is much less attractive to thieves!)
If you don’t notify them, you could find a claim rejected, especially after a collision.
What If the Van Is Leased or on Finance?
Most lease & contract hire agreements do not require permission before wrapping.
The typical conditions are:
- The wrap must be removable without damaging paint
- A reputable wrapping company must carry out the work
- The van must be returned in its original recorded colour
We deal with lease vans every day, so if you’re unsure, just ask and we’ll advise.
Does Wrapping Affect Vehicle Warranty?
No, the wrap itself does not affect your manufacturer’s warranty.
What can be a problem is:
- Cheap films
- Poor installation
- Damage caused by bad removal techniques
Always choose a professional company using high-quality wrap films (like 3M and Avery Dennison, Metamark and Hexis).
Thinking of Wrapping Your Van? Need Advice First?
If you're unsure whether your wrap will trigger DVLA notification, impact your insurance or need lease approval, we’re always happy to advise before you go ahead.
A quick chat can save you a lot of hassle later.