** Following a change within the DVLA policy section (July ’24), weight changes to vehicles having a V5c showing a vehicle category (J) as either M1 or N1, ‘may’ not have a tax change following any weight or body alteration.
This has not affected the process involved, which remains unchanged and will continue to be so.
This does not affect any vehicles already having had a change of weight and recorded with the DVLA!

The change of tax ruling is under review and may change again without notice, so please check the paperwork supplied within your pack.

Unfortunaltely the choice of tax class and body type is a matter for the DVLA and we cannot change/pursuade the DVLA decision on your vehicle.

You will need to direct any questions you have directly to the DVLA, as they will only deal with the registered keeper – https://www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvla/y/vehicle-tax-and-sorn

DVLA advise this 2024 policy change is quite correct and dates back to the VERA 1994, relating to vehicle status.
V5C’s where the field – J is blank or shows something other than M1 or N1, may still be subject to the previous rules of change.

As an M1 motorhome is uncapped on weight and remains M1 for all weight classes, the DVLA do look to be changing the tax class on production line motorhomes, whereas homebuild conversions with an N1 category are not being changed.
Whether this ruling will change, we do not know and this is a matter to discuss with the DVLA
DVLA advise that this has no bearing on the enforcement or insurance of the vehicle and that the weight alteration by SvTech will be recorded and reflected on the vehicle by a new VIN plate

SvTech advice firstly not to convert/uprate if you are only doing this for a change of tax class, as there is no guarantee DVLA will do this.
We do advise that you apply for the revenue and tax change regardless of the category listed, and to let DVLA decide whether they will change the tax class at their end.

going to PLG

If taxed in a single rate tax scheme (not paying by direct debit or SORN) then changing in to the PLG tax class from another class, e.g. PHGV or HGV, requires DVLA form V70
V70 – exchange of tax
guidance on filling in your v70 can be found here

If you pay by direct debit or the vehicle is SORN, then you require an application for tax form – V10
V10 – Application for tax

going to PHGV or HGV

If taxed in a single rate tax scheme (not paying by direct debit or SORN) then changing in to the HGV or PHGV tax class from another class, e.g. changing from PLG, requires DVLA form V70
www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-to-change-a-vehicle-tax-v70

If you pay by direct debit or the vehicle is SORN, then you require an application for tax form – V85
V85 Application for tax

What if I’m SORN or Pay Direct Debit?

If taxed in a direct debit scheme (or SORN), the DVLA are unable to change the tax band with the exchange of tax form (v70) and in these instances you will need to make an application for tax in the new band you’re going to. i.e. PLG or PHGV.
The links for the required forms are above and you will need to send the DVLA a cheque (Payable to DVLA) for the amount of tax owing – 6 months or 12 months. If you do not have a cheque book, you will need to obtain a postal order through your local post office, made payable to the DVLA.
For those customers paying by direct debit, you should only cancel your direct debit payment after you receive your new logbook. DVLA are quite good at refunding any cross-over of over payment and you should contact them to arrange this.
Where the change of tax is in conjunction with a weight alteration, the address to send all documents is that shown below and not to your local post office as detailed on the V10 form.

I’m Staying in the same tax band

Where a change of weight keeps you in the same tax band. e.g. going from 3650kg (PHGV) to 3850kg (PHGV) you do not require a tax exchange form and should follow the instructions on the SvTech process of events sheet, with the V5c and SvTech certificates only.

Where and what to send?

When changing from one tax band to another, you must do this through the DVLA, not the post office as detailed on the v10 & v85 DVLA forms.
For all applications involving a change of weight as well of tax class, this should be applied for by post to:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BF

Documents to send to the DVLA with will be:
– Completed V5c with change of revenue weight, date of change and tax class
– Supporting documentation. e.g. SvTech certificate or copy of DVSA Ministry plate for goods vehicles.
– Tax application form. e.g. V70, V85 or V10
– where a payment is due, a cheque or postal order made payable to DVLA. Do not send cash!

All documents should be sent by recorded post.

On clearance by the DVLA the registered keeper will receive a new V5c with detailed changes.

How much tax to send?

For PLG tax, please see DVLA form v149 – V149
guide – April 2025 – PLG = £360/yr or £198/6 months

For PHGV/HGV, please see DVLA form v149/1 – V149/1
guide – April 2024 – PHGV = £171/yr or £94.05/6 months