Informing DVLA about van wrap or what about van wrapping and insurance? In this knowledge centre post we provide plain-english guide for small business owners & trades people.
If you’re thinking about signwriting or wrapping your van to promote your business, you might be wondering what you legally need to tell the DVLA, your insurance company, or your leasing provider. It’s a really common question we’re asked here at The Sussex Sign Company, and the good news is, the rules are simpler than you might think.
This article breaks everything down informing DVLA about van wrap, clears up the myths (including the well-known “door shuts” rumour), and explains exactly when you need to update the DVLA or your insurer.
Do You Need to Tell the DVLA if You Wrap or Signwrite Your Van?
In most cases, no, you don’t need to be informing DVLA about van wrap if you add signwriting or a partial wrap to your van. The only time you must tell them is if the wrap changes the main colour of the vehicle.
The DVLA says:
“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 by paint or a vinyl wrap.
What counts as a vehicle “colour change”?
The DVLA expects you to update the V5C logbook if the main/base colour of the van no longer appears to be the same as the one currently recorded.
Examples where informing DVLA about van wrap is required:
- Full wrap changing a white van to blue
- Full printed wrap where one colour is clearly dominant
- Full matte, gloss, or textured wrap (e.g., black, grey, chrome, camo) if the original colour can’t be seen
Examples where DVLA does not need to be notified:
- Standard signwriting (logos, text, contact details)
- Branding graphics that still leave the original colour clearly visible
- Partial wraps (e.g., half wraps, rear doors, sides only) where the base colour remains unchanged
The “Door Shuts” Myth – Let’s Clear It Up
You may have heard the common industry myth:
“You only need to tell the DVLA if the wrap includes the door shuts.”
This is not true.
The DVLA rules do not mention door shuts anywhere.
Notification depends solely on whether the main visible colour of the van has changed. Even if the wrap doesn’t go into the shuts, boot recesses or behind the bumpers, if the visible colour has changed, you should update the V5C.
Many businesses don’t wrap the shuts anyway, because it adds cost and labour and it’s rarely needed unless you want a “paint-like” finish. But for DVLA purposes, the shuts don’t matter.
How to Inform the DVLA – It’s Free & Easy
If your wrap changes the colour of the vehicle, you’ll need to update section 7 of your V5C logbook.
How to do it:
1)Find your V5C logbook (you must be the registered keeper).
2)In Section 7 – Changes to current vehicle, write the new colour.
3)If multiple colours, choose the dominant colour.
4)Send the completed V5C to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA
5)You’ll receive an updated V5C free of charge.
Cost: £0.00 – there is no fee to change the recorded colour.
Timescale: Normally 1–4 weeks.
Tip: Take photos of the wrap once finished, in case DVLA request visual confirmation.
What if you remove the wrap later?
If you return the vehicle to its original colour, you should update the V5C again.
Van wrapping and insurance – Do You Need to Tell Your Insurance Provider? (Yes – Always)
Unlike the DVLA, your insurance company must be informed of any wrap or signwriting, even if it’s only branding or a small logo.
This is because insurers class wrapping as a modification — something that changes the vehicle from factory standard.
Van wrapping and insurance – why insurers need to know:
- To ensure your policy remains valid
- To confirm if the wrap changes risk (e.g., higher value, attracts attention, or is harder to repair)
- To confirm whether business branding affects cover (in most cases, it doesn’t)
Failing to notify your insurer could lead to a claim being refused, especially in the event of an accident or theft.
Good news:
A branded van can sometimes reduce insurance risk — thieves rarely target highly branded commercial vehicles because they’re easy to identify.
Is permission needed if you Lease, Finance or Hire Your Van?
If your vehicle is leased, on contract hire, or on a finance agreement, you’ll usually need permission before wrapping it – even if it’s just branding.
Most agreements allow wrapping as long as:
- The wrap can be removed cleanly at end of term
- The company carrying out the work is reputable
- No damage is caused to the paintwork
Expect a clause requiring the vehicle to be returned in original colour.
Does Van Wrapping Affect Warranty?
No – vehicle wraps do not void the manufacturer’s warranty.
However, paint damage caused by poor installation or removal may not be covered. Always use a professional wrapping company who uses the correct films and techniques to protect your paint.
DVLA & Insurance Notification: A Quick Summary for Business Owners
| Task | Required? |
| Inform DVLA of signwriting only | ❌ No |
| Inform DVLA of full colour wrap | ✅ Yes |
| Inform insurance of any wrap or graphics | ✅ Yes |
| Get finance/lease permission first | ✅ Usually |
| Does it cost to update V5C? | £0 |
Real Examples – Do You Need to Tell the DVLA?
Below are examples of completed vans to help you understand the DVLA rules visually.
| Vehicle Example | Wrap Type | DVLA Notification Needed? | Reason |
| Bell Leisure (white with branding) | Signwriting / partial | ❌ No | Base white still dominant |
| Southern Water | Large partial wrap | ❌ No | White remains main colour |
| Cruise Lewis (silver with artwork) | Partial wrap | ❌ No | Silver remains dominant |
| Easy Clean Sussex | Part wrap | ❌ No | Still clearly white |
| Floral Image (black with floral graphics) | Branded wrap | ❌ No | Black still main colour |
| Grommets | Partial branded wrap | ❌ No | White still visible |
| KNT Electrics | Partial wrap | ❌ No | Base colour unchanged |
| Parkside Electrical | Graphics & part wrap | ❌ No | Base still white |
| Wightman & Parrish | Full colour change to blue | ✅ Yes | Main colour changed |
Need DVLA or Insurance Advice Before Wrapping Your Van?
If you’re considering wrapping your van and want to make sure you follow the rules, our team is always happy to help. We can advise you before you make changes so you stay compliant with the DVLA, your insurer and your lease provider.
Thinking of wrapping your van? Please get in touch to discuss the legals, the design, the installation and any other questions you may have and we’ll happily guide you through it.