The official DVLA form to exchange a vehicle licence mid-period when a modification, reclassification, or purchase means the existing tax class no longer applies. Download, complete, and post the V70 form to DVLA Swansea.
What Is the V70 Form?
The V70 is the DVLA Exchange of Vehicle Licence Application Form. Vehicle keepers use it to swap an existing valid vehicle licence for a new one when changes to the vehicle affect the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rate payable. It is a mid-licence change form only. It is not a renewal form, a first-registration form, or a SORN declaration. If your tax is close to running out or your vehicle is off the road, a different form applies.
What Is the Form Used For?
You use the DVLA V70 form when your vehicle is currently taxed, and a change has occurred that affects the rate of duty you pay. Specific triggers include:
When NOT to use the V70
Do not use the V70 if your tax is expiring. Instead, use the V10 (PLG) or V85 (HGV). Vehicles declared SORN also require the V10 or V85. Those who pay by direct debit must follow a separate DVLA process. Cosmetic or performance modifications that do not affect the vehicle’s duty rate do not require a DVLA form.
Who Needs to Complete the DVLA V70 Form?
The registered keeper submits the V70. The form applies to:
V70 Form Eligibility Overview
|
Your Situation |
Use V70? |
Use Instead |
|---|---|---|
|
Vehicle is currently taxed, tax class needs changing |
Yes |
n/a |
|
Tax is about to expire or has already expired |
no |
V10 or V85 |
|
Vehicle is SORN |
no |
V10 or V85 |
|
Paying vehicle tax by direct debit |
no |
V10 or V85 |
|
Changing to disabled or historic tax class |
no |
Separate process |
|
Modification does not affect the duty rate |
no |
No form needed |
|
No V5C in your name yet |
no |
V62 then V70 |
Not Sure Which Form You Need?
Work through these three questions to confirm the V70 is the right choice for your situation.
Is your vehicle currently taxed? No → Use V10 or V85
Has something changed that affects the duty rate or tax class?No → No form needed
Is the vehicle SORN or paid by direct debit?Yes → Use V10 or V85
All three answered correctly → Use the V70 form
Does Your Situation Apply? Common Scenarios
LPG Conversion or Fuel Type Change
If a garage has converted your vehicle from petrol or diesel to LPG, electric, or another fuel type, and the change results in a lower duty rate, you must include written confirmation on the garage’s headed paper. If the conversion results in a higher duty rate, no supporting letter is needed, but you must submit the V70 and pay the difference before driving the modified vehicle.
Engine Size Reduction
Fitting a smaller engine can move a PLG or Motorcycle class vehicle into a lower duty band. You must provide documentary evidence of the engine number and new cylinder capacity. Accepted evidence includes the purchase receipt for the replacement engine, a written confirmation from the manufacturer, or a letter on the garage’s headed paper. If you fit a larger engine, no evidence is required, but you must pay any additional duty before driving.
Motorhome, Horsebox, and Campervan Weight Changes
Vehicles uprated above 3,500kg move from PLG to PHGV. Those downplated below 3,500kg move the other way. Include a Plating Certificate or Design Weight Certificate with the application.
N1 Category — July 2024 Policy Change
Check field J on your V5C before submitting. Since July 2024, DVLA policy under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 means vehicles showing N1 in field J may not receive a tax class change after a weight or body modification. Contact DVLA on 0300 790 6802 before sending any paperwork if N1 is shown.
PHEV and Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles pay VED based on registered CO2 emissions. A fuel type conversion or updated emissions test result that changes the duty band mid-licence can trigger a V70 application. From April 2026, the Expensive Car Supplement threshold for zero-emission vehicles rose to £50,000 for cars first registered on or after 1 April 2025. If your vehicle classification changes due to updated Euro 6e-bis testing, check the V5C and contact DVLA before the next licence period.
Minibus Seating Capacity Change
The bus tax class applies to vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats, not including the driver. If seats are added or removed and the vehicle crosses that threshold, the V70 applies. Include a Certificate of Initial Fitness or Certificate of Conformity (PSV401, PSV408, PSV500, or PSV506).
Private to Commercial Use or Bought in the Wrong Class
Changing how a vehicle is used does not by itself change the tax class. What matters is whether the specification recorded on the V5C places the vehicle in a different duty category. If you purchased a vehicle and the existing licence does not cover your intended use, you can use the V70 to correct the class. Update the V5C first, and wait until it is in your name before submitting.
Documents You Need for the V70 Application
All applications require:
Depending on the modification, you may also need:
|
Type of Change |
Additional Document Required |
|---|---|
|
Engine capacity decrease affecting duty rate |
Engine receipt, manufacturer letter, or garage confirmation on headed paper |
|
Fuel type conversion to a lower duty rate |
Written confirmation on headed paper from the converting garage |
|
Goods vehicle revenue weight change |
Plating Certificate or Design Weight Certificate |
|
Bus or minibus tax class |
Certificate of Initial Fitness or Conformity (PSV401, PSV408, PSV500, PSV506) |
|
Reduced pollution standard (lorries and buses) |
Valid Reduced Pollution Certificate (DVLA leaflet INF64) |
Northern Ireland
Check field J on your V5C before submitting. Since July 2024, DVLA policy under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 means vehicles showing N1 in field J may not receive a tax class change after a weight or body modification. Contact DVLA on 0300 790 6802 before sending any paperwork if N1 is shown.
No V5C?
Complete form V62 and send to DVLA with the £25 fee. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for a replacement before submitting the V70.
How to Fill in the V70 Fillable PDF Form?
Write in black ink using capital letters. Do not write in any shaded areas on the form.
Final Checklist Before Posting
Tick each item before sealing the envelope. Missing items get your application returned.
How to Calculate Additional Duty Payable?
If the new tax class carries a higher duty rate, you pay the difference for the months remaining on the licence.
Calculation formula
(New rate − Old rate) ÷ Licence period in months × Months remaining
Current VED rates from April 2026 (source: DVLA V149, April 2026):
|
Tax Class |
12-Month Rate |
6-Month Rate |
|---|---|---|
|
PLG (Private Light Goods) |
£375 |
£206.25 |
|
PHGV (Private Heavy Goods Vehicle) |
£177 |
£97.35 |
Worked Example – Refund
Complete form V62 and send to DVLA with the £25 fee. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for a replacement before submitting the V70.
Payment: cheque or postal order payable to DVLA, Swansea. Do not postdate cheques. Do not send cash by post.
Where to Send Your V70 Application?
Post your completed form and all supporting documents to:
DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BF
DVLA Vehicle Enquiries: 0300 790 6802 – Mon to Fri 8am to 7pm, Sat 8am to 2pm
Keep the recorded post receipt until DVLA confirms the change. You can still use your vehicle while the application is processed. If the modification increases the duty rate, you must pay the higher rate before driving the modified vehicle. DVLA sends a confirmation letter and an updated V5C once processing is complete. Refunds, where due, arrive as a separate cheque. Current postal processing times are 6 to 8 weeks. (Source: GOV.UK, vehicle tax and SORN contact page, July 2026.)
Common Mistakes That Get V70 Applications Rejected
Wrong form
Using V70 when the tax is expiring or the vehicle is SORN. Use V10 or V85 instead.
V5C not updated
Sending a logbook that still shows the old specification. DVLA will not accept it.
Wrong insurance document
Including a renewal notice or policy schedule instead of the original certificate or cover note.
Form errors
Writing in shaded areas or using anything other than black ink in capital letters.
Wrong date of change
Entering today’s date instead of the date the modification actually took effect.
Postdated cheque
DVLA cannot accept postdated cheques. The payment must be valid on the day of posting.
Missing evidence
Omitting the engine receipt or garage letter when the cylinder capacity has decreased.
Direct debit conflict
Submitting a V70 while on the direct debit scheme. The V70 does not work alongside it.
What the Form Does Not Cover?
Vehicle Tax Classes and 2026 VED Rates
|
Tax Class |
Vehicle Type |
2026 Annual Rate |
When SORN Takes Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
|
PLG (Private Light Goods) |
Cars, motorcycles, light vans under 3,500kg |
£375 |
Yes |
|
PHGV (Private Heavy Goods) |
Motorhomes, horseboxes over 3,500kg private use |
£177 |
Yes |
|
HGV |
Commercial goods vehicles over 3,500kg |
Varies by weight |
Yes |
|
Bus |
Vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats |
Varies |
Yes |
|
Motorcycle |
By cylinder capacity |
From £25 |
Yes |
|
Recovery Vehicle |
Breakdown and recovery vehicles |
Varies |
Yes |
|
Historic Vehicle |
First registered more than 40 years ago |
£0 |
No |
|
Disabled |
Used by or for a disabled person |
£0 |
No |
HGV rates from July 2026 are set out in DVLA leaflet V149/1 and vary by vehicle weight, axle count, and road-friendly suspension status.