What Documents Do You Need to Sell a Motorhome in the UK? (2026 Checklist)

The complete UK 2026 paperwork checklist for selling a motorhome or campervan: V5C, MOT, service history, gas certificate, habitation report and bill of sale.

Paperwork is the difference between a confident sale and a buyer talking your price down. Get this folder ready before you list.

Legally required

V5C (logbook)

Must be in your name. If not, transfer it before listing. Lost V5C? Apply for a replacement (V62, £25, 4–6 weeks) — don't try to sell without one.

Current MOT

If your motorhome is over 3 years old it needs a valid MOT. Selling without one is legal but cuts buyer pool by 80%. Get one before listing — a fresh 12-month MOT is the strongest single value-add for under £55.

Strongly expected by buyers

Service history

Stamped book or printed garage invoices. Cambelt, water pump, oil, brake fluid, DPF history. "Serviced regularly by a friend" loses you £1,000.

Gas safety / LPG certificate

For any LPG installation (cooker, fridge, heater). Annual check by an LPG Gas Safe registered engineer. Without it, careful buyers won't bid.

Habitation service report

Annual check of damp, gas, electrics, water and ventilation. The single most reassuring document you can show — adds £500–£1,500 to perceived value.

Conversion paperwork

If it's a converted panel van: weight ticket, electrical certificate (EN1648 ideal), conversion company invoice. If self-built: photo log of the build helps.

Helpful extras

  • Original handbook and dealer brochure
  • Two sets of keys (single-key vans lose £300+)
  • Receipts for upgrades — solar, leisure battery, awning, suspension
  • Warranty paperwork if anything is still covered
  • Photos of the van in use (sells the lifestyle, not just the vehicle)

At the point of sale

Bill of sale (both sides keep a copy)

Date, both names and addresses, vehicle reg/VIN, mileage, agreed price, payment method, signed by both. Free templates online. Protects you both.

V5C — new keeper section

Complete section 2 with the buyer, give them the green "new keeper" slip, and notify DVLA immediately (online is instant). Without this step you remain liable for tax, fines and speeding tickets in the buyer's name.

Insurance and tax

Cancel your insurance once funds are cleared. Vehicle tax doesn't transfer — the buyer must tax it before driving away.

Red flags that lose you money

  • Outstanding finance (HPI check will expose it — clear it first)
  • Mismatched VIN between V5C and chassis plate
  • Service history gaps over 18 months
  • "Cat S/N" status not disclosed in advert

Got everything ready? List your motorhome free for 21 days and present a complete paperwork pack on day one — fastest route to a serious buyer.

Caledonian Tourers — luxury motorhome & campervan hire in Scotland & England, plus the UK's largest campervans-for-sale marketplace (900+ cities) and a curated roof tents UK shop. Family-run from Perth since 2019. Phone 07756 079445 · [email protected].