How to Change the Description of Your Mobile Home to a Caravan in South Africa

Converting a van into a mobile home in South Africa is incredibly exciting — but if your vehicle is still registered as a commercial vehicle (bus, taxi, panel van etc.), you technically need:

a Professional Driving Permit (PDP),
a valid Certificate of Roadworthiness (COR), and
possibly a Code 10 licence

The good news? You can legally change the description of your vehicle to a self-propelled caravan (motorhome). Once approved, you can drive it with a Code B (Code 8) licence — no PDP or COR required.

According to Alta Swanepoel & Associates (road traffic legislation specialists), a converted motorhome is classified according to tare weight rather than GVM for licensing.
If your vehicle is under 3,500kg tare and not towing more than 750kg, a Code B licence is sufficient. No C1 licence. No PDP.

This process took us almost seven months 😅 — but sharing what we learned should make it much easier for you.

Step 1: Contact the NRCS (National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications)

Once your van build is almost complete, contact the NRCS in Johannesburg. You can communicate via email or phone and download the relevant forms on their website.

Look for:

ALA Application Form — Modified Vehicles by Private Persons

Our contact was Rosina:
📧 rosina.maponya@nrcs.org.za
(Always check for updated contact details.)

Your van should already include:

water tanks
gas installation
bed/mattress
kitchen units

Decor isn’t important. What matters is that it is clearly a permanent living conversion and not removable camping furniture.

To qualify:

Total tare weight must be under 3,500kg
Interior build must be permanently fitted

The NRCS will then inspect your vehicle and issue a Letter of Authority (LOA).

Documents Required for NRCS Approval

You’ll need to submit the following to the NRCS and pay the relevant fee:

Copy of applicant’s ID
SAPS affidavit confirming built-up vehicle details, VIN + engine number
Police Clearance / RPI
Roadworthy Certificate + inspection report
Weighbridge Certificate
Brake Report (for heavy vehicles or trailers over 750kg)
Minimum of two photographs of the vehicle

➡️ Always confirm updated requirements with the NRCS.

IMPORTANT: Get Extra Supporting Letters

This step will save you massive admin later.

For every department you visit (roadworthy, police clearance, weighbridge etc.), ask them to provide:

An extra letter stating that the vehicle was a converted self-propelled caravan at the time of inspection.

Even though NRCS doesn’t technically require this, your licensing department likely will.

Also:

Keep digital and printed copies of EVERYTHING
Assume paperwork may go missing

Future-you will be grateful.

Step 2: Make Sure the NRCS Description Is Correct

When you receive your LOA:

It must clearly state

Vehicle Description: Self-Propelled Caravan

Remind them repeatedly if needed. We had ours reissued four times before it was correct.

Step 3: Visit Your Local Licensing Department

Once NRCS inspection is completed and you have your LOA, gather copies of everything and head to your local licensing office.

You’ll apply to change the vehicle particulars.

Ask for:

CNV(5)(2005/08) — Change of Motor Vehicle Particulars

Complete the form and:

Tick Self-Propelled Caravan
Match the exact wording on your NRCS LOA

Submit along with:

LOA
Roadworthy + supporting letter
Weighbridge + supporting letter
Photos (inside and outside)
Any NRCS supporting documents

You’ll receive a reference number and, hopefully within a few weeks, be notified to collect your new licence disc.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Realistically:

NRCS approval: several weeks to months
Licensing department: usually a few weeks

Prepare for delays. Be persistent. Breathe. Repeat.

Final Thoughts

The process is slow, admin-heavy, and incredibly frustrating… but absolutely worth it. We’re stopped regularly because our van still looks like a heavy vehicle, but once officers see Self-Propelled Caravan on our licence disk, we’re waved on every time.

Stick with it — that moment when you legally hit the road makes everything worth it.

Good luck and happy travels 🚐✨