Understanding the paperwork involved in scrapping your car is essential to staying compliant and avoiding future complications. Many drivers worry they can’t scrap a car without the V5C (logbook) — but in most cases, it’s still possible with alternative proof of ownership. This section answers the most common questions about what documents you need, what happens if they’re missing, and how we help you through the process.
Our licensed scrap yard partners are experienced in handling cases where paperwork might be incomplete. You’ll still need to prove your identity and relationship to the vehicle — typically with a utility bill, driver’s licence, or insurance certificate. Once verified, we ensure the DVLA is properly notified and issue a receipt for your records.
Whether the vehicle is registered in someone else’s name, jointly owned, or inherited, our FAQs guide you through the right steps. We also cover how to handle lost logbooks, how to apply for a replacement V5C, and what to do in sensitive situations such as bereavement. Clear, legal, and hassle-free — that’s how we handle document checks when scrapping a car.
Legally scrapping a car in the UK requires using a licensed scrapyard (Authorised Treatment Facility) and properly notifying the DVLA. The process involves taking the vehicle to an ATF for disposal, providing the V5C log book (retaining the section needed to inform DVLA), and obtaining proof like a Certificate of Destruction.
Yes. UK law requires that you scrap your car at an Authorised Treatment Facility – a scrapyard licensed by the government. Scrapping a vehicle anywhere else is illegal and could leave you liable for fines or still recorded as the vehicle’s keeper.
You can remove certain parts for reuse, but you cannot legally scrap the entire car on your own unless you are a licensed facility. Vehicle scrapping must be completed by an Authorised Treatment Facility; while you may strip parts, the remaining shell and hazardous materials have to be handled by a licensed scrapyard to meet legal and environmental requirements.
To scrap your car legally in the UK, you will typically need the vehicle’s V5C log book and valid photo identification. The V5C (registration document) proves ownership and is used to inform DVLA of the scrappage, while a photo ID (like a driving licence or passport) is required by law for the scrap yard to verify your identity.
It’s highly recommended but not an absolute requirement. You can legally scrap a car without a V5C logbook, but you must prove you are the owner and still notify the DVLA of the vehicle’s disposal in writing. Scrapyards prefer you to have the V5C, as it simplifies the process and serves as proof of ownership.
Yes. Losing your V5C does not prevent you from scrapping your car, but you’ll need to prove ownership and directly inform DVLA of the scrap. You should tell the scrapyard you don’t have the logbook, provide alternative proof of ownership if possible, and send a letter to DVLA with the car’s details to ensure it’s marked as scrapped.
You will need to present photo identification and proof of address when scrapping a car in the UK. Typically, a photocard driving licence covers both (photo ID and address). If you don’t have a driving licence, you can use another form of photo ID (like a passport) plus a recent utility bill or bank statement to verify your address.
Showing ID is a legal requirement aimed at preventing vehicle and metal theft. Since the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, scrap yards must verify the identity of anyone scrapping a vehicle to create a traceable record of the transaction. This helps ensure the car being scrapped is not stolen and that all sales are documented (also eliminating anonymous cash sales).
You do not need to hold a driving licence to scrap a car, but you will need some form of photo ID. A driving licence is simply a convenient form of identification for scrap yards. If you don’t have one, you can use a passport (along with a proof of address) to meet the legal ID requirement for scrapping your vehicle.
A Certificate of Destruction (CoD) is an official DVLA document confirming a vehicle has been permanently destroyed by a licensed scrapyard. It’s issued by Authorised Treatment Facilities when they scrap a car. While you don’t need to obtain the CoD personally to scrap the car, it’s important that the ATF issues one – it serves as proof that you’re no longer responsible for the vehicle.
You don’t directly apply for a Certificate of Destruction – it’s issued automatically by the Authorised Treatment Facility that scraps your car. When you scrap the vehicle at a licensed yard, they will process it and generate a CoD (usually within a week) and either give you a copy or send it by post/email. If you haven’t received it after scrapping, you should contact the scrap yard to follow up.
You can notify DVLA of your car being scrapped either online or by post. The quickest way is using the DVLA online service with the vehicle’s 11-digit V5C log book reference number to mark it as scrapped. Alternatively, you can post the completed section of the V5C (“sold/transferred to scrap”) to DVLA. In both cases, DVLA will update the record and send you confirmation that you’re no longer the keeper.
Use the section of the V5C marked for transfer to a dismantler or trader (often the yellow section on older V5Cs, labeled “Section 9” or “V5C/3”). This is the portion you fill out with the scrapyard’s details and send to DVLA. Give the remainder of the logbook to the scrap yard. In short, keep and send off the transfer slip to DVLA, and hand the rest of the V5C to the ATF.
Failing to notify DVLA that your vehicle has been scrapped can lead to serious issues. Legally, you remain listed as the car’s keeper, meaning you could be liable for any road tax, traffic offences, or fines associated with the vehicle. In fact, not informing DVLA is an offence that can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
You can verify your car’s deregistration by receiving official confirmation from DVLA. Typically, DVLA will send you a letter within a few weeks of notification, confirming you’re no longer the vehicle’s keeper. If you scrapped through an ATF and received a Certificate of Destruction, that document also confirms DVLA has marked the car as destroyed. Additionally, you can check the vehicle’s tax status online (it should show as “untaxed” and/or no longer existing once processed).
Generally, no – it doesn’t cost you anything to scrap a car at a licensed facility. In fact, reputable Authorised Treatment Facilities usually pay you the scrap value of the vehicle. Scrapping a car is usually free, unless the vehicle is missing major parts (like engine or wheels), in which case a collection fee might be charged by some yards.
No, you cannot legally be paid in cash for scrapping a car in the UK. Since 2013, cash payments for scrap metal (including vehicles) are banned. The scrap yard will pay you via a traceable method, usually a bank transfer or cheque, in compliance with the law.
Yes, you generally must be the vehicle’s owner (or registered keeper) or have their permission to scrap a car. Scrap yards will only accept a vehicle from someone who can prove a legitimate right to dispose of it – usually by showing the V5C logbook in your name or other proof of ownership. Scrapping a car that isn’t yours without consent is illegal (essentially vehicle theft).
You can scrap a car not registered in your name only if you have the legal owner’s permission, but it may be slightly more complicated. Scrap yards prefer dealing with the registered keeper, so if you’re not listed on the V5C, be prepared to prove you have the right to scrap the vehicle – for example, a signed note from the owner and the V5C document. Without proof of ownership or consent, a reputable scrap yard will refuse to take the car.
Yes, you can have someone else scrap your car for you, but you should provide them with the proper documentation. Make sure they have the car’s V5C log book and a short written permission from you (the owner) authorizing the scrapping. Reputable scrap yards will need to see proof that the person has the right to scrap the vehicle, especially if the ID of the person scrapping doesn’t match the name on the log book.
Scrapping a deceased person’s car requires you to have authority over their estate. Typically, the executor or next of kin can scrap the vehicle. You should inform the scrap yard that the owner is deceased and provide proof (like a death certificate or probate document) along with the V5C logbook. Include a letter stating you are entitled to act for the deceased owner. Once the car is scrapped, you’ll notify DVLA, including a note that the registered keeper is deceased.
No – you should not scrap a car with outstanding finance without the lender’s permission. If a finance company still has an interest in the vehicle (e.g., hire purchase or a loan secured on the car), they are the legal owner until it’s paid off. Scrapping it without settling the finance can be considered illegal, as the car isn’t fully yours to dispose of. You must pay off or get the finance company’s consent before scrapping.
Without photo ID, it will be very difficult to scrap your car because scrap yards are legally required to verify your identity. If you absolutely have no photo ID (no driving licence or passport), you should obtain at least a basic form of photo identification before attempting to scrap the vehicle. Alternatively, speak with the scrap yard – they may accept other documents alongside a non-photo ID in exceptional cases, but generally a valid photo ID is mandatory under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act.
Legally scrapping a car in the UK requires using a licensed scrapyard (Authorised Treatment Facility) and properly notifying the DVLA. The process involves taking the vehicle to an ATF for disposal, providing the V5C log book (retaining the section needed to inform DVLA), and obtaining proof like a Certificate of Destruction.