Can I scrap a car that is not registered in my name?

You can scrap a car that isn’t registered in your name, but only if you have permission from the legal owner or registered keeper. While the V5C logbook is not absolute proof of ownership, it is the document scrap yards rely on to confirm who is responsible for the vehicle. If you are not the person listed, scrap yards will need reassurance — and in most cases, documentation — to proceed. At blackburnscrapyard.co.uk, we regularly help customers scrap vehicles on behalf of family members, friends, or recently purchased cars not yet updated with DVLA. Here’s what you need to know.

Why This Question Matters

Scrap yards are legally required to verify who is scrapping a car and ensure they are not handling stolen vehicles or unauthorised disposals. If you try to scrap a car that isn’t registered to you and you don’t have clear permission, you risk being turned away — or worse, investigated for unlawfully disposing of someone else’s property. However, if you come prepared with the right documentation and an honest explanation, most yards will be happy to help.

You can scrap a car that’s not in your name — but only with the owner’s consent.

Scrap yards prefer dealing with the name on the V5C logbook but will work with others if proof is provided.

Scrapping without permission could be treated as theft or fraud.

Documentation is key — a signed note from the owner makes the process smoother.

What the Law Says

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 requires scrap yards to verify the ID of the person handing over a vehicle. However, it doesn’t require legal proof of ownership beyond that. That’s why most ATFs use the V5C logbook as a practical indicator of who is authorised to dispose of the vehicle. If the name on the V5C doesn’t match the person scrapping the car, they’ll ask questions — and potentially request supporting documentation like a bill of sale or written permission.

Situations Where You Can Scrap a Car Not in Your Name

1. You Bought the Car But Didn’t Update the V5C

If you recently purchased the car and never sent the V5C off to update the registered keeper, you can still scrap it — but bring a copy of the receipt or proof of purchase. This reassures the scrap yard that you have a right to dispose of the vehicle.

2. Scrapping a Vehicle for a Family Member or Friend

If the car belongs to a parent, partner, or friend, and you’re handling the scrap process for them, bring a short signed note that says:

“I, [Owner’s Full Name], give permission for [Your Full Name] to scrap my vehicle, [Reg No / Make / Model], on my behalf.”

Include the date, owner’s signature, and ideally a copy of their ID.

3. Executor of an Estate

If the car’s owner has passed away, and you are the executor of their estate or a family member authorised to handle their affairs, you’ll need a death certificate and proof of your executor status. Scrap yards will accept this as sufficient evidence to process the vehicle legally.

Documents to Bring If You're Not the Registered Keeper

These documents, along with a clear explanation, should satisfy most scrap yards. They may take a copy of the authorisation note for their records and will log the transaction against your ID.

Can I Sign the DVLA Notification If I’m Not the Keeper?

Technically, yes — you can sign the V5C slip (section 4 or 9, depending on version) to notify DVLA. If you have permission to act on behalf of the keeper, DVLA accepts that. However, DVLA will send the confirmation letter to the address listed on the logbook. So, coordinate with the owner to ensure they receive the confirmation and any tax refund.

If you’re using the online DVLA service to notify scrapping, you’ll need to enter the keeper’s details. This process doesn’t verify identity beyond the V5C reference number, so it works — but only if you’re doing it with full authorisation.

What You Should NOT Do

Do not attempt to scrap a vehicle without permission. Even if it’s sitting on your property, if the car isn’t legally yours and you have no documentation to support your claim, scrapping it could be considered a criminal offence.

If you believe the car was abandoned, contact your local council or the police. There are official channels for handling abandoned vehicles — scrapping one yourself without clear ownership could get you into serious trouble.

Our Support at Blackburn Scrapyard

At blackburnscrapyard.co.uk, we understand that not every vehicle is registered in the name of the person managing its disposal. We help customers:

We’ll check your paperwork and tell you if it’s okay to proceed.

We help you draft owner consent if the car is not in your name.

We never scrap vehicles without confirming the person has a right to do so.

We protect you and the vehicle owner with documented, traceable transactions.

Contact us if you're unsure whether you can scrap a car not registered in your name. We'll talk you through the process, explain exactly what documents are needed, and help you stay compliant.

Useful Resources

Need help scrapping a car that’s not in your name? We’ll help you do it properly — with zero hassle and full legal support.

Legal Context

The registered keeper is the point of contact for DVLA and presumed owner in absence of other info. If you are not the keeper, legally you should have some authority (power of attorney, executor of estate, or simply the owner’s explicit consent) to dispose of the vehicle. There’s no formal certificate for “permission to scrap,” but providing a letter of authorization can cover you. The scrap yard’s legal obligation is to verify ID, but they also have a duty of care to avoid stealing property. If you scrap a car not in your name without permission, it’s essentially unauthorized disposal of someone else’s property, which is illegal. If caught, you could face charges for theft or fraud. However, it’s common for spouses or family members to scrap each other’s cars; as long as the paperwork is in order and there’s no dispute, it’s fine. DVLA’s interest is that the notification is made – if you send the V5C slip, DVLA doesn’t check whose signature it was as long as it’s plausible. But any dispute later (if the actual keeper claims the car was scrapped without their OK), that’s trouble.

Why This Matters

If someone bought a car and never updated the V5C into their name, they might now want to scrap it – they worry the yard will see a different name on V5C. Often, yards will still proceed if you can show you legitimately own the car (e.g., a bill of sale from the last owner). Another scenario: a friend left their old car with you to dispose of – you want to do them a favor by scrapping it, but need to show the yard you’re doing so legitimately. People in these situations are anxious about being turned away or the process being a hassle. The key pain is ensuring the scrap yard accepts the situation – hence documentation and honesty help.

Quick Step-by-Step Summary

  • Gather evidence of ownership transfer: If you bought the car from the person named on the V5C but never changed it to your name, bring the sale receipt or any proof of purchase. This shows you have rights to the car even if DVLA wasn’t updated. Get owner’s written consent: If the car is still owned by someone else, obtain a short signed letter from them: “I [Name], owner of [Car reg make/model], give permission to [Your Name] to scrap this vehicle on my behalf.” Attach a copy of their ID if possible. Bring the V5C logbook: Even if it’s not your name on it, having the physical V5C is important. Fill out the section to notify DVLA of transfer to scrap (you can sign it, as the form of notification). The scrap yard will likely keep most of it and you’ll send the slip. The presence of the V5C makes the transaction appear legit. Show your ID: Your identification will be recorded by the scrap yard. They’ll note that the person scrapping is you. If later any question arises, you can show you scrapped it with authorization. Explain the situation: When you arrive or arrange pickup, clearly explain why the names differ. For example, “This was my father’s car, he asked me to scrap it as he’s not able to himself. Here’s his letter and the logbook.” Transparency helps the yard feel comfortable. DVLA Notification: You (or the actual owner) should complete the DVLA notification. If you have the owner’s signature on the V5C slip, great. If not, you sign it and send it with a note. Alternatively, use the online system with details from the V5C – you’ll need the owner’s info as the system asks for keeper’s name to confirm. If you have all details, you can still do it. The key is that DVLA gets informed so the previous keeper is off the hook. They will send confirmation to the registered keeper’s address (so if that’s not you, coordinate with the owner to receive it). Avoid without permission: If you cannot get in touch with the person whose name is on the V5C, you technically shouldn’t scrap the car. In cases of an abandoned vehicle on your property, involve authorities. Don’t just scrap it because you could be held liable by the real owner.

Sources & References

  • GOV.UK – DVLA Registered Keeper Guide; Citizens Advice – Abandoned Vehicle Law

Helpful External Links

  • https://www.gov.uk/registering-vehicle-with-dvla, https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/legal-system/arrests-police-and-the-criminal-justice-system/if-you-think-a-vehicle-has-been-abandoned/