Can I scrap my car if I don’t have any photo ID?

Scrapping your car without any form of photo ID is extremely difficult — and in most cases, not legally possible. Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, all scrap yards in the UK are required to verify the identity of anyone scrapping a vehicle. This law exists to prevent theft, fraud, and untraceable transactions. At blackburnscrapyard.co.uk, we follow these regulations strictly and require valid ID from every customer before processing any scrap vehicle.

Why Is Photo ID Required?

The UK government introduced the Scrap Metal Dealers Act to eliminate anonymous scrap transactions. Whether it’s a car, catalytic converter, or copper cable, every scrap transaction must be traceable back to a named individual. For vehicles, that means anyone handing a car over to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) must present valid identification.

The law doesn’t just suggest this — it requires it. Scrap yards that fail to check and record ID are in breach of legislation and could face fines or loss of licence. That’s why reputable scrap yards won’t accept your car unless you provide a legal, verifiable form of ID.

You must show photo ID when scrapping a vehicle in the UK.

This is a legal requirement under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.

Acceptable ID includes a UK driving licence or passport + proof of address.

Scrap yards must record ID for every vehicle scrapped — no exceptions.

What If I Don’t Have a Driving Licence or Passport?

If you don’t have a photo driving licence or passport, you still have options — but you will need to plan ahead. Here’s what to do:

1. Apply for Basic Photo ID

You can apply for a UK CitizenCard (a government-recognised photo ID) or a provisional driving licence. These are valid forms of identification for scrap transactions. Applications usually take 1–2 weeks to process, so allow some time if you're planning to scrap soon.

2. Speak to the Scrap Yard

Call the scrap yard in advance and explain your situation. Some may accept additional documentation alongside a non-photo ID (e.g. birth certificate, utility bill, council correspondence). However, most yards will insist on proper photo ID to meet legal standards. Always be upfront — and don’t assume they’ll “bend the rules.”

3. Ask Someone to Scrap the Car for You

If you absolutely can’t get photo ID, you can authorise someone else (such as a friend or relative) to scrap the car on your behalf. To do this properly:

The person scrapping the car must then bring their own photo ID, which the scrap yard will check and record as normal.

Why You Can’t Just “Skip” the ID Check

Some owners are tempted to find a scrap dealer who won’t ask for ID — or who “doesn’t mind.” That’s a major red flag. Not only is that dealer breaking the law, but if anything goes wrong (e.g. no payment, vehicle misuse, or tax fines), you have no legal recourse. You also risk the transaction being reversed or investigated later.

Do I Need ID to Receive Payment?

Yes. Because scrap payments must be made by cheque or bank transfer (cash is illegal), the yard must record your ID to match the payment recipient. Without ID, they cannot legally pay you. If someone else is scrapping the car for you, they will be listed as the person paid — unless otherwise instructed in writing.

Our ID Policy at Blackburn Scrapyard

We require all customers scrapping a vehicle to present valid photo ID. Acceptable forms include:

We record this securely and never use it for marketing or third-party purposes. If you don’t have ID, we’ll talk you through the options — and help you make alternative arrangements if needed.

We legally require ID for all scrap vehicle transactions.

If you don’t have ID, we can explain how to authorise someone else.

We’ll never accept a vehicle without properly recording identity.

Need time to apply for ID? We’ll hold your booking and help plan.

Contact us if you’re unsure what documents you need — we’ll help you get ready the right way.

Useful Resources

No ID? No problem. We’ll help you find the right route to legally scrap your car without stress.

Legal Context

Scrap yards in the UK are required by law to verify the identity of anyone scrapping a vehicle. This is mandated by the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, which was introduced to combat metal theft and untraceable transactions. Acceptable forms of ID include a photocard driving licence or a passport (often accompanied by a recent utility bill for proof of address). If a person does not have any photo ID at all, they may not be able to complete the scrap transaction. In rare, low-risk cases, a scrap yard might accept supplementary documents if they feel confident in the person’s identity, but this is not common. The law is clear: ID must be checked and recorded. Proceeding without it could put the yard at legal risk, and most reputable yards will decline the transaction unless proper ID is provided.

Why This Matters

People without photo ID might feel locked out of the process and unsure what to do next. Some owners don’t drive, so they never had a licence, or may have misplaced their passport. Others are unsure what exactly is “acceptable ID.” This causes confusion and anxiety, especially if they’re eager to dispose of a vehicle legally. In some cases, people might be tempted to ask a friend to do it instead — which is okay if done properly, but not if trying to avoid ID rules. The key is either to obtain an ID, or authorise someone else to scrap it properly.

Quick Step-by-Step Summary

  • Understand the legal requirement: Scrap yards must verify ID under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. Acceptable ID includes a photocard driving licence or passport with proof of address. No photo ID = very limited options. Get basic photo ID: If possible, apply for a provisional licence or citizen photo ID card. These are accepted and easy to obtain. It may take a couple of weeks, so plan ahead. Speak to the scrap yard: Call ahead and explain the situation. Some may accept other forms of documentation (e.g. government letters, birth certificate + utility bill), but many will not. Be honest about your situation. Authorise someone else: If you truly have no way to provide photo ID, you can write a short letter authorising a trusted friend or family member to scrap the vehicle for you. Give them the V5C, your note, and ideally a copy of your non-photo ID. They must show their own photo ID. Don’t bypass ID rules: Avoid trying to complete the process without ID — yards that skip checks are not operating legally, and you could lose payment or risk problems if something goes wrong. Follow the law for peace of mind.

Sources & References

  • GOV.UK – Scrapping Requirements; Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 – Legal Text

Helpful External Links

  • https://www.gov.uk/scrapped-vehicle, https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2013/10/contents/enacted