Do I need a driving licence to scrap a car?

You do not need a driving licence to legally scrap a car in the UK. While it’s the most commonly accepted form of ID for scrap yards, it is by no means mandatory. The key requirement is that you can provide valid photo identification and proof of address, in accordance with the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. This legislation was introduced to ensure that every scrap transaction is traceable and secure — but it does not require you to hold or present a driving licence specifically. At blackburnscrapyard.co.uk, we help non-drivers, elderly owners, and people with expired or surrendered licences scrap their cars safely and legally every day.

Why This Question Comes Up

Many vehicle owners assume that scrapping a car must involve a driving licence. This is partly due to the terminology used — scrap yards often ask, “Do you have your licence?” when really what they mean is “Do you have valid ID?” Because a driving licence includes both your photo and your address, it’s simply the most convenient way to fulfil both requirements in one document. But if you don't have one, there are equally valid alternatives that meet the legal criteria. You don’t need to be a licensed driver to dispose of a vehicle you own. Scrapping a car doesn’t involve driving it — it’s about proving your identity and authority to hand it over.

A driving licence is not legally required — any valid photo ID + address proof will do.

Scrap yards ask for a driving licence because it conveniently shows both ID and address.

Passport plus a recent bill or statement is a valid alternative combination.

Scrapping a car doesn’t involve driving, so non-drivers can still scrap their vehicle.

What to Use If You Don’t Have a Driving Licence

1. Use a Passport as Your Photo ID

A valid UK passport (or foreign passport with a translation, if needed) satisfies the “photo ID” requirement. This shows your name and photograph, but it doesn’t include your address — so you’ll also need a second document to verify that part. The passport must be current and in good condition. An expired or damaged passport may not be accepted.

2. Bring a Proof of Address Document

Since a passport does not contain your address, you'll need to supplement it with one of the following:

These documents must be dated within the last three months and clearly show your name and current address. The name should match the passport exactly. Scanned copies or printed online statements are usually accepted, as long as they’re legible and complete.

Scenarios Where This Applies

1. You’ve Never Had a Licence

Perhaps you're a non-driver — whether due to age, personal choice, or health reasons. You still have every right to scrap your own vehicle. In this case, prepare a valid passport and a recent utility bill or equivalent. Most ATFs (Authorised Treatment Facilities) will be perfectly happy with this and can proceed with scrapping as normal.

2. Your Licence Has Been Revoked or Expired

If your licence has been taken away (due to a medical condition, for example), or if it has expired and hasn't been renewed, it may not be accepted as ID. Scrap yards typically require that documents be current and valid. In this case, switch to using your passport and proof of address. Make sure to notify the yard in advance so they can prepare any forms or confirmations accordingly.

3. You’re Scrapping a Car on Behalf of Someone Else

Perhaps you're helping an elderly parent or someone who’s no longer driving. If the vehicle is in their name but you’re the one handling the scrapping, the ID that matters most is yours — since you’re physically handing over the vehicle. You may also be asked to provide a note of consent, or a signed letter confirming that you’re authorised to act on their behalf. If they don’t have a driving licence, that’s okay — as long as you provide your own valid ID and, ideally, a matching address on the V5C (logbook), the yard can usually proceed.

Scrap Without a Driving Licence: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare your valid passport to use as photo ID.

Step 2: Bring a recent utility bill or bank statement to verify your address.

Step 3: Let the scrap yard know you’re not using a driving licence, so they expect the alternative combination.

Step 4: Ensure both documents are in your name and dated within the last 3 months.

Step 5: If you’re scrapping someone else’s car, bring your ID and a note of authorisation from the owner.

Legal Foundations: Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 mandates that all scrap transactions — including cars — must be traceable and accompanied by verified identification. It does not say you must hold a driving licence. It only requires that scrap dealers record your full name and address, based on government-issued documents. The law bans anonymous scrap sales and cash payments to help prevent metal theft and ensure that all vehicle disposals are lawful. As long as you bring an acceptable combination of ID and address proof, you’re meeting the legal standard — no licence required.

How We Handle It at BlackburnScrapyard.co.uk

We work with customers every day who don’t hold a driving licence. Whether due to age, health, or personal preference, we make the process easy. Just let us know at the time of booking that you’ll be using an alternative form of ID. We’ll confirm exactly what to bring and guide you through the handover. Our collection drivers are fully trained in ID verification and will complete the process quickly and respectfully.

You don’t need to drive — scrapping a car is about ID, not having a licence.

We accept passports plus proof of address for all non-drivers.

Our staff will help you prepare the right documents and check them on collection.

You can scrap a car for someone else with ID and written consent.

Get in touch with us today if you’re scrapping your vehicle but don’t hold a driving licence. We’ll help you get everything done legally, quickly, and without hassle.

Useful Resources

No driving licence? No problem. Speak to our team today and we’ll help you get everything sorted legally and efficiently.

Legal Context

There’s no requirement that the person scrapping a car be a licensed driver – scrapping is not driving. The confusion arises because scrap yards often ask for a driving licence as ID. Legally, any acceptable photo ID will do (passport, etc.), so not having a driving licence doesn’t bar you from scrapping your own car. The key is providing alternative identification as mandated by the Scrap Metal Dealers Act. If you are personally delivering the car, you also don’t need a driving licence for that if someone else drives or tows the vehicle. In summary, a driving licence document is not mandatory, but identification is. Many use a driving licence because it’s handy. Without it, bring a passport + utility bill as per law.

Why This Matters

Non-drivers or people who’ve had to surrender their licence (due to medical reasons, etc.) might worry they can’t scrap their old car. They might also be unsure what other ID is acceptable. Another scenario: the owner is elderly and doesn’t have a driving licence; perhaps a family member is helping scrap the car – the ID of whoever is handling the transaction will be needed. The pain point is making sure the scrap yard is satisfied with alternate ID. Additionally, if someone’s driving licence is expired or revoked, they may think it’s invalid as ID (often an expired licence isn’t acceptable, so a valid passport would be needed instead).

Quick Step-by-Step Summary

  • Use alternative ID: If you don’t have a driving licence, prepare your passport as the primary photo ID. Add proof of address: Since a passport has no address, also bring a recent proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, etc.) to satisfy the address verification requirement. Inform the scrapyard: When arranging the scrap, mention that you’ll be providing a passport + bill as ID instead of a driving licence. Reputable yards will accept this as it meets legal criteria. Ensure validity: Make sure your passport is valid (not expired) and that the proof of address is under your name and recent. If the car’s V5C is in your name and address, having that on hand too can help corroborate your identity (though V5C alone isn’t enough for the ID law). If owner isn’t present: If the car’s owner doesn’t have a driving licence and isn’t present, and you are scrapping it on their behalf, bring your ID (since you’re the one physically conducting the transaction). You might also bring a note or proof of consent from the owner, but the scrap yard will primarily need the ID of the person handing over the car. No need to drive: Remember that scrapping doesn’t involve driving the car on the road (often it’s towed or collected). So if you don’t have a licence to drive, that doesn’t matter for the purpose of scrapping – you just need to prove who you are.

Sources & References

  • Scrap Car Network FAQ – No Driving Licence FAQ; Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 Guidance

Helpful External Links

  • https://www.scrapcarnetwork.org/scrap-car-faqs/how-do-i-prove-my-identity, https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-law-to-tackle-scrap-metal-theft