Is the V5C (logbook) required to scrap a car?

Many vehicle owners worry that they cannot legally scrap their car without the V5C logbook — also known as the registration certificate. It’s an understandable concern, especially if the document has been lost, damaged, or never arrived after purchase. The good news is this: the V5C is not legally mandatory to scrap your car, but it is highly recommended. Scrapping without it is possible, but you will need to take additional steps to prove ownership and notify the DVLA correctly. At blackburnscrapyard.co.uk, we regularly assist customers in this situation, ensuring their vehicles are scrapped safely, legally, and with all the correct documentation — even if the logbook is missing.

Is the V5C Logbook Legally Required to Scrap a Car?

No — the V5C logbook is not strictly required by law to scrap a car in the UK. There is no legislation that explicitly says, “you must present a V5C in order to dispose of your vehicle.” However, the logbook serves as the primary proof that you are the registered keeper of the vehicle, and having it simplifies the entire scrapping process. Most Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) and scrap yards prefer, or even expect, to see the logbook during collection or drop-off. It confirms your identity, streamlines DVLA notification, and helps protect both you and the scrap operator from potential legal issues surrounding ownership or stolen vehicles.

Without the V5C, you are legally still allowed to scrap the vehicle — but you’ll need to compensate for its absence by showing other forms of evidence. Additionally, because you won’t be able to use the standard DVLA online service without the V5C reference number, you’ll have to notify the DVLA manually by post. That small change alone introduces extra paperwork and slightly more risk, which is why we always recommend having the V5C if possible.

The V5C is not a legal requirement for scrapping, but makes the process smoother and faster.

If you don't have a V5C, you must prove ownership and notify DVLA manually in writing.

Scrap yards may ask for additional ID or documents in the absence of a logbook.

You may also sign a disclaimer or fill out a form stating you’re the legal keeper.

What to Do If You Don’t Have the V5C

If your V5C has been lost, damaged, or never received, don’t panic — but do be prepared. Scrap yards will want to see other evidence that you’re authorised to dispose of the vehicle. Here's what you should do if you're scrapping a car without the V5C logbook.

1. Inform the Scrap Yard in Advance

Transparency is key. When arranging for your car to be collected or dropped off, let the ATF or scrap dealer know in advance that you don’t have the V5C. This allows them to prepare the appropriate forms and set expectations clearly. Most reputable ATFs, including our partners at blackburnscrapyard.co.uk, will still accept vehicles without a logbook, but may require you to provide alternative documentation and sign a legal declaration confirming your ownership of the vehicle.

2. Provide Other Proof of Ownership

While the V5C is the standard, there are several alternative documents that can help prove your connection to the vehicle. These include:

None of these are official proof of ownership on their own, but taken together with your personal ID, they can help a scrap yard feel confident in proceeding with the collection. These additional documents help establish trust and legality in the absence of the logbook.

3. Show Valid Photo Identification

Whether you have the logbook or not, you are legally required under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 to provide valid photo ID when scrapping a vehicle. A UK photocard driving licence is preferred because it includes both your photo and your address. If you use a passport, you must also bring a separate proof of address, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 3 months.

This ID requirement applies to every scrap transaction in the UK, and is non-negotiable — with or without a V5C. The scrap yard will record the ID details and store them securely in compliance with the Act.

4. Sign a Disclaimer or Ownership Form

When scrapping without a V5C, many ATFs will require you to sign a legal declaration. This form typically confirms that:

Some yards will send a copy of this form to the DVLA in lieu of the V5C tear-off slip, while others may ask you to take further action yourself. Either way, this step is essential to ensure legal responsibility is correctly transferred and that your name is removed from the DVLA vehicle record.

5. Notify DVLA in Writing

If you don’t have the V5C, you cannot use the DVLA’s online service to report the vehicle as scrapped. Instead, you must notify them in writing by post. Your letter should include the following details:

Send the letter to:
DVLA, Vehicle Customer Services, Longview Road, Swansea, SA99 1BD

It’s a good idea to keep a copy of the letter for your own records, and to request a confirmation from the ATF that they scrapped the vehicle. At blackburnscrapyard.co.uk, we can assist with this process and ensure you have written confirmation for your records.

6. Consider Replacing the V5C (Optional)

If you’re not in a hurry, you can apply for a replacement V5C logbook through DVLA before scrapping the car. This costs £25 and can be requested online, by phone, or by post using a V62 form. Once you receive the new V5C, you can proceed with the usual online scrappage process and avoid the need for extra forms or letters. While this step isn’t necessary, it can simplify things — especially if your chosen scrap yard has strict document policies.

7. Retain All Receipts and Confirmation

Finally, be sure to collect and keep all paperwork related to the scrapping of your vehicle — especially when doing so without a V5C. This includes:

These documents act as your proof that the vehicle was properly disposed of. In the unlikely event that the DVLA later contacts you about tax or fines, having this paperwork will protect you and close the case quickly.

How blackburnscrapyard.co.uk Helps When You Don’t Have a V5C

We understand that not every vehicle comes with a full set of documents, and we’ve built our process to accommodate that. If you're scrapping a car without the V5C, our team will walk you through every step, help you complete the right forms, and ensure your legal obligations are met. We can even help draft your DVLA notification letter and provide confirmation that the vehicle was received by a licensed ATF.

We accept vehicles without a V5C and handle all necessary paperwork.

Our team provides guidance on proving ownership and drafting DVLA letters.

We ensure a Certificate of Destruction is issued whenever possible.

All collections are compliant with scrap metal and DVLA regulations.

Contact us today if you’ve lost your V5C — we’ll help you scrap your car legally and securely without stress.

Useful Resources

Lost your logbook? Talk to our team now — we’ll help you get everything sorted, legally and efficiently.

Legal Context

There is no law saying “you cannot scrap without a V5C” – a vehicle can be scrapped without the logbook, but extra steps are needed. The DVLA’s official stance is that if you don’t have a V5C, you should inform them by letter with details of the vehicle and the ATF where it was scrapped. This is to ensure the DVLA updates the vehicle record. The V5C is the primary proof of registration, so not having it means the scrap yard will rely on other proof of ownership (like your ID matching the keeper’s details or a bill of sale). Many ATFs will still accept a car without the V5C, but will ask you to sign a disclaimer or fill out a form for DVLA. Ultimately, the legal requirement is that DVLA is informed of the scrapping – normally done via the V5C tear-off slip or online using info from the V5C. Without the document, that notification must be done manually.

Why This Matters

Owners who lost or never received the V5C worry that they “can’t scrap the car.” The pain point is the extra hassle: you’ll need to prove you have the right to scrap it (e.g., show your identity matches the DVLA’s keeper records, or provide a receipt if you recently bought the car). Scrap yards might be cautious – some refuse scrap without a V5C to avoid handling potentially stolen vehicles. There’s also the delay of notifying DVLA by post, and anxiety about whether the DVLA processed your letter.

Quick Step-by-Step Summary

  • Inform the scrap yard: Let the ATF/scrap yard know upfront that you don’t have the V5C. They may ask for additional proof of ownership (e.g., your driving licence address matching the car’s address on DVLA records, or any old insurance or service document with the car’s details). Obtain proof of ownership: If possible, bring any document that shows you are connected to the car (old insurance policy, purchase receipt, or even the vehicle’s last MOT certificate with your details). While not official proof like a V5C, it helps reassure the scrap yard. Sign a DVLA disclaimer/form: Many ATFs will have you fill out a form declaring you are the owner and that you request the vehicle to be destroyed. This form can be sent to DVLA in lieu of the V5C slip. Alternatively, you will need to write a letter to the DVLA. Include your name/address, the vehicle registration, make/model, date of sale for scrap, and the ATF’s details. State that you, as the keeper, have scrapped the vehicle. Send notification to DVLA: If not using the online service (which you can’t without the V5C’s reference), post your notification letter to DVLA (Vehicle Registration, Swansea). This ensures DVLA updates its records. Make a copy of the letter for your records. Consider getting a replacement V5C: If time permits, you could apply for a duplicate logbook (it costs £25) before scrapping. This isn’t necessary, but if the car isn’t being scrapped immediately, having the V5C can make the process smoother. Retain evidence: Keep any receipt or paperwork the scrap yard gives you. In the absence of a V5C, this will be your only proof that you transferred the car for scrapping, should any questions arise (for example, if DVLA or law enforcement contacts you about the vehicle).

Sources & References

  • Scrap Car Network – Vehicle Documentation Advice; DVLA (GOV.UK) – Inform DVLA of scrapping without V5C

Helpful External Links

  • https://www.gov.uk/scrapped-vehicle, https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-log-book