I’ve lost my V5C logbook – can I still scrap my car legally?

Yes — you can still legally scrap your car even if you’ve lost the V5C logbook. While the V5C (vehicle registration certificate) is the standard document used during the scrapping process, it is not a strict legal requirement. What matters is that you can prove you are the legal owner or keeper of the vehicle, and that you notify the DVLA that the car has been dismantled. Most licensed scrapyards — especially Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) — are familiar with this situation and can guide you through the alternative steps. At blackburnscrapyard.co.uk, we handle scrap vehicles with or without a logbook and help ensure your legal responsibilities are fulfilled correctly and efficiently.

Why Losing the V5C Isn’t a Dead End

The V5C logbook is the DVLA’s record of who is currently registered as the keeper of a vehicle. However, its absence doesn’t change that — if you are the legal keeper according to DVLA records, you remain responsible until the vehicle is officially deregistered. That’s why the DVLA allows you to proceed with scrapping a car even if the V5C is missing. The key requirement is that you inform the DVLA directly and provide enough evidence to verify the transaction. Licensed ATFs understand these rules and are typically willing to accept a vehicle without the V5C if you can show valid ID and sign a formal declaration at the time of handover.

Step-by-Step: How to Scrap a Car Without the V5C

1. Confirm the V5C Is Truly Lost

Before taking further action, double-check whether the logbook is truly missing. Check document folders, glove compartments, and past correspondence — especially if you moved house recently. If the V5C was stolen, you should report this to DVLA to prevent potential misuse. If it’s simply lost or destroyed, you can still proceed with scrapping but will need to notify the DVLA manually after disposal. If time allows, you may also choose to order a replacement, but that’s optional.

2. Tell the Scrap Yard in Advance

When arranging to scrap your vehicle, inform the ATF or scrap dealer that you’ve lost the V5C. Reputable facilities like blackburnscrapyard.co.uk encounter this issue regularly and will have procedures in place. Letting the yard know in advance allows them to prepare the necessary paperwork and prevents any surprise delays on collection day. They may ask a few more questions to verify your identity, but it won’t prevent you from scrapping the car legally.

3. Bring Photo ID and Other Supporting Documents

Even without a logbook, you’ll still need to verify your identity when scrapping a car. Bring a UK photocard driving licence, which shows both your photo and address. If you only have a passport, you must also bring a recent utility bill or official document showing your address (dated within 3 months). These ID checks are required by the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 and help protect against vehicle fraud.

It’s also helpful to bring any additional documents that show your connection to the car. This might include:

While these are not essential, they help reassure the ATF that you are the rightful owner and can help speed up the process.

4. Sign a Scrap Declaration at the ATF

Most ATFs will ask you to sign a document confirming that:

This form may be retained by the ATF or sent to the DVLA along with their Certificate of Destruction records. Some facilities will also give you a copy for your records. Signing this form helps to legally cover both you and the scrap dealer and ensures that DVLA processes your notification without issue.

5. Notify DVLA of the Scrappage by Post

If you don’t have the V5C, you cannot use the DVLA’s online notification service — instead, you must notify them in writing. This step is absolutely essential and must not be skipped. Write a letter including:

Send your letter to:

DVLA, Vehicle Customer Services, Longview Road, Swansea, SA99 1BD

We recommend sending this letter by recorded delivery so you have proof of postage and can track when it was received. Make a copy for your records.

6. Consider Applying for a Replacement V5C (Optional)

If you’re not scrapping the car right away — or if the vehicle is being held for a few weeks before disposal — you may want to apply for a replacement V5C in the meantime. This costs £25 and can be done via the GOV.UK website or by submitting a V62 form by post. Receiving a new V5C allows you to use the DVLA’s online scrap notification service and avoids needing to send a letter. However, if the vehicle is being scrapped within a few days, this step may not be necessary.

7. Follow Up for Confirmation

After you send your letter to the DVLA, you should receive confirmation within 2–4 weeks stating that you are no longer the keeper of the vehicle. If you do not receive a confirmation letter after this time, contact DVLA to ensure the update was processed. This confirmation is your final piece of proof that the car has been deregistered from your name.

How We Help If You’ve Lost Your V5C

At blackburnscrapyard.co.uk, we frequently collect vehicles without V5Cs and understand the extra steps involved. Our team will walk you through the process, provide paperwork at collection, and help ensure that all documentation — including the DVLA notification letter — is properly prepared. We can also issue a Certificate of Destruction for the vehicle once it has been processed through a licensed ATF. This document provides peace of mind that the vehicle has been dismantled legally and is no longer your responsibility.

We scrap vehicles with or without the V5C — legally, quickly, and with full paperwork support.

Our collection team helps you complete any declarations required by the ATF.

We guide you in preparing your DVLA notification letter and explain where to send it.

You’ll receive a Certificate of Destruction once your vehicle is scrapped — even without a V5C.

Contact us today if you’ve lost your logbook and need help scrapping your car. We’ll guide you through it step-by-step and make sure nothing’s missed.

Useful Resources

Lost your logbook? Speak to our team now — we’ll make sure your vehicle is scrapped legally and your name is cleared from DVLA records.

Legal Context

Even without the physical V5C document, you remain the vehicle’s lawful keeper as recorded by DVLA. The legal obligation is to notify DVLA of the vehicle’s disposal – this can be done via the V5C or via a written notification if the V5C is lost. The process for a lost V5C is essentially the same as scrapping without one: the DVLA must receive details of the scrap (registration number, make/model, date of scrappage, and the ATF name/address). The scrap yard can still lawfully scrap the car as long as they have confidence you are the owner/keeper. Many will proceed if you show your ID and sign paperwork. It’s advisable (though not required) to apply for a replacement V5C if the timeline allows, but if the car is due to be scrapped immediately, you can proceed without waiting.

Why This Matters

Realizing the logbook is lost often causes stress – owners fear the scrap yard will turn them away or that they’ll face legal trouble. There’s also the inconvenience of the extra DVLA notification step. Another worry: if the V5C was lost due to theft (e.g., someone might misuse it), the owner wants to ensure the car is properly taken off their name to prevent fraud. People in this situation are also concerned about getting paid less (some unscrupulous scrap buyers may try to reduce the price if no logbook, though most reputable ATFs won’t mind as long as it’s legal).

Quick Step-by-Step Summary

  • Confirm it’s truly lost: Double-check at home for the V5C. If it’s definitely lost or destroyed, proceed with the next steps. (If stolen, you might inform the DVLA to flag potential misuse, but for scrapping, continue as below.) Notify the scrap yard in advance: When arranging the scrap, tell the ATF that the V5C is lost. Reputable facilities deal with this scenario regularly and will guide you. Bring ID and any proof: Carry your photo ID and any other document that links you to the car (old tax renewal letter, an insurance certificate, or even the VIN number from the car matching any old record). These aren’t official replacements for a V5C, but they reinforce trust. Complete ATF paperwork: You’ll likely be asked to sign a document at the scrapyard declaring you are the owner and that you authorize scrapping. This will include the vehicle’s registration and may be sent to DVLA. Obtain a copy if possible. Write to DVLA: Draft a letter to DVLA Vehicle Registrations, Swansea. Include: your full name and address, the vehicle’s registration number, make and model, and state that you have scrapped the vehicle on [date] at [Name and address of scrapyard]. Explain that the V5C is lost, so you could not provide the section, and you are notifying them directly. Send this promptly after scrapping (ideally via recorded delivery to have proof). Consider replacement logbook (optional): If your car isn’t being scrapped immediately (or if the process is delayed), you could apply for a replacement V5C via the GOV.UK service or postal form V62 (£25 fee). However, if the car will be scrapped in the next few days, this isn’t necessary – focus on the direct notification method instead. Follow up: Expect a confirmation letter from DVLA within a few weeks. If you don’t receive confirmation that you are no longer the keeper, contact DVLA to ensure they updated the record. Keep the Certificate of Destruction or scrapyard receipt and a copy of your letter as evidence in the meantime.

Sources & References

  • Scrap Car Network – FAQ on V5C; DVLA (indirect via GOV.UK) – Procedure for scrapping without logbook

Helpful External Links

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