What legal steps must I follow to scrap my car in the UK?
Legally scrapping a car requires taking it to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), which is a licensed scrapyard. Notify the DVLA with your V5C logbook reference once scrapped.
DVLA & Legal Questions
The DVLA plays a central role in the legal side of car scrapping in the UK. Before your car is removed, it’s essential to ensure the DVLA is properly notified to avoid future tax charges or legal issues. Whether you're scrapping an MOT failure, accident-damaged vehicle, or simply an old car you no longer need, every step should comply with current DVLA disposal regulations.
One of the most important documents involved is the Certificate of Destruction (CoD). This is issued by the Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) and confirms your vehicle has been dismantled and removed from the DVLA register. It provides legal protection against any liability tied to the vehicle after collection, and it’s a key indicator that the scrapping process was handled correctly.
Many drivers are also unsure about SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) rules or what happens if they’ve lost their logbook. Our DVLA FAQ section addresses these topics in detail, providing clarity on what you need, what to expect, and how we help simplify the process. Scrapping your car doesn’t need to be stressful — especially when it’s done legally, locally, and with full DVLA compliance.
What is an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) and why must I use one?
An Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) is a government-licensed scrapyard for end-of-life vehicles. UK law mandates using an ATF to scrap cars, ensuring safe de-pollution and recycling.
How do I notify the DVLA when I’ve scrapped my car?
Use the yellow section of the V5C logbook or the DVLA online service to notify them you’ve scrapped your car. This is legally required and ensures you’re no longer registered as the keeper.
What is a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) and why do I need it?
A Certificate of Destruction (CoD) is an official DVLA document confirming your car has been scrapped at an ATF. It proves you’re no longer responsible for the vehicle and that it’s off the road permanently.
What happens if I don’t tell the DVLA I’ve scrapped my car?
Not informing DVLA of a scrapped car can result in fines up to £1,000. You remain legally responsible for the vehicle, which may lead to tax bills, penalties, or enforcement actions if it’s misused.
Can I scrap my car if it has outstanding finance or a loan on it?
No – you generally cannot scrap a car with outstanding finance. Until the loan or PCP is fully paid, the vehicle legally belongs to the lender and cannot be disposed of.
Do I need to SORN my car before scrapping it?
Not necessarily. If you plan to scrap the car immediately, SORN is not required. It’s only needed if the vehicle will be off-road for a period before scrapping.
Can I keep my personalised number plate when scrapping my car?
Yes. You must apply to retain your private plate before scrapping the vehicle. Once the DVLA issues a retention certificate or transfers the reg, you can scrap the car safely.
What documents do I need to scrap my car legally?
You’ll need your V5C logbook, photo ID, and possibly proof of ownership. If you don’t have the V5C, bring a bill of sale and notify DVLA in writing. ID is always required by the scrapyard.
How can I scrap my car if I’ve lost or don’t have the V5C log book?
You can still scrap your car without the V5C logbook by providing proof of ownership and notifying the DVLA by letter. A Certificate of Destruction from the ATF confirms the car was scrapped properly.
How do I scrap a car if the owner has died (bereavement situation)?
If the owner of a car has died, the next of kin or executor can scrap it after notifying DVLA. A letter and death certificate must be sent to DVLA, and the ATF can then scrap the vehicle and issue a Certificate of Destruction.
My car was an insurance write-off – how does scrapping it work?
If your car is written off by your insurer, they usually handle the scrapping by sending it to an ATF. You should confirm DVLA is informed, remove private plates, and retain the V5C yellow slip.
Is it legal to scrap my car privately or must I use a scrapyard?
You cannot legally scrap a car privately. UK law requires all scrapping to be handled by an ATF. Private dismantling is illegal and can lead to fines and environmental penalties.
Can I remove parts from my car before scrapping it?
Yes, you can remove parts from your car before scrapping it, as long as you do so legally and safely. The remaining vehicle must still go to an ATF for final disposal.
How do I scrap a car that’s registered abroad (imported or foreign vehicle)?
To scrap a foreign-registered car in the UK, take it to an ATF for legal disposal. You’ll get a UK Certificate of Destruction, then must notify the foreign authority with a copy of the CoD to close the vehicle record in its country of origin.
Can I scrap a car that has no MOT or tax, and can I drive it to the scrapyard?
Yes, you can scrap a car without MOT or tax, but you cannot drive it to the scrapyard. It must be collected or transported legally by trailer or recovery truck.
What environmental regulations should I be aware of when scrapping a car?
End-of-life vehicles are classified as hazardous waste and must be scrapped at an ATF. ATFs remove fluids and toxic parts safely, ensuring at least 95% of the car is recycled to meet UK environmental regulations.
Will I get a refund on my road tax (VED) after scrapping my car?
Yes – once the DVLA is notified of the scrappage, they will issue a refund for any full months of remaining tax. The refund is usually sent as a cheque to the registered keeper’s address.
Do I need to cancel my car insurance when I scrap my car?
Yes — you should cancel your insurance after scrapping your car to avoid paying for a vehicle you no longer own. You may be entitled to a refund for unused premium months.
Is it legal for the scrapyard to pay me in cash for my scrap car?
No – since 2013, it’s illegal for UK scrapyards to pay for scrap cars in cash. All payments must be made by bank transfer or cheque under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act.
What penalties could I face for scrapping a car improperly or illegally?
Improperly scrapping a car — like failing to notify DVLA or using an unlicensed dealer — can result in fines up to £1,000 or more, vehicle seizure, and potential criminal prosecution under environmental and scrap metal laws.
Can I scrap a car on someone else’s behalf, like a family member’s car?
Yes, but you must prove you have permission. You’ll need a signed letter, ID from the owner, or legal authority (e.g., Power of Attorney) to legally scrap a car that isn’t registered in your name.
What should I do with my car’s personal data or belongings before scrapping (e.g. sat-nav data, documents)?
Before scrapping your car, remove all personal items and clear any stored data. Check all compartments, remove documents, unpair phones, and wipe sat-nav settings to protect your information.
How soon do I need to inform DVLA after scrapping my car?
You should inform the DVLA immediately after scrapping your car. Same-day or within a couple of days is best to avoid tax liability and ensure prompt refund processing.
What do I do with the V5C (logbook) when scrapping my car?
Keep the yellow section (Section 9 on older V5Cs, Section 4 on newer ones) and send it to DVLA. Give the rest of the V5C to the ATF or insurer. If notifying DVLA online, destroy the V5C after confirmation.
How does scrapping my car affect my car insurance or any claims on it?
Once your car is scrapped, your insurance should be cancelled or transferred. You can’t make claims on a scrapped car, but scrapping doesn’t affect your no-claims bonus. Refunds or fees may apply depending on your policy.
What happens to my car’s registration number after the car is scrapped?
Once a car is scrapped and DVLA is informed, its registration number is cancelled. If you wanted to keep a personalised number, it had to be retained before scrapping – otherwise, it’s lost permanently.
What are the main stages of scrapping a car from start to finish?
Scrapping a car involves key stages: preparation, choosing a licensed ATF, handing over the car and paperwork, notifying DVLA, receiving a Certificate of Destruction, and handling any tax/insurance after.
Can I legally drive a SORNed car to the scrapyard?
No – you cannot legally drive a SORNed car to the scrapyard. It must be transported by trailer or collected by a licensed ATF. Driving it could result in fines or vehicle seizure.