Can I scrap a car on someone else’s behalf, like a family member’s car?

Yes, you can scrap a car on someone else’s behalf — but only if you can prove that you have permission or legal authority to do so. Whether it’s a partner, parent, or friend’s vehicle, you’ll need proper documentation to show the scrapyard that you’re authorised to act on the owner’s behalf. At blackburnscrapyard.co.uk, we regularly help customers arrange scrap on behalf of family members, but we always ask for signed permission and ID to ensure everything is done legally and respectfully.

Can You Scrap a Car That’s Not in Your Name?

Yes, but you can’t just turn up with the car and expect the scrapyard to take your word for it. If the registered keeper is alive and simply unable to attend (due to illness, mobility issues, etc.), get a signed letter of permission from them and a copy of their ID. Ideally, the registered keeper should sign the V5C logbook (Section 9 or Section 4 on newer versions) naming the ATF as the trader. Bring your own ID as well, and explain the situation to the ATF in advance.

You must have the vehicle owner’s permission to scrap their car.

Get a signed note and a copy of the keeper’s ID.

The ATF may turn you away without written consent.

Only the registered keeper is legally entitled to any tax refund.

What If the Owner Has Died or Is Incapacitated?

If the owner has passed away or is mentally or physically unable to manage the process, you must have legal documentation proving you have authority. This could be Power of Attorney (PoA), a grant of probate, or a letter from a solicitor naming you as executor of the estate. In bereavement cases, the DVLA has a special Sensitive Casework Team that handles transfers and disposals. You’ll usually need to include a cover letter and a copy of the death certificate when notifying the DVLA.

Step-by-Step: Scrapping a Car on Behalf of Someone Else

Step 1: Obtain a signed letter from the owner giving you permission to scrap their car.

Step 2: Gather a copy of the owner’s ID and your own photo ID.

Step 3: Have the V5C completed with the ATF details, ideally signed by the keeper.

Step 4: Bring the vehicle to a licensed ATF, or arrange collection with us.

Step 5: Notify DVLA that the vehicle was scrapped, using the owner’s details (or legal documents if deceased).

Things to Keep in Mind

The person receiving payment for the car (if applicable) should be the registered keeper, unless they’ve provided signed instructions otherwise. The road tax refund will also go to the registered keeper’s address — so make sure the DVLA has their current address on file. Never accept cash, and always get a Certificate of Destruction to close the record officially. If you're scrapping a vehicle as part of handling an estate or under PoA, keep all documentation safe in case it's ever questioned.

How We Help With Third-Party Scrapping

At blackburnscrapyard.co.uk, we’re happy to support customers scrapping cars on behalf of someone else — as long as it’s done properly. We’ll guide you through what documents are needed, help collect from the home address if needed, and ensure the DVLA process is completed accurately. Whether you’re a family member, carer, executor, or attorney, we’ll make sure the vehicle is collected, scrapped, and documented with zero issues.

We accept vehicles from authorised third parties with written permission.

We advise on what paperwork is needed for each case (bereavement, PoA, etc.).

We help complete and submit DVLA notifications correctly.

We issue a Certificate of Destruction for your records and peace of mind.

Contact our team before booking — we’ll confirm exactly what you need to scrap someone else’s vehicle safely and legally.

Useful Resources

Scrapping someone else’s car? Let us know and we’ll make sure it’s done by the book.

Legal Context

Only the registered keeper (or someone with legal authority like PoA or executor status) should sign off the disposal. The DVLA process expects the keeper’s confirmation. Doing it without consent could be seen as vehicle theft.

Why This Matters

Scrap yards will be cautious if you show up with someone else’s car and paperwork. Without proof, they might turn you away to avoid disputes. Also, any tax refund will go to the registered keeper, not you, unless arranged.

Quick Step-by-Step Summary

  • Obtain permission: ideally a signed note + copy of owner’s ID
  • Have owner sign V5C Section 9 (if possible)
  • Take car to ATF with your ID and owner’s documents
  • ATF processes scrap
  • You or owner send notification to DVLA (online or via V5C slip)
  • Follow up that owner got tax refund and CoD. If deceased or incapacitated, show legal documents giving you authority.

Sources & References

  • DVLA helpline advice
  • anecdotal experiences from scrap services
  • legal POV on disposing property of others

Helpful External Links

  • Scrap forums – people asking about scrapping spouse’s car
  • DVLA – process for disposing via Power of Attorney