How do I notify the DVLA when I’ve scrapped my car?
Once your car has been scrapped at a licensed ATF, there’s one last legal step you can’t afford to miss: telling the DVLA. If you don’t, you could still be on the hook for tax, fines, or future enforcement — even though your vehicle is gone. This guide from blackburnscrapyard.co.uk walks you through exactly how to notify the DVLA when scrapping your car.
Why Notifying DVLA is a Legal Requirement
When you scrap your vehicle, you're legally required to inform the DVLA that you're no longer the registered keeper. If you don’t update the vehicle record, the DVLA may continue to treat you as the legal owner, leaving you liable for:
Road tax charges
Failure to SORN penalties
Insurance enforcement letters
£1,000 fines for not updating the vehicle register
The law is clear: the Vehicle Registration Regulations require all vehicle disposals to be reported promptly. Thankfully, the process is straightforward.
How to Notify DVLA When Scrapping Your Car
There are two official ways to notify DVLA — online or by post — depending on whether you have the V5C (logbook) and how you’re scrapping the vehicle.
✅ Option 1: Notify Online (Fastest Method)
Visit the official DVLA online service.
Select “I’ve sold, transferred or scrapped my vehicle.”
Choose the “scrapped or written off” option.
Enter your vehicle registration and 11-digit V5C reference number.
Submit the form and wait for email confirmation from DVLA.
This process is quick and secure — and you’ll usually get confirmation within minutes. Always screenshot or save the confirmation email for your records.
✉️ Option 2: Notify by Post (Using the Yellow Slip)
If you’d rather use the post, or don’t have access to the online service, you can still notify DVLA manually using your logbook (V5C). You’ll need the yellow slip — called V5C/3.
Fill in the yellow slip (V5C/3) with the ATF or collection company’s details.
Sign and date the slip to confirm the transfer.
Post it to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD
Keep the rest of the V5C for your records, or destroy it if advised.
DVLA will send you a confirmation letter once the record is updated. Keep this safe — it proves you’re no longer the keeper.
Top Tips Before You Notify
If you’ve kept your private plate, remove it before notifying DVLA.
Make sure you have the full 11-digit reference from the V5C.
If you’ve lost your logbook, contact DVLA separately in writing.
If you’re unsure, the ATF or collection partner (like us) can guide you.
What Happens After You Notify DVLA?
Once DVLA has received and processed your notification:
You will receive a confirmation letter or email.
The vehicle will be marked as scrapped in DVLA records.
Your road tax (if prepaid) will be automatically refunded.
You are no longer legally responsible for the vehicle.
What If You Forgot to Notify DVLA?
It happens — sometimes people assume the ATF handles it, or they simply forget. If you didn’t notify the DVLA after scrapping your car, take action right away:
Contact DVLA immediately using the official contact portal.
Send a written letter including your name, address, vehicle reg, and scrapping details.
Include the name/address of the ATF who took your car.
Request confirmation in writing that you’re no longer the registered keeper.
This retroactive notice can still protect you — especially if the car was disposed of properly by a licensed ATF.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Forgetting to remove private plates before notification
Using a middleman or trader who isn’t DVLA-registered
Failing to keep the yellow slip (or proof of submission)
Assuming the scrap dealer notified DVLA on your behalf
At blackburnscrapyard.co.uk, we’ve seen all these mistakes — and help customers avoid them every day.
Need Help Notifying DVLA? We’ll Do It For You
When you scrap your car with blackburnscrapyard.co.uk, we make sure the DVLA notification process is handled correctly — every time.
We collect your car from your home or workplace
Only work with DVLA-approved ATFs
Help complete your yellow slip or online form
Follow up to ensure you receive DVLA confirmation
Get a quote now and let us handle the whole process — legally, safely, and with zero hassle.
Useful Resources
- GOV.UK – Notify DVLA of a scrapped vehicle
- GOV.UK – Scrapping your vehicle: what to do
- GOV.UK – Contact the DVLA
- Carwow – How to notify DVLA you've scrapped your car
- Vehicle Registration Regulations 2002
Still unsure how to notify DVLA? Reach out to our team — we’re happy to guide you through it, step by step.
Legal Context
It’s legally required to inform DVLA when a car is scrapped. The Vehicle Registration Regulations mandate updating DVLA to avoid £1,000 fine.
Why This Matters
Failing to notify means DVLA still sees you as the keeper, leading to potential tax bills or fines. Without DVLA confirmation, you might not get a road tax refund.
Quick Step-by-Step Summary
- Remove personal plate if needed
- Fill out V5C (yellow slip)
- Use DVLA online “Tell us you’ve sold/scrapped” form
- Input car reg and V5C reference
- DVLA confirmation arrives.
Sources & References
- GOV.UK – Sold
- transferred or scrapped vehicle guidance
- DVLA V5C instructions
Helpful External Links
- DVLA online service for scrapped vehicle
- Carwow guide on notifying DVLA