How do I scrap a car if the owner has died (bereavement situation)?

Scrapping a car when the registered keeper has died requires a few extra steps, but the process is clear and legally supported by the DVLA. As the next of kin or executor of the estate, you have the authority to arrange for the vehicle to be scrapped once the DVLA has been properly informed of the owner’s death. At blackburnscrapyard.co.uk, we regularly help families handle vehicle disposal sensitively and legally during bereavement situations.

Who Can Scrap the Car?

The person handling the deceased’s estate — typically a next of kin or official executor — has the legal right to arrange for the car to be scrapped. You don’t have to wait for probate to be granted if you're simply disposing of personal property like a car. However, you must let the DVLA know what’s happening. This includes writing a letter to DVLA’s Sensitive Casework Team and providing a copy of the death certificate. Once that's done, the ATF can legally process the vehicle and issue a Certificate of Destruction.

Only an executor or next of kin should handle the car disposal.

DVLA must be notified that the owner has passed away.

Probate is not needed to scrap the car.

A death certificate and cover letter are usually required.

What to Include in the DVLA Letter

To process the vehicle transfer and eventual scrapping, write to the DVLA’s Sensitive Casework Team. In your letter, explain that the registered keeper has passed away and that you’re acting as executor or next of kin. Include your name, address, and your relationship to the deceased. Enclose a copy of the death certificate, and if possible, fill in the V5C (yellow slip for trade disposal) with the scrapyard’s details. If the keeper’s signature is required and obviously unavailable, explain the circumstances in the cover letter.

Include your full name and address.

Clearly explain your relationship to the deceased.

List the car’s reg number, make, model, and scrap date.

Attach the death certificate and any part of the V5C available.

Send all documentation to: DVLA Sensitive Casework Team, Swansea, SA99 1ZZ. Keep a copy of everything you send, and follow up if you haven’t received a DVLA confirmation within a few weeks.

How the ATF Will Handle It

Once you’ve contacted DVLA and arranged for the car to be scrapped, a licensed Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) will collect or receive the vehicle. They may ask to see a copy of the death certificate and your ID to confirm that you are authorised to release the car. After scrapping, they’ll issue a Certificate of Destruction (CoD), which serves as proof that the car has been permanently taken off the road. This is important for protecting the estate from future liability.

ATFs may request to see a death certificate or letter of authority.

The vehicle is collected and scrapped as normal.

A Certificate of Destruction is issued after completion.

This document confirms the estate is no longer liable for the car.

Don’t Forget Insurance and Tax

Once the car is scrapped, make sure to cancel any active car insurance on the vehicle. If there’s any remaining road tax, the DVLA will usually issue a refund automatically, but only if it’s clear who should receive it. In your DVLA letter, you can ask that the refund be issued to a specific person or directly to the deceased’s estate. If the car has been SORN'd (declared off road), this status ends once the car is destroyed.

Step-by-Step: Scrapping a Deceased Owner’s Car

Step 1: Locate the V5C (logbook) if possible — not required, but helpful.

Step 2: Write a letter to DVLA Sensitive Casework Team explaining the situation.

Step 3: Include a copy of the death certificate and any supporting documents.

Step 4: Arrange for the car to be scrapped by a licensed ATF.

Step 5: Receive a Certificate of Destruction and retain it for estate records.

Support During a Difficult Time

We understand that dealing with a loved one’s car after they’ve passed can be an emotional and stressful process. That’s why blackburnscrapyard.co.uk offers tailored help for bereavement cases. We handle sensitive collections, assist with paperwork, and ensure that everything is done legally and respectfully. From collection to DVLA communication, we’ll guide you through each step to ensure you’re fully supported.

We handle all DVLA paperwork if needed.

We’ll guide you through notifying DVLA properly.

Our team is trained to assist with bereavement situations compassionately.

You’ll receive a CoD and help with tax/insurance matters.

Contact us if you need help scrapping a vehicle from a deceased estate — we’ll walk you through it, respectfully and legally.

Useful Resources

Need help with a bereavement car collection? Reach out to us — we’ll handle it with care.

Legal Context

A vehicle is part of the deceased’s estate (“chattel”). Executors can deal with it without waiting for probate, but must notify DVLA in writing. DVLA’s Sensitive Casework Team handles bereavement cases. They need a letter + appropriate V5C section (for motor traders if scrapping).

Why This Matters

It can be confusing – if no logbook is found, the buyer (scrapyard) might have to apply for a new one via V62. Also, ensuring any tax refund goes to the right person (estate) needs clarity in the letter. There may be emotional difficulty and paperwork stress.

Quick Step-by-Step Summary

  • Notify DVLA of owner’s death (letter to Sensitive Casework)
  • Arrange scrap with ATF
  • Complete V5C (as representative, attach death cert copy)
  • Provide ATF with necessary proof (they may want to see death cert or your executor status)
  • Send V5C slip + cover letter to DVLA Sensitive Casework
  • ATF issues CoD
  • Cancel insurance & apply for tax refund (if not automatic).

Sources & References

  • DVLA bereavement guidance
  • bereavement advice centres
  • scrap industry experiences

Helpful External Links

  • GOV.UK – “Telling DVLA after someone dies” (selling a vehicle section)
  • Probate car services – advice on scrapping from an estate