What do I do with the V5C (logbook) when scrapping my car?

The V5C logbook is a key part of legally scrapping your car — and handling it properly avoids future fines or confusion. The most important step is to ensure DVLA is notified, either online or by post. The easiest way is using the yellow “sell, transfer or part-exchange to motor trade” slip, which is Section 9 on older V5Cs or Section 4 on newer ones. This slip contains the fields to enter the scrapyard’s details, and you must complete and send this to DVLA yourself. At blackburnscrapyard.co.uk, we’ll guide you through this before or during collection.

What Part of the V5C Do I Keep?

When scrapping your vehicle, you give most of the V5C to the ATF (Authorised Treatment Facility) or your insurer — except the yellow slip. That yellow slip is your part to complete and send to the DVLA. It lets them know you’ve disposed of the vehicle. If you’re using the GOV.UK online notification service instead, then you’ll need the 11-digit reference number from the front page of the V5C. Once confirmation is received, the paper logbook can be destroyed — the record is fully digital after that point.

Keep the yellow section — Section 9 (older) or Section 4 (newer V5C).

Complete it with the scrapyard’s name, address, and scrap date.

Send it to DVLA at: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD.

Give the rest of the V5C to the scrapyard — they may request it.

Can I Do It Online Instead?

Yes — DVLA offers an online notification service. You’ll enter your registration number and 11-digit reference code from the V5C. After you confirm the vehicle has been sold or scrapped, you’ll receive email confirmation. This counts as official notification, and you can then destroy the V5C. Many customers do this on the day of collection using a smartphone or laptop — quick, simple, and avoids paperwork delays. However, if you post the slip, allow time for processing and always keep a copy for your records.

Step-by-Step: What to Do with the V5C

Step 1: Locate your full V5C logbook before scrapping the vehicle.

Step 2: Fill out the yellow slip (Section 9 or Section 4) with ATF’s name and address.

Step 3: Hand the rest of the V5C to the scrapyard — they may retain it for record keeping.

Step 4: Send the slip to DVLA by post, or notify DVLA online using the V5C reference number.

Step 5: Keep any confirmation letters/emails and your Certificate of Destruction for your records.

Why This Step Matters

Failing to notify DVLA correctly means you may still be registered as the car’s legal keeper — which could lead to tax bills, fines, or enforcement letters. The yellow slip is your way of proving the car was legally transferred to a scrapyard. If you give the full V5C to the scrap dealer without keeping the slip, and they fail to notify DVLA, you’ll have no evidence. Always keep a record of who took the car, their contact info, and your posted slip or online confirmation.

How We Help at BlackburnScrapyard.co.uk

We’ll provide our details to help you fill in the V5C correctly, and we explain whether online or postal notification is best in your situation. Once you’ve handed over the car, we’ll remind you to complete your yellow slip or help you complete the DVLA online form. Our process is designed to close off your vehicle history completely — no hassle, no loose ends.

We guide you on how to fill in your V5C before collection.

We take the logbook (excluding yellow slip) for legal processing.

We help with DVLA notification via online or post methods.

We provide a Certificate of Destruction after the scrap is complete.

Get in touch if you’re unsure what to do with your V5C logbook before scrapping — we’ll talk you through it clearly.

Useful Resources

Not sure which part of your logbook to send or keep? Ask our team — we’ll help make sure it’s done right the first time.

Legal Context

The registered keeper must notify DVLA of disposal. The V5C slip is a convenient way. Newer V5Cs (post-2019) changed section numbers. The law expects you to either use the slip or a letter to DVLA (or online).

Why This Matters

Mistake to avoid: handing the whole V5C to the scrapyard and walking away. If they forget or don’t bother notifying, DVLA thinks you still have the car. Also, not filling in the trader details can void your notification – DVLA could reject it if incomplete. Keeping a copy of scrapyard details is good in case of issues.

Quick Step-by-Step Summary

  • Before scrapping, find V5C
  • Complete yellow slip with scrapyard’s name/address and date
  • Ensure scrapyard signs/stamps if possible
  • Keep slip, hand rest of V5C to scrapyard
  • Mail slip to DVLA or do online notification (with V5C reference)
  • Once confirmed, you can discard any remaining parts of logbook.

Sources & References

  • DVLA V5C instructions
  • scrap guides
  • insurer instructions for total loss

Helpful External Links

  • Car.co.uk – V5C use when scrapping
  • GOV.UK online service note to destroy logbook after use