What Documents Do I Need to Scrap My Car?
19th Mar, 2025
Scrapping your car in the UK is a straightforward process, but ensuring you have the right paperwork is crucial. Many vehicle owners ask, what documents do you need to scrap a car? To keep everything legal and hassle-free, it’s important to gather the required documents before handing over your vehicle to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). Here’s a complete guide on the paperwork for scrapping a car and what you need to know before saying goodbye to your old vehicle.
V5C Logbook (Vehicle Registration Document)
The most important document when scrapping your car is the V5C logbook, also known as the vehicle registration certificate. This proves that you are the registered keeper of the car and allows the ATF to process the scrappage legally.
- Fill out Section 9 (or Section 4 on newer logbooks) and send it to the DVLA to notify them that your car has been scrapped.
- Hand over the remaining part of the logbook to the scrap dealer.
- If you’ve lost your V5C, don’t worry—you can still scrap your car legally (more on this below).
Proof of Identification
To prevent fraud and illegal vehicle disposal, most scrap yards require proof of identity. This typically includes:
- A valid photo ID (such as a driving licence or passport)
- A proof of address (such as a recent utility bill or bank statement)
Having these documents ensures a smooth transaction and helps meet legal requirements.
Certificate of Destruction (CoD)
Once your vehicle has been scrapped, the ATF should provide you with a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) within seven days. This is an official document from the DVLA, confirming that your car has been dismantled and is no longer on the road.
- This document proves you are no longer responsible for the vehicle.
- If you don’t receive a CoD, make sure to follow up with the scrap dealer to avoid any future legal issues.
What If I Don’t Have a V5C Logbook?
If you don’t have your V5C logbook, you can still scrap your car. However, you’ll need to provide alternative proof of ownership, such as:
- A valid form of ID (driving licence or passport)
- Any official paperwork linking you to the vehicle (insurance documents, service history, or purchase receipt)
To notify the DVLA, you should send a letter with:
- Your details (name and address)
- The car’s registration number
- The name and address of the scrap yard handling the disposal
Settling Outstanding Finance
If your car has any outstanding finance, you cannot legally scrap it until the loan is fully repaid. The logbook loan company or finance provider still technically owns the vehicle. Contact them to settle the balance before arranging scrappage.
Keeping or Selling a Private Number Plate
If your car has a personalised number plate, you’ll need to apply to retain or transfer it before scrapping your vehicle. You can do this through the DVLA’s online service or by completing a V317 form.
- If you don’t transfer your number plate, you may lose it permanently.
- You can assign the plate to another vehicle or hold it on a retention certificate.
Final Steps: Informing the DVLA
Once your car has been scrapped, you must inform the DVLA to avoid any penalties. Normally, this is done via the V5C logbook, but if you don’t have one, you can send a letter instead.
For more guidance on notifying the DVLA, check out this guide.
Why Choose Scrap Car Network?
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to scrap your car, Scrap Car Network offers:
- Instant quotes for your vehicle
- Free collection service
- Guaranteed legal disposal
- Support for UK-based charities
Find out how much your car is worth by getting a quote today!
Final Thoughts
Understanding the paperwork for scrapping a car ensures a smooth and legal process. Whether you have your V5C logbook or not, following these steps will help you scrap your vehicle responsibly and avoid any legal complications.
Now that you know what documents you need to scrap a car, you’re ready to get started!
