Scrapping a car in the UK is simpler than most people expect. The process is regulated, the payment must be made by bank transfer, and you are entitled to a Certificate of Destruction that legally ends your responsibility for the vehicle. This guide walks you through every step.
Step 1: Compare quotes before you commit
Scrap prices vary significantly between dealers. The same car can fetch £50 more or less depending on which dealer you approach and what the current metal price is. The fastest way to find the best offer is to enter your registration plate on a comparison site like Scrap Car Check. You get multiple quotes in seconds without having to ring round.
When comparing quotes, check whether collection is included in the price. Most authorised dealers offer free collection as standard, but some may charge a fee if you are outside their main operating area.
What affects your quote? The two biggest factors are your car's weight (which determines its scrap steel value) and the current price of steel and non-ferrous metals. The make, model, age and condition also play a role — particularly whether the catalytic converter and battery are still in place.
Step 2: Accept an offer and book collection
Once you have found a price you are happy with, accept the offer and confirm a collection date and time. All dealers in the Scrap Car Check network are Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) registered with the Environment Agency, so you can be confident they will process your car legally.
You do not need to arrange transport. The dealer will send a flatbed truck or trailer to collect the car from your address, whether it runs or not.
Step 3: Prepare the car before collection
Before the dealer arrives there are a few things worth doing:
- Remove all personal belongings — dealers are not responsible for items left in the car
- Take out any items you want to keep, such as a spare tyre, sat nav or child seat
- Locate your V5C logbook — you do not legally need it to scrap the car, but having it speeds up the process
- Cancel your car insurance from the date of collection so you stop being charged
- Cancel or request a refund on any remaining road tax — the DVLA refunds full unused months automatically once they receive notification
Do not remove the catalytic converter before collection. Dealers price your car partly based on the cat being in place. Removing it typically results in a lower offer and can cause problems at the point of collection.
Step 4: Hand the car over and get your Certificate of Destruction
When the dealer arrives they will inspect the car and confirm the agreed price. You hand over the keys. Before they take the vehicle away you must receive a Certificate of Destruction (CoD). This is a legal document confirming that the car has been accepted for processing and is no longer your responsibility. Keep this safe.
If a dealer refuses to provide a CoD, do not proceed — they may not be a legitimate ATF and you could remain liable for the vehicle.
Step 5: Receive payment by bank transfer
Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, it is illegal for scrap dealers to pay cash for vehicles. Payment must be made by bank transfer. Most dealers pay on the day of collection or the next working day. If a dealer offers cash in hand, that is a serious red flag.
Step 6: Notify the DVLA
After your car has been collected you need to tell the DVLA that it has been scrapped. You can do this online at GOV.UK in about two minutes. You will need your reference number from the V5C logbook. Once you notify them, your road tax will be cancelled and any remaining months refunded automatically.
If you scrapped the car through an ATF, the dealer will also send a notification to the DVLA on your behalf — but it is still good practice to confirm it yourself.
What if I do not have the V5C? You can still scrap your car. Tell the dealer you do not have the logbook and notify the DVLA separately using form V62. See our full guide: Scrapping a car without a V5C logbook.
How long does the whole process take?
From getting your first quote to having money in your bank account, the whole process typically takes one to three days. Comparing quotes takes a couple of minutes. Collection can usually be arranged within 24 to 48 hours, and payment arrives the same day or next working day after collection.
Do I need an MOT to scrap my car?
No. You do not need a valid MOT to scrap a car. The dealer is not driving it on the road — they collect it on a flatbed. See our full guide: Does a scrap car need an MOT?
Can I scrap a car that does not run?
Yes. All dealers on the Scrap Car Check platform collect non-runners. Select "non-runner" or "accident damaged" in the condition field when getting your quote, and the price will reflect this. A flatbed truck is used for collection. See our full guide: Scrapping a car that does not run.
Summary: what you need to scrap a car
- Your vehicle registration number (to get quotes)
- Your address (for collection)
- Your bank account details (for payment)
- Your V5C if you have it (not strictly required)
That is genuinely all it takes. The dealer handles the rest.