Scrapping a car involves less paperwork than most people expect. You do not need an MOT, a service history, or any special authorisation. The essentials come down to proving you own the vehicle and being set up to receive payment by bank transfer. Here is a clear breakdown of each document and its role.
The minimum you need: proof of identity, proof that you are the owner or registered keeper, and your bank details. Everything else makes the process smoother but is not strictly required.
V5C logbook (Vehicle Registration Certificate)
Very helpful — not strictly requiredThe V5C is the document that shows who the registered keeper of the vehicle is. Most dealers prefer you to have it because it makes verifying ownership straightforward. When you hand over the car, the dealer typically takes section 9 of the V5C and sends it to the DVLA to complete the transfer of responsibility.
If you do not have your V5C, you can still scrap the car — but you will need to prove ownership another way and notify the DVLA yourself afterwards. See our full guide: Scrapping a car without a V5C logbook.
Proof of identity
RequiredMost dealers will ask to see some form of ID before collecting the vehicle. A driving licence or passport is standard. This is part of the dealer's legal obligation to verify that the person handing over the vehicle has the right to do so.
Bank account details
RequiredUnder the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, it is illegal for scrap dealers to pay cash for vehicles. Payment must be made by bank transfer. You will need to provide your sort code and account number when you book collection or on the day itself. If a dealer offers to pay cash, this is a serious warning sign that they may not be a legitimate Authorised Treatment Facility.
V5C/3 (the yellow new keeper slip)
Helpful if you recently bought the carIf you recently bought the car privately and the full V5C has not yet arrived in your name, the yellow V5C/3 slip from the previous owner can serve as evidence that you are the new keeper. Some dealers will accept this in place of the V5C; always check with the dealer in advance.
MOT certificate
Not requiredAn MOT is not required to scrap a car. The vehicle is collected on a flatbed and not driven on the road, so roadworthiness does not apply. See our full guide: Does a scrap car need an MOT?
Service history
Not requiredService history is not relevant to scrapping. Scrap value is based on weight and metal prices, not maintenance records. If your car has a full service history, it may be worth more sold privately or part-exchanged than scrapped — but the service history itself plays no role in the scrapping process.
Certificate of Destruction
You receive this — keep itThe Certificate of Destruction (CoD) is issued to you by the Authorised Treatment Facility once they have accepted your vehicle for processing. It is a legal document confirming that the car has been officially accepted for destruction and that you are no longer responsible for it. Keep it safe. If a dealer refuses to issue a CoD, do not hand over the vehicle — they may not be a legitimate ATF.
What happens after you hand over the car?
Once the car has been collected and you have your Certificate of Destruction, you should notify the DVLA that the vehicle has been scrapped. You can do this online at GOV.UK using the reference number from your V5C. The DVLA will then cancel the road tax and refund any remaining full months automatically.
Even if the ATF sends the V5C section 9 to the DVLA on your behalf (which they are required to do), it is good practice to confirm the notification yourself. See our guide: Notifying the DVLA when you scrap your car.
Checklist: what to have ready on collection day
- V5C logbook (if you have it)
- Photo ID (driving licence or passport)
- Sort code and account number for payment
- Keys to the vehicle
- Any spare keys
That is all you need. The dealer handles the rest.