When you scrap a car, you must tell the DVLA. Failing to do so means you could receive fines for road tax, get letters demanding MOT certificates, or even face liability for anything the scrapped vehicle is linked to. Here's exactly what to do.
Good news: If you use a licensed ATF dealer, they usually handle DVLA notification for you automatically as part of the scrapping process. The Certificate of Destruction (CoD) they issue also triggers automatic records updates.
Step 1: Hand over the V5C at collection
When the dealer collects your car, they'll ask for your V5C log book. You tear off section 9 (the yellow slip at the back) and give the main green portion to the dealer. The dealer sends the V5C to the DVLA to notify them the vehicle has been scrapped.
Keep the yellow section 9 slip as your temporary record until you receive confirmation from the DVLA.
Step 2: Wait for DVLA confirmation
Within a few weeks, the DVLA will send you written confirmation that the vehicle has been removed from the register. You should also receive a refund of any remaining road tax automatically — this goes back to your bank account for full remaining months.
Step 3: Receive your Certificate of Destruction
The ATF dealer is legally required to issue you a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) within 7 days. This is your proof that the vehicle has been legally destroyed. Keep it permanently — you may need it if any queries arise later.
Under the End of Life Vehicles Regulations 2003, any ATF that fails to issue a CoD is breaking the law. If you don't receive one within two weeks, contact the dealer in writing.
Warning: Never scrap a car with an unlicensed dealer. Only ATF operators are legally authorised to issue Certificates of Destruction. Unlicensed yards cannot properly notify the DVLA, leaving you potentially liable for the vehicle even after scrapping.
What if you don't have the V5C?
If you've lost your V5C, you need to notify the DVLA yourself using form V62. You can also tell the DVLA online via the gov.uk website that you're scrapping the car, even without a V5C, using your registration number and a brief explanation.
Road tax refund — what to expect
If your vehicle was taxed when scrapped, the DVLA will automatically refund unused complete months. For example, if you had 7 months remaining on a £200/year tax, you'd receive approximately £117 back.
The refund goes to whoever paid for the tax (usually the registered keeper) by cheque or bank transfer. It typically arrives within 4–6 weeks.
Notify DVLA online after scrapping
You can also use the DVLA's online service at gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle to inform them you've transferred ownership to a scrap dealer. This supplements the dealer's own V5C submission.