What Documents Do I Need to Scrap My Car in the UK?

If you’re scrapping your car in the UK, you’ll need a few key documents to make the process legal and straightforward. The essentials are your V5C logbook, photo ID, proof of address dated within 3 months and your bank details (so the scrap yard can pay you directly).

You’ll hand these documents over to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), which is the only type of scrap yard that’s legally approved to scrap cars in the UK. The ATF uses them to confirm ownership, handle DVLA notifications and issue your Certificate of Destruction once they’ve dismantled and processed the vehicle.

By the end of this quick guide, all your questions about documents needed to scrap your car in the UK will be answered.

V5C logbook

The V5C logbook, also known as the vehicle registration certificate, is the official DVLA document that proves who’s responsible for the car. It lists the vehicle’s make, model, colour and registration number, as well as the name and address of the registered keeper.

The V5C is proof you’re the one who’s legally entitled to scrap the car. Without it, the ATF can’t verify ownership right away, which means you’ll face delays (or even rejection) when you go to do so.

It’s also part of the notification process. You’ll use it to tell the DVLA you’ve scrapped your car. They’ll use that info to update their records so you’re no longer liable for tax, fines and insurance linked to the vehicle.

Proof of identity

When you scrap a car in the UK, you must show photo identification to prove who you are. This is a legal requirement under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. The law was introduced to prevent car theft and illegal scrapping by ensuring every transaction is traceable and linked to a verified individual.

Accepted forms of photo ID are:

• UK driving licence
• Passport (UK or foreign)
• National identity card (for non-UK citizens living in the UK)

Your photo ID confirms your identity and ties you to the ownership details on the V5C logbook. Without it, the ATF can’t legally accept your car and you won’t be able to complete the transaction.

That means if you don’t have a driving licence or passport, you’ll need to apply for one before scrapping your vehicle. Unfortunately, there’s no legal workaround for this.

Proof of address

When you scrap your car, you’ll also need to show proof of address to confirm that your residential details match those on your ID and V5C logbook. This extra layer of verification helps prevent fraud and ensures the DVLA’s records are accurate when the vehicle is deregistered.
Accepted forms of proof of address include:

• Bank or credit card statements
• Utility bills (gas, electric, water or council tax)
• Mortgage statements and tenancy agreements
• Official government correspondence (such as HMRC or DVLA letters)

Whichever document you choose to bring must be dated within the last three months. Anything older won’t be accepted because scrap yards need up-to-date evidence that you currently live at the address associated with the vehicle.

Your bank details

This one’s pretty straightforward. Under the Scrap Metal Dealer’s Act 2013, ATFs can’t pay you in cash. Since they’re going to send you payment via bank transfer, they’re going to need your bank account info.

To pay you, the scrap yard will as you for:

• Account name
• Sort code
• Account number

Most scrap yards issue payment on the same day or within 24 hours of receiving the vehicle, depending on their internal process. If you scrap with Car.co.uk, we pay you on the spot when we pick up the car.

Note: If you’re not receiving payment (for example, if the car is being collected for free or donated) you’ll still need to confirm your identity and address, but they won’t ask for account details.

Do I need V5C logbook to scrap my car?

You don’t always need a V5C logbook to scrap your car, but having it makes the process far easier. ATFs prefer it because it instantly confirms you’re the registered keeper, which speeds up verification and DVLA notification.

Without your V5C, you can still scrap your vehicle, but you’ll need to provide other evidence of ownership and the scrap yard might take longer to process the transaction.

Your options at this point:

• Apply for a replacement using form V62 (recommended).
• Provide alternative proof of ownership like a bill of sale, insurance policy or MOT certificates showing your name and registration number.
• Show matching ID and proof of address that align with the vehicle’s details.

When you need to apply for a replacement V5

If the V5C logbook is lost or damaged, you’ll have to apply for a replacement. Unless you’re ultra-pressed for time, I always recommend doing this. Bringing it to the car scrap yard without one leaves a bad impression and makes them think the car is stolen.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Apply for a replacement. Complete form V62 (available on the DVLA website or at any Post Office). Alternatively, if you don’t need to change any information in the logbook, you can apply online in minutes.
2. Pay the fee. The replacement costs £25, payable by card, cheque or postal order.
3. Post your form. If you can’t apply online, send the completed V62 and payment to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.
4. Wait for your new logbook. If you apply online, it arrives within 5 to 7 working days. By post, you’ll get it in 2 to 6 weeks.

Once you have the new logbook, it’ll also make the whole process go way smoother since it instantly proves the car is yours. And with the physical V5C, you’ll be able to tell the DVLA you scrapped your car online instead of sending them a handwritten letter by post.

Do I need to provide insurance papers when scrapping my car?

You don’t need to show the ATF your insurance papers when scrapping your car. The essentials are your V5C logbook, photo ID, proof of address and bank details. The only time your policy would come in handy is if you don’t have the V5C and need another way to prove ownership.

That said, scrapping your car does affect your insurance. Once your car has been scrapped, make sure you inform your insurer immediately. This cancels your policy, stops any future payments and may even entitle you to a refund for unused cover.

Can I drive a car without an MOT to be scrapped?

If your car doesn’t have a valid MOT certificate, you can’t legally drive it to the scrap yard. In the UK, the only times you’re allowed to drive without a valid MOT are when you’re driving to a pre-booked MOT test or to a garage for pre-arranged repairs.

Driving to a scrapyard doesn’t count, and doing so will lead to fines and penalty points on your licence if you’re caught. In extreme cases for repeat offenders, I’ve seen the police seize the vehicle.

That said, it’s a non-issue. We scrap cars without an MOT every day. When you scrap your car through us, we’ll collect it directly from your home, garage or wherever it’s parked. We’ll take it to an ATF and pay you on the spot via secure bank transfer.

What happens after my car is scrapped

Once the ATF scraps your car, there are two important steps that follow:

• DVLA notification: You’ll need to complete Section 4 of the V5C (on newer ones) or Section 9 (on older ones) and post it to the DVLA. Or, you can use their online notification service. Failing to notify the DVLA can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
• Certificate of Destruction (CoD): The ATF will also tell the DVLA that your vehicle has been permanently scrapped. The DVLA will update its records and generate a Certificate of Destruction, which the ATF will issue to you. This document proves your car has been legally scrapped and you’re no longer responsible for it.

How long does DVLA take to confirm scrap notification?

After your car is scrapped, the DVLA typically confirms the notification within 4 weeks. You’ll receive a letter by post stating that you’re no longer the registered keeper. And if you submitted your disposal online, the confirmation is usually instant. You’ll get an on-screen message followed by an email.

If it’s been longer than four weeks and you haven’t heard from the DVLA, contact them directly to check the status. You can reach them via the DVLA contact form. When you do, include your full name, address, vehicle registration number and the date of disposal.

While waiting, keep your receipt and Certificate of Destruction (CoD) from the ATF. This serves as proof that the vehicle has been scrapped legally in case of issues and delays.

Can I retain the personalised number plate on my scrapping car?

Yes, you can keep your personalised number plate when scrapping your car, but you have to apply for this before the vehicle is destroyed. Once it’s scrapped and de-registered, that plate is gone forever.

To keep your plate, apply for number plate retention (V317 form) through the DVLA. This transfers your registration number to a Retention Document (V778) or directly to another vehicle. Only after this process is complete should you proceed with scrapping.

Read more: How to Transfer or Retain a Private Registration Plate

The bottom line

To legally scrap your car in the UK, you’ll need four key documents: your V5C logbook, photo ID, proof of address and bank details. These confirm ownership, verify your identity and get you paid securely.

Always scrap your car through an Authorised Treatment Facility. They’re the only places licensed to dismantle vehicles in the UK, issue a Certificate of Destruction and notify the DVLA that your car is off the road.

If you don’t have the right documents, there will be delays in the process. And if you use an unlicensed scrap yard can lead to legal issues if the vehicle is abandoned or used in a crime, then traced back to you. So following the proper process protects you, your finances, and the environment.