What do I do with the V5C log book?
Since scrapping a car is something people tend to do very rarely, it’s normal to have a number of questions. The most common query we receive from customers is: “What do I do with the V5C when I scrap my car?”
Here, we’ll explain what the V5C is, how scrapping a car relates to the V5 logbook document, and how to scrap your car/vehicle without a V5 log book.
What is the V5 document?
The V5C document is also known as a log book, V5, or registration document – it’s the multi-coloured A4 sized document that details a car’s registered keeper, their address, and some details about the vehicle – including the make, model, colour, registration mark, and when it was first registered.
The V5C is an official document that’s issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) – and it’s the vehicle’s registered keeper’s responsibility to return appropriate sections of the V5C to the DVLA to keep them updated with changes to the vehicle or its ownership.
Completing your V5C log book when you scrap your car
To make sure full responsibility for the vehicle is transferred to the scrap partner who collects your car, you will need to complete section 9 of the V5C document (or section 4 on V5Cs issued after April 2019) before sending it to the DVLA.
You should fill out the date of the transfer and details of the scrap yard buying your car. You’ll then need to sign the slip – and get the collection driver to sign for the scrap yard too.
As the registered keeper or owner of the car, it’s your responsibility to do this – but the person collecting your car will be happy to help. When complete, you should return the slip to the DVLA at address on the rear of the form – and the person who’s recovering your car will take the remainder of the log book with them.
Do I need a log book to scrap a car?
A lot of people ask, “Can I scrap a car without a log book?” The answer? Yes! While the logbook makes the process slightly easier, a lost V5 doesn’t make scrapping your car difficult.
We have a full page dedicated to scrapping a car without a V5 – but quite simply, if you want to scrap your car without the logbook, you just need to send the DVLA a letter including the same details they would normally take from section 9 of the V5C (or section 4 on newer documents). The details you need to include in your letter are:
• Your name and address details
• The vehicle’s registration number
• The date of the sale
• The name, address, and VAT number of the scrap yard buying your car
It’s a good idea to write a letter before collection – leaving space for the person who’s collecting your car to complete their details. Don’t worry if you don’t though – we can provide you with details of the scrap yard you’ve dealt with if you write your letter after collection. When complete, this letter should be sent to:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BD
Alternatively, If you happen to have recorded the 11-digit reference number from the front of your V5C, you can let the DVLA know using their dedicated online service between 7am and 7pm daily.
What happens if I don’t return the V5C to the DVLA?
It’s important that the DVLA have the most up to date details for the person who’s responsible for each vehicle on UK roads. Without these details, there can be mix-ups and misunderstandings – especially when trying to decide who is responsible for other legal matters relating to the car; especially road tax.
If you fail to update the DVLA when your car is sold, they may still hold you responsible for any gaps in tax – as well as any issues relating to the disposal of the car. In some cases, these issues can lead to large fines – so it’s worth making sure a fully completed section 9 (or section 4 on newer documents) of the log book is returned promptly.
Will a missing log book impact the price I’m offered?
Although you might find some other scrapping services suggest that a missing log book will reduce the price you’re offered, this simply is not true when you use Car.co.uk. People can be a little uncertain around the paperwork procedures involved with scrapping a car – but you can be confident that the DVLA do not need the log book if you can provide an alternative.
As such, any scrap service that suggests you need to pay the £25 log book replacement fee is either slightly misinformed – or they’re trying to reduce the price you’re offered!
At Car.co.uk, we don’t just make sure you get a great price – we make sure scrapping a car is simple and stress-free – even if you don’t have your V5C logbook.
