Do I have to inform the DVLA when I scrap my car?
Yes, you do. Confirming the sale of your car is an important part of the scrapping process – and, if you don’t, you may be held liable for charges that relate to the vehicle – even after you’ve sold it.
Fortunately, it’s a straightforward process. To let the DVLA know you’ve scrapped your car, you just need to complete section 9 of the V5C log book form – or, if you’ve got a V5C that was issued after April 2019; section 4. You’ll need to record the date of the sale and details of the company buying your car, before signing it – and getting the person who’s recovering the car to sign it too.
When you have this information, you can actually inform the DVLA online using their dedicated service – between 7am and 7pm. Alternatively, you can just return the tear-out section of the V5C to the address on the rear, and your collection driver will take the rest of the form with the car.
What happens if I don’t have the V5C form anymore?
It’s not uncommon for people to misplace their V5C log book form – so, don’t panic if you can’t find it. If you’ve recorded the 11-digit reference number from the front of the form, you can still complete the process online – but, if you haven’t, you’ll just need to write or type a quick letter to the DVLA.
In your letter, you should explain that you have transferred the vehicle to a dismantler – and state your name and address details, the vehicle’s registration, the sale date, along with the name, address, and VAT number of the dismantler who collects your car. Since you’re unlikely to have this information until collection time, it’s worth printing or writing your letter first – leaving spaces to for the recovery driver to sign and fill out their company details.
When complete, you should send your letter to:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BD
What happens if you don’t inform the DVLA?
Although many people don’t realise it, failing to update your owner details for your vehicle can result in a fine of up to £1,000. As such, it’s vital that you complete the small amount of paperwork needed when you scrap your car.
As well as fines, there are some instances where vehicle owners have been automatically fined for offences they’re not actually liable for. For instance, if the DVLA’s computer system thinks the car is untaxed – but is still registered in your name, you may receive a penalty in the post.
Don’t forget, the collection driver that picks up your car will be happy to assist if you’re not completely confident filling out your paperwork.
Don’t order a replacement log book
Since scrapping a car isn’t something you’re likely to do very often, it’s not uncommon for people to be a little uncertain around the paperwork involved. Occasionally, scrap yards that don’t meet our strict customer services standards will see this as a chance to make a little bit of extra profit when they buy a car – telling customers they will knock the £25 DVLA log book replacement fee off the price they give.
Although Car.co.uk’s partners will never do this, it’s not unheard of with other scrap car buyers – so be alert if you choose to look elsewhere for prices too. You don’t need a replacement log book – as the scrap yard will receive a new one when you inform the DVLA that the car is sold.
