The plain-English handbook
How to scrap a car, properly
Scrapping a car takes four short steps. This site explains each one, from valuing the car to the DVLA paperwork, and offers free collection when you are ready.
Step 1 of the method
Value your car
Start with the registration and the postcode where the car is parked.
- Collection is freeA recovery vehicle comes to the car, so it never has to be driven.
- Authorised facilitiesCars are taken to Authorised Treatment Facilities.
- Certificate of DestructionIssued for every car destroyed at an ATF.
- No cash, by lawPayment is made by bank transfer.
The method
Scrapping a car in four steps
Every car follows the same short route, whatever its condition. Here it is in order, with the reason behind each step.
- 1
Find out what it is worth
Enter the registration and the postcode where the car is parked. That is enough for a licensed buyer who covers the area to look the car up and come back with an offer.
Why it mattersKnowing the value first stops you guessing. An honest description of faults and missing parts means the figure you hear is the figure you are paid. - 2
Get the car ready
Take out everything personal, deal with any private number plate, and find the V5C logbook if you have it. Nothing needs to be repaired, cleaned or drained.
Why it mattersA private plate has to be taken off the record before the car is scrapped. Once the car is destroyed, the right to the number goes with it. - 3
Hand it over
A recovery driver collects the car from wherever it stands, at a time you agree, and you are paid by bank transfer. The car then goes to an Authorised Treatment Facility.
Why it mattersPaying cash for a scrap car is illegal in England, Wales and Scotland. A traceable payment protects you as well as the buyer. - 4
Close the record
Tell the DVLA the car has been scrapped, keep the Certificate of Destruction the facility issues, and expect a refund for any full months of tax.
Why it mattersUntil the DVLA knows, the car is still linked to you. The Certificate of Destruction is your proof if a fine or tax letter ever arrives.
Before collectionTick as you go
Getting ready
Five minutes of preparation saves a lot of hassle
Nothing needs fixing, cleaning or draining before a car is scrapped. What matters is what you take out of it, and what you sort out before it goes.
The private plate is the one step that cannot be done afterwards, so it comes first.
Guides
Read up before you decide
Short guides to the questions that come up most, each checked against GOV.UK.
- 01How to scrap a car: the complete guide8 minThe whole process in order: valuation, preparation, collection, the DVLA and your certificate.
- 02How to tell the DVLA you have scrapped your car5 minThe online service, the postal route and what to do when the logbook is missing.
- 03The Certificate of Destruction, explained5 minWhat the certificate proves, when you get it and the cases where none is issued.
- 04Scrapping a car without a V5C logbook5 minYes, you can scrap a car without its logbook. Here is how the DVLA step changes.
- 05Keeping your private number plate5 minThe retention application, the V778 document and the one deadline you cannot miss.
- 06Getting your vehicle tax back after scrapping4 minHow the refund is worked out, how it is paid and what is not refundable.
- 07Scrapping a car that is still on finance5 minWhy outstanding finance has to be settled first, and how to go about it.
- 08Insurance write-off categories, explained6 minCategory A, B, S and N in plain English, and what each means for the car and its logbook.
Situations
Find your situation
Each page explains what is different about scrapping a car in that state, and what stays the same.
Where we collect
An index of places
Local guides for towns and villages across fourteen areas of England, each with the councils, roads and rules that apply there. Anywhere else in these areas is covered too; the postcode does the routing.
More cities
Questions
Questions people ask
Short, straight answers. The guides go into more depth.
Do I need the V5C logbook to scrap a car?
It helps, but it is not essential. Without one, you tell the DVLA by letter instead of online, giving the registration, make, model, the date of scrapping and the facility's name and address.
Does collection cost anything?
Nothing. The recovery truck comes free of charge, and turning the offer down costs nothing either.
How does payment work?
Payment arrives by bank transfer. The law bars scrap dealers in England, Wales and Scotland from handing over cash for scrap metal, cars included.
Who tells the DVLA that the car has been scrapped?
You should. Use the DVLA's online service with the 11-digit reference from your logbook, or send the yellow section by post. Without that step the car stays linked to you, and the DVLA can fine you up to £1,000.
What is a Certificate of Destruction?
It is the document an Authorised Treatment Facility issues, within seven days, to show it has accepted a car for destruction. Keep it as your proof that the car is gone.
Will I get my car tax back?
Yes, for any full months left. The DVLA works it out from the date it receives your notification and sends a cheque to the address on the logbook. A Direct Debit is cancelled automatically.
Ready when you are
Start with the registration and postcode. A licensed buyer covering your area comes back with an offer, and collection is free.