Telling the DVLA when you scrap a car

Getting the DVLA side right is the part that protects you. Do it properly and the car is cleanly off your name, your tax is refunded, and no penalties can follow you. Here's what happens and what you need to do.

Who notifies the DVLA?

When you scrap a car at a SEPA-licensed Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), the yard notifies the DVLA and issues a Certificate of Destruction (CoD). You don't have to do this yourself — but you should make sure the yard is a licensed ATF, because only an ATF can issue a valid CoD. Selling to an unlicensed operator can leave the record open in your name.

What to do with your V5C logbook

Hand the yard the relevant part of the V5C and keep the smaller section for your records. If you've lost the logbook, don't worry — the car can still be scrapped; it just adds a step. Never post the whole logbook off, and never let the buyer take it without giving you the right portion back.

• Give the ATF the main part of the V5C
• Keep the yellow 'sell/transfer' slip for your records
• No logbook? The car can still be collected and scrapped

Reclaiming your road tax

Once the DVLA is notified that the car has been scrapped, any full remaining months of road tax are refunded automatically to the registered keeper — you don't need to claim separately. The refund cheque is posted to the address on the V5C, so make sure your details are up to date.

Cancel your insurance

The DVLA handles tax, but your insurer doesn't know the car is gone unless you tell them. Cancel or transfer the policy once the car is collected to avoid paying for cover you no longer need.

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