How To Notify The DVLA That You’ve Scrapped Your Car

So, you’ve scrapped your car (or it’s about to be collected) but now you’re thinking, “Wait – do I need to tell the DVLA?”

Short answer: yes. And the good news? It’s super easy.

You must tell the DVLA when your car has been scrapped. The quickest way? Do it online – you don’t even need the full logbook (V5C).

If you’d rather use the logbook, we’ll show you how to fill it out and where to send it.

This guide covers everything you need to know so you can sort it in minutes and avoid a fine.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

When you need to notify the DVLA, and how soon you should do it.
How to do it online – the easiest method (no full logbook needed!).
How to do it by post using your V5C logbook – with step-by-step help.
Why it’s important – and what could happen if you don’t.
What to do if you want to keep your private plate.
Top tips such as keeping a copy of your confirmation, just in case.

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When Should You Tell the DVLA You’ve Scrapped Your Car?

As soon as your vehicle’s been collected or confirmed scrapped, you should tell the DVLA straight away. There’s no need to wait – in fact, the sooner the better.

If you’ve scrapped your car through a company like Scrap Local, the vehicle will be sent to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) to be dismantled and recycled legally. Once it’s left your hands, it’s your responsibility to let the DVLA know.

Why doing it ASAP helps:

Stops you from being held responsible for the vehicle (like vehicle tax or fines).
It automatically cancels your car tax, and if you’ve paid upfront, you may receive a refund for any full months left.
Gives you peace of mind that it’s all sorted and no longer your responsibility.

Quick tip: You can notify the DVLA on the same day your car is collected – it only takes 2 minutes online.

How To Notify The DVLA Online (Without the Full Logbook)?

Using the DVLA’s online service is the easiest way to report your car as scrapped, and you don’t need the full logbook to do it.

All you need is:

Your 11-digit reference number from the V5C/3 slip (that’s the yellow section you should keep when scrapping the car)

The name of the scrapyard (ATF) that took the vehicle

A few minutes spare – that’s it!

Go to the DVLA’s online form here:

👉 https://www.gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle

What happens next?

You’ll get a confirmation email from the DVLA.
Your vehicle tax will be automatically cancelled.
If eligible, you’ll get a refund for any full months of remaining tax.

“What if I don’t have the yellow slip?”

If you’ve lost your V5C/3, you’ll need to use the full logbook or apply for a replacement before continuing.

How To Notify The DVLA Using The Logbook (V5C) – Step-by-Step

If you’d rather do things the old-school way or don’t have access to the DVLA’s online service, you can still notify them by post using your logbook.
This method can take longer, but it works just as well if filled in properly.

What you’ll need:

Your vehicle logbook (V5C).
The name and address of the ATF (scrapyard) that took the car.
A first-class stamp.

Our Address:

Goose House Lane, Darwen, BB3 0EH

How to fill it in:

Find section 9 of your logbook labelled “Selling or transferring your vehicle to a motor trader, insurer or dismantler” (on older V5Cs). On newer logbooks, it’s section 4.
Fill in the name and address of the scrapyard (ATF) that collected the car.
Sign and date the section.
Tear off the yellow V5C/3 slip (if you haven’t already) and keep it – this is your proof.
Post the rest of the V5C to:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BD

Top tip: Take a photo of the completed form before sending it, just in case you need to chase it up later.

Why You Must Tell the DVLA You’ve Scrapped Your Car

You might be thinking, “Do I need to tell the DVLA I’ve scrapped my vehicle?”
Short answer: yes, absolutely.

If you don’t let them know, the car is technically still yours, even if it’s been crushed into a cube.

Here’s what can happen if you skip this step:

Fines: You could be fined up to £1,000 for not informing the DVLA
Tax issues: You’ll still be liable for car tax until the DVLA knows it’s scrapped
DVLA letters: You might keep getting letters about a car you no longer own

It’s a legal requirement and only takes a couple of minutes online.
Plus, you’ll often get a refund for any unused car tax once it’s officially marked as scrapped.

What If I Want To Keep My Private Reg?

Have you got a private number plate you want to hold onto? No problem! However, you need to remove it from the vehicle before it’s scrapped.

Here’s what to do:

Apply to retain your private registration online at the DVLA: https://www.gov.uk/personalised-vehicle-registration-numbers
Pay a £80 fee (this moves the reg to a certificate or another vehicle)
Wait for confirmation – once approved, you can scrap the vehicle.

Important:

If the car is scrapped before you’ve removed the plate, it’s gone for good.
Once the ATF recycles it, there’s no way to get it back.
So, always get your private reg sorted first, then scrap the car.

Extra Tips: Keep a Record (Just in Case)

Once you’ve told the DVLA your car’s been scrapped, whether online or by post, it’s a good idea to keep proof.

Here’s what to save:

Email confirmation (if done online) – take a screenshot or save the email
V5C/3 yellow slip – this is your proof of disposal
Photo of the logbook (if posting it) – especially the part you filled in

Why bother?
If anything goes wrong, such as a letter saying you still owe tax, having proof will make things quicker and easier to sort.

You’re All Set!

And that’s it – job done! Whether you’ve already scrapped your car or it’s about to be collected, now you know exactly how to tell the DVLA and stay on the right side of the rules.

Online is easiest, but the logbook works just fine too, as long as you fill it out properly.

Don’t forget: keep your confirmation, hold on to that yellow slip, and deal with any private reg before scrapping.

Still unsure or need help? We’ve got more step-by-step guides and info at Scrap Local – and if you haven’t scrapped your car yet…

FAQs: Notifying the DVLA After Scrapping Your Car

Not sure about something? You’re not the only one! Here are the most common questions people ask when it comes to telling the DVLA they’ve scrapped their car: