Tell DVLA Scrapped Car: How To Notify DVLA Of Your Scrapped Vehicle

May 2024

Tell DVLA Scrapped Car: How To Notify DVLA Of Your Scrapped Vehicle In May 2024

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency must be notified if you have recently scrapped your vehicle (DVLA). Telling the DVLA that you have dumped your vehicle is crucial because it confirms that you are no longer responsible for it and ensures you will not be charged for vehicle tax or insurance. 

This article will describe the process of notifying the DVLA that a vehicle has been scrapped and answer common questions about this procedure.

Topics that you will find covered on this page

What is the DVLA?

In the United Kingdom, the DVLA (Vehicle Licensing Agency) is responsible for maintaining records of drivers and vehicles. 

In addition, they must issue licences, collect vehicle taxes, and maintain a database of all registered vehicles.

What is a Scrapped Car?

According to the DVLA, scrap car is deemed unfit for the road or unrepairable and sent to an authorised treatment facility (ATF) for disposal. Automobiles typically undergo disassembly, and any usable parts are sold or recycled. 

A Certificate of Destruction is then issued for the vehicle, confirming that it is no longer in use.

Do I Have To Tell DVLA I Have Scrapped My Car?

It is important to let the DVLA know when you get rid of your car. When you take your old car to an ATF to be scrapped, they should give you a Certificate of Destruction. This proves that the car has been officially scrapped. 

It’s important to let the DVLA know so they know you’re no longer in charge of the car. If you don’t, you might have to pay a £1,000 fine. Once you tell the DVLA, they will refund any full months of road tax that are still due, and you can be sure that you are no longer listed as the owner of the scrapped car.

We will go into more detail about what to do when scrapping a car.

How Do I Notify DVLA Of Scrapping my Car Online?

Check Your Vehicle Log Book (V5C)

Before notifying DVLA that your vehicle has been scrapped, you must have the vehicle log book (V5C). 

The V5C contains vital vehicle information, including the registration number, make, model, and engine displacement. 

This information is required when notifying the DVLA that your vehicle has been scrapped.

Complete the V5C/3 ‘Notification of Permanent Export or Scrapping of a Vehicle’ Form

To notify the DVLA that your vehicle has been scrapped, you must fill out the V5C/3 form, also known as the “Notification of Permanent Export or Scrapping of a Vehicle” form. 

This form requires you to provide vehicle information, including the vehicle’s registration number and the date it was scrapped.

Send the V5C/3 Form to the DVLA in Swansea SA99 1AR

After completing the V5C/3 form, send it to the DVLA in Swansea, postcode SA99 1AR. A copy of the completed form should be kept for your records. 

The DVLA will then update their records to reflect that you are no longer the vehicle’s registered keeper.

Wait for a Confirmation Email from DVLA

The DVLA will send you a confirmation email within four weeks of receiving your V5C/3 form. This email verifies that their records have been updated, and you are no longer responsible for the vehicle.

Verify Your Notification with DVLA 11-Digit Reference Number.

DVLA will also provide an 11-digit reference number in the confirmation email. 

You should keep this reference number safe, as you may need it to verify that you have notified the DVLA that your vehicle has been scrapped.

Using Online Services for Notifying DVLA about Scrapped Car

If you prefer to notify the DVLA about your scrapped vehicle via online services, you can visit the DVLA online. You must provide the vehicle’s registration number and the date it was declared scrap. 

If you have a direct debit or VAT number, you must also provide them.

Benefits of Online Services

Using DVLA’s online service to report a junk car has many advantages. After submitting your notification, you will receive an email confirmation within minutes. 

Within six weeks, you will also receive a refund for any remaining vehicle tax.

How to Use the Online Service

To utilise the online service, you must provide the vehicle’s registration number and the exact date it was scrapped. If you have a direct debit or VAT number, you must also offer them. 

After you have submitted your notification, DVLA will send you a confirmation email. This confirmation will include an 11-digit reference number you should keep for your records.

What to Do With Your Old Registration Plate After Notifying DVLA?

After notifying DVLA that your vehicle has been scrapped, you must return the plate to DVLA. The licence plate belongs to the DVLA and should not be sold or given to a third party. 

You can return the licence plate to DVLA by mail or in person at a local DVLA office.

What Happens to Personalised Registrations When Vehicles Are Scrapped?

Suppose your junked vehicle had a personalised registration. You may keep the number in that case, but you must follow the DVLA’s procedure to transfer it to another vehicle or a retention certificate.

informing dvla about Scrapped Car

Refunds and Vehicle Tax After Scraping Your Car

If you have paid vehicle tax on a scrapped vehicle, you can request a refund from the DVLA. You must provide the registration and 11-digit reference numbers in the email confirmation. 

After submitting your application, you should receive your refund within six weeks.

Can You Get a Refund on Vehicle Tax?

Yes, you can receive a vehicle tax refund if you have already paid the tax on your scrapped vehicle. 

You can request a refund from the DVLA, and you should receive a check within six weeks of submitting a letter confirming your request.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Refund Cheque?

After submitting a vehicle tax refund application to the DVLA, it typically takes around six weeks to receive a refund check. 

However, if you have yet to receive your refund check after six weeks, you should contact the DVLA to inquire about the status of your application.

Finding Motor Traders and Scrap Dealers For Disposing of Your Car

You can find authorised treatment facilities (ATFs), motor traders, and scrap dealers who can assist you with scrapping if you need to dispose of your vehicle. 

The Environment Agency regulates ATFs and requires them to adhere to stringent regulations when disassembling and disposing of vehicles.

Common Questions Regarding Notifying DVLA About Your Car Being Scrapped

Here are some frequently asked questions about notifying the DVLA that a vehicle has been scrapped.

  • How can I determine if my vehicle has been scrapped?
  • What should I do with my car keys after scrapping the vehicle?
  • Do I need to notify my insurer when I scrap my vehicle?
  • Can I exchange my scrapped car for another vehicle?
  • How long does it take to receive confirmation from the DVLA following notification that a vehicle has been scrapped?
  • Can I inform the DVLA that my vehicle has been scrapped by a junkyard or scrap dealer?
  • How do I tell DVLA my car is scrapped without logbook?

Customer Reviews About “Tell DVLA I’ve Scrapped My Car”

Numerous individuals have successfully notified the DVLA that their vehicle has been scrapped, and countless positive reviews and comments are available online. People have praised the process’s efficacy and simplicity, and many have received refunds without incident.

 If you have scrapped your vehicle, notify the DVLA immediately to avoid unnecessary fees or penalties. Informing DVLA is a simple process that can be accomplished online or by submitting the V5C/3 form. 

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can inform the DVLA that your vehicle has been scrapped and receive any refunds to which you may be entitled.

How do I Notify DVLA of scrapping my car?

To notify the DVLA that your vehicle has been scrapped, you must submit form V5C/3, also known as “Notification of Permanent Export or Scrapping of a Vehicle.” This form is available online and at Post Office locations. 

You must provide the vehicle identification number (VIN) and information about the authorised treatment facility (ATF) where the vehicle was scrapped. 

The law requires you to notify the DVLA when you scrap your vehicle. If you fail, you may be liable for any fines or penalties resulting from the scrap car’s continued registration in your name.

report a scrapped vehicle

How do I report a scrapped vehicle?

You must register car as scrapped. To report a scrapped vehicle, you must provide the DVLA with the vehicle’s specifics and the scrapping date. You can complete this by filling out the V5C/3 form or utilising the DVLA’s online service. 

The form requires the details of the ATF that handled the vehicle owner’s scrapping and the vehicle’s registration number. This is important because it allows the DVLA to update their records to reflect that you no longer own the car. 

Once notified, the DVLA will issue a confirmation letter with an 11-digit reference number you should keep for future use.

What happens to registration when the car is scrapped?

Typically, when a vehicle is scrapped, the registration is cancelled, and the plate is returned to the DVLA. If you wish to retain the registration, you may apply to transfer it to another vehicle or a retention certificate. 

To transfer the registration to a different vehicle, you must simply fill out the appropriate section of the V317 form, which can be obtained from the DVLA website or a Post Office branch. 

If you wish to retain the registration on a retention certificate, you must complete the appropriate section of the V778 form, which can be obtained from the DVLA website or a Post Office location.

How do I declare a car whose car has been scrapped without a logbook?

If you do not have the car’s logbook (V5C), you can still scrap it by filling out form V890, also known as the “Statutory Off Road Notification” form. This form is available online and at Post Office locations. 

You must provide the vehicle’s VIN and the details of the authorised treatment facility where the car was scrapped. The DVLA will then update their records to reflect that you are no longer the vehicle’s registered keeper. 

This is essential because it protects you from future legal and financial obligations associated with the vehicle.

Is it legal to sell a car for scrap?

Selling a vehicle for scrap is legal, but it must be scrapped at an authorised treatment facility (ATF). The Environment Agency regulates ATFs and requires them to adhere to stringent regulations when disassembling and disposing of vehicles. 

Selling a vehicle to an unlicensed dealer or scrap yard is illegal and can result in fines or legal action. In addition, if you sell your car to an unlicensed dealer, you may not receive a certificate of destruction, which is required to prove that you legally disposed of the vehicle.

How Much Will I Get For Scrapping My Car?

When you sell your car, the amount you get depends on a number of things. These include the make and type of the car, how old it is, how it looks, and how much scrap metal is worth on the market right now. 

On average, you can get between £50 and £150 for a small car, but you can get more for a big one. Also, if certain parts of the car are in good shape, that could make it worth more. Prices can also change because of the way the world scrap metal market works. 

To get the best price for your old car, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from more than one approved treatment facility (ATF). Remember that a legal ATF will give you a Certificate of Destruction to prove that your car has been legally scrapped.

Can I keep my car insurance if I scrap my car?

DVLA must be informed that your vehicle has been scrapped, you are no longer permitted to operate it on public roads, and insurance is no longer required. You cannot keep your car insurance if you scrap your car. 

You should notify your insurance company that the vehicle has been demolished, and they will typically issue a refund for new insurance coverage. It is essential to cancel your insurance policy as soon as possible to avoid incurring unnecessary costs. 

If you keep the policy active, you could be liable for any accidents involving the scrapped vehicle, even if you are not driving it. In addition, if you decide to keep the car and make the necessary repairs to get it back on the road, you will need to reapply for insurance.

Notifying the DVLA that your vehicle has been demolished is a crucial legal requirement. Failure to comply may result in fines, penalties, and potential legal and financial liabilities. 

Using the V5C/3 form or the online service is a simple way to ensure that the DVLA’s records are accurate and that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle’s details. 

When scrapping a car, it is essential to use an authorised treatment facility and obtain a certificate of destruction as evidence of the vehicle’s legal disposal. 

By following these steps, you can ensure you comply with the law and avoid any unwanted costs or responsibilities associated with scrapping your vehicle.

How do I notify DVLA of a scrapped vehicle if I am in the motor trade section?

If you are a member of the motor trade, you must complete the V5C/3 form just like any other individual. 

However, you must also provide additional information about the vehicle, such as whether it was part of a part-exchange transaction and the name of the individual who acquired it. 

Once the form has been completed, it must be sent to the DVLA in Swansea, postcode SA99 1BD.

Can I Tell DVLA I Have Scrapped My Car Without V5?

Yes but there are different protocols to follow if you intend to scrap car without logbook. If you cannot locate the V5C logbook for your scrapped vehicle, you can still notify the DVLA by sending them a letter with the vehicle’s registration number, make, model, and scrap date. 

You should also include the name and address of the ATF where the vehicle was scrapped. Send the letter to the DVLA in Swansea, postcode SA99 1BD.

What happens if I don’t notify DVLA that my vehicle has been scrapped?

You must inform the DVLA that your vehicle has been scrapped to avoid being responsible for vehicle tax and other fees associated with car ownership. In addition, you may be subject to acceptable or legal action if you fail to notify the DVLA. 

It is essential to notify the DVLA as soon as possible following the address to avoid incurring any unnecessary fees or fines.

Can I notify the DVLA that my vehicle has been scrapped at a scrap yard?

Yes, you can notify the DVLA that your vehicle has been scrapped. However, you must ensure that the scrap yard is an authorised treatment facility (ATF) and that they provide you with a certificate of destruction as proof of the legal disposal of the vehicle. 

When notifying the DVLA of the scrapping, you must provide the name and address of the ATF where the vehicle was scrapped.

What if I receive a fine after I inform DVLA that my vehicle has been scrapped?

Receive a fine or penalty notice after notifying DVLA that your vehicle has been scrapped. You must contact the issuing agency or authority and provide them with the scrapping information, including the certificate of destruction from the authorised treatment facility (ATF). 

You should also give them a letter from the DVLA confirming that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle. If the issue cannot be resolved, you may need legal counsel.

Meet the author

Rob Atherton

Rob Atherton

Rob writes and edits the content produced by the rest of the team. He has a degree in History from Leeds University and has producing, reviewing and editing the site since 2016

Meet The Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I scrap my vehicle without informing the DVLA?

No, it is required by law to notify the DVLA that your vehicle has been scrapped. This process can be completed online or by mailing the V5C/3 form to the DVLA’s Swansea address. 

Notifying the DVLA confirms that you are no longer accountable for the vehicle and prevents any fines or penalties associated with the vehicle’s continued registration in your name.

Can I keep my personalised registration when I scrap my vehicle?

You may keep your personalised licence plate when scraping your vehicle, but you must follow the DVLA’s procedure to transfer it to another car or obtain a retention certificate. To move the registration to a different vehicle, you must complete the applicable section of the V317 form, which can be obtained from the DVLA website or a Post Office location. 

If you wish to retain the registration on a retention certificate, you must complete the relevant section of the V778 form, which can be obtained from the DVLA website or a Post Office.

How long does it take to receive a refund for my vehicle tax after scrapping my car?

Typically, it takes approximately six weeks to receive a refund cheque from the DVLA after submitting a vehicle tax refund application. If, after six weeks, you have yet to receive your refund, you should contact the DVLA to inquire about the status of your application. 

You must provide your registration and 11-digit reference numbers in the DVLA’s email confirmation.

Can I inform the DVLA that my vehicle has been scrapped by a scrap yard or junkyard?

Only the vehicle’s registered owner can inform the DVLA that the car has been scrapped. The registered owner is responsible for providing the vehicle’s information and verifying that an authorised facility has discarded it. 

If you sell your vehicle to a scrap yard or junkyard, they must provide you with a certificate of destruction to verify that the car was disposed of legally. However, it remains the responsibility of the registered keeper to notify the DVLA that the vehicle has been scrapped.

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