Do You Need to Notify the DVLA When Scrapping a Car?
If you’re thinking about scrapping your car, you might be wondering about the paperwork involved—specifically, whether you need to notify the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).
Do I Have to Inform the DVLA?
Our recovery driver will complete and leave Section 9 of the Vehicle Registration Document (V5C) (or Section 4 on the new V5C/logbooks issued in April 2019) with you. You’ll need to sign this section and send it off to the DVLA. You should receive a confirmation letter from the DVLA within four weeks, confirming that they have updated their records and that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle.
Please note that Remove My Car's company address should not be filled out in this section. If you don’t have the V5C, you will need to send a letter to the DVLA instead. In this case, ask the driver to fill out your local team's address, or you can contact us for the correct address details.
Did You Know?
- Approximately 1.5 million vehicles are scrapped in the UK each year, highlighting the importance of responsible disposal.
How to Inform the DVLA of a Scrapped Car
Notifying the DVLA is quite straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Complete the V5C: When you scrap your car, you should have the V5C registration document (the logbook). On this document, there’s a section for notifying the DVLA about scrapping your vehicle. Simply fill it out and send it off.
2. Recovery Driver Assistance: Our recovery driver will complete and leave Section 9 of the V5C (or Section 4 on the new V5C/logbooks issued in April 2019) with you, which you will need to sign and send off to the DVLA. Please be aware that Remove My Car's company address should not be filled out in this section. If you do not have the V5C, you will need to send a letter to the DVLA instead. In that case, ask the driver to fill out your local team's address, or you can contact us, and we can provide you with the correct address details.
3. Send It to the DVLA: Once you’ve completed the relevant section, send the V5C to the DVLA at the address provided on the form. You can also notify them online through the DVLA’s official website.
4. Keep a Record: It’s a good idea to keep a copy of the V5C and any correspondence with the DVLA for your records. This way, you have proof that you informed them about the scrapping.
5. Get a Certificate of Destruction (CoD): When you hand over your vehicle to a scrap yard, make sure to ask for a
Certificate of Destruction. This document is crucial for your records and serves as proof that your vehicle has been scrapped following legal and environmental standards.
What Happens After You Notify the DVLA?
After you’ve informed the DVLA, they will update their records to reflect that your car has been scrapped. You should receive a confirmation letter from the DVLA within four weeks, confirming that they have updated their details and that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle. If you don’t receive this confirmation, don’t panic! As long as you have completed the necessary steps, your vehicle will no longer be your responsibility. Notifying the DVLA when you scrap your car is essential for legal compliance and to avoid any future liabilities.
If you’re ready to scrap your car and want a quick, easy process, simply enter your car registration and postcode for a free, no-obligation quote. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Find out how much your car is worth in seconds by entering your registration and postcode.
Joe Kendrick
Automotive Content Writer
About the Author
Joe is a seasoned content writer for Remove My Car with over a decade of experience in the industry. His passion for cars and commitment to sustainability have shaped his career, driving him to explore innovative trends and technologies within the sector. When he’s not behind the keyboard, Joe enjoys attending car shows, test-driving the latest eco-friendly models, and advocating for greener transportation solutions.
