How do I notify the DVLA of scrapping my car?

Scrapping your car is a tough choice to make, but sometimes it’s for the best. So how do you notify the DVLA that you’ve scrapped your car?

You can tell the DVLA you’ve scrapped your car either online or by post. You’ll just need the vehicle registration number, the 11-digit reference number from your V5 and the name and address of the scrapyard you sold it to.

How to tell the DVLA you’ve scrapped your car

There are two ways you can tell the DVLA that your car is scrapped, the easiest being on their website. You can also do it by post.

Online

Notifying the DVLA you’ve scrapped your car is easy on their website. You’ll need the name and address of the scrapyard, even if you didn’t get any money for it, the vehicle registration number and your V5C logbook.

You’ll need an 11-digit reference number from the V5. This can be found in section four if your logbook was issued after April 2019, or section nine if it’s from before April 2019.

Simply fill out the form with these details, and you’re done. The DVLA now knows your car’s been scrapped.

By post

Doing it by post can take longer, but it’s still pretty straight forward. Simply fill out section 4 of your V5 logbook, or section 9 if it’s from before April 2019, and post it to the DVLA. The address is:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BA

You’ll still need the name and address of the scrapyard for this. Once you’ve posted it, the DVLA will send you a confirmation letter within four weeks.

What if I don’t have my V5C logbook?

If you’ve misplaced your V5C logbook, you wouldn’t be the first so don’t panic. If you happen to have the reference number written down, you can still tell the DVLA about your car online.

In the likely event that you don’t have it written down, all you have to do is write a letter to the DVLA. Just explain that you’ve scrapped your car but don’t have the V5C.

Give them your full name and address, along with the name, address and VAT number of the dismantler you’ve sold the car to. Since you probably won’t have this information to hand, you’ll need to ask the driver when they come to collect your car.

Will I get confirmation from the DVLA?

Once you’ve notified the DVLA that your car has been scrapped, you’ll receive confirmation within four weeks that they have received this information.

This could be in the form of an email, if you did it online and gave them your email address, or you’ll get a letter through the post. You’ll also get a refund cheque sent through for any tax you had left on your car.

If you haven’t heard anything from the DVLA within four weeks, it may be worth giving them a ring on 0300 790 6802.

What if I don’t tell the DVLA I’ve scrapped my car?

If you don’t let the DVLA know that you’ve scrapped your car, you could be in for some hefty fines.

This is because, as far as the DVLA are aware, you’re still driving the car. This means you could get a ticket for driving the car with no tax, even though you don’t have it anymore.

There is also a £1,000 fine for not updating your vehicle’s details, so it’s worth spending half an hour making sure your paperwork is in order.