You have decided to scrap your car. Now while the decision has been made, there are still plenty of steps to take before it becomes a reality. In general, you might be asking yourself: ‘What do I need to scrap my car successfully’?
The starting point is to have the necessary documents needed to scrap a car. Although this is opening another can of worms in terms of questions. What documents do you need to scrap a car? Do you need a car title to scrap a car? Is it required to receive a Certificate of Destruction?
Thankfully, this guide is here to supply the answers to those questions – and much more.
Photo ID and proof of address
When answering the question of ‘What documents do I need to scrap my car?’ it always makes sense to start with the obvious.
So for the first step of what to do when scrapping a car, you will have to ensure you have a photo ID and proof of address. The photo ID, which could be your driving licence or passport, will have to be up-to-date. As for your proof of address, this can simply be one of your latest utility bills.
Since the Scrap Metal Dealers Act introduced the rules in 2013, it is actually a legal requirement to provide these documents. The legislation was designed to deter dishonest dealings and auto-related crimes.
Vehicle registration document (V5C)
The vehicle registration document (V5C), also known as the car title, is the logbook for your vehicle. This is the document that details that the car is indeed under your ownership, and this ensures you don’t have to jump through any additional hoops for the DVLA. It is also a preventative measure against any unauthorised sales of your vehicle.
To learn more about the V5C, make sure to browse through the guide we’ve written about this important document.
Do you need a logbook to scrap a car?
‘Do I need a V5C to scrap my car?’ This might be a question you’re asking yourself right now, particularly if you have misplaced or accidentally destroyed your logbook. Well, even though it is listed as an important document, you will be happy to know that the answer is ‘No.’ You don’t actually require a V5C to scrap your vehicle.
With that said, the process is made a little more difficult. For more information, you can read our full guide about whether you need the logbook or not.
Proof of vehicle purchase
On rare occasions, a car owner will be requested to provide proof they actually purchased the vehicle they want to scrap. This can happen when they don’t have their V5C logbook or any car keys.
If this happens to you, the ATF may request you supply them with the vehicle’s original bill of sale. Even with this, the ATF might not be satisfied that you actually own the vehicle. In this case, they will sometimes require the car undergoes a HPI check. This check will detail the entire history of the vehicle – including everything from its owners to if it has ever been stolen. If the HPI check is deemed necessary, you will usually have to foot the bill.
Documents you will receive after scrapping your car
Once you have scrapped your car, the documents don’t stop there. You will need to prove to the DVLA that you no longer have your car by having a Certificate of Destruction (COD).
Certificate of Destruction (COD)
The Certificate of Destruction (COD) is a document that you will receive once the vehicle has been scrapped. The COD can only be produced by an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), so it’s essential that you only take your vehicle to a licenced scrap yard.
The COD, which is a DLVA-approved document, details that your vehicle has been scrapped. It also shows that you no longer have any responsibility for the car, and its ownership has passed over to the ATF. This is particularly important as it stops any potential issues cropping up, such as the DVLA believing you’re still operating the vehicle and issuing fines because you’re not paying road tax on it.
Of course, this is only scratching the surface when it comes to the COD. For additional information, read our blog post that details the significance of this certificate.