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# Scrapping a Car Without the Logbook (V5C): The Legal Way (UK)
- URL: https://www.logbook.co.uk/scrap-car-without-logbook/
- Published: 2026-07-15T17:59:22.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-21T21:11:43.000Z
- Description: You can scrap a car without its logbook, but only via an authorised facility, and you must write to DVLA or the car stays yours on paper.
- Author: Jamie Dawson
- Tags: V5C & Vehicle Logbooks

> **Quick answer:** You can scrap a car without the V5C. Use an **Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF)** (they’ll accept the car with proof of your identity and address) and make sure you get the **Certificate of Destruction (CoD)**. Then, because you can’t use the online service without the V5C reference, **write to DVLA (Swansea, SA99 1BA)** saying the vehicle has been scrapped, with the reg, make/model, date, and the ATF’s details. Skip that letter and the car stays registered to you.

## Step 1: Choose an ATF (not just any scrapyard)

Only Environment Agency licensed ATFs can legally scrap cars and issue a Certificate of Destruction. A yard that offers cash and no paperwork is a yard that leaves the car registered to you, and it’s illegal for them to pay cash for scrap cars anyway (payment must be traceable: bank transfer or cheque).

## Step 2: Identify yourself

Without the V5C, the ATF will want photo ID and proof of address. Normally you’d hand over the V5C keeping section 9 (V5C/3); without it, the CoD becomes your key document, don’t leave without it (it’s usually issued digitally within days).

## Step 3: Tell DVLA in writing

Letter to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA: registration, make and model, date of scrapping, ATF name and address, and your signature. Until DVLA processes it you remain the keeper, and an automatic £80 fine (plus tax liability) follows failing to notify.

## Don't forget

- **Reclaim any full months of remaining tax**: the refund is triggered when DVLA processes the notification.
- **Tell your insurer** and cancel or transfer the policy.

## FAQs

**Can a scrapyard refuse without a V5C?**  
Some will, most ATFs won’t, ID and proof of address usually suffice. Call ahead.

**Is it worth getting a replacement V5C first?**  
Usually not for scrapping, unlike selling, the £25 rarely changes the price. The letter route works fine.

## Related guides

- [The V5C decoded: every section explained](https://www.logbook.co.uk/what-is-a-v5c-logbook/)
- [How to apply for a V5C](https://www.logbook.co.uk/how-to-apply-for-a-v5c-uk-guide/)
- [Lost your V5C? What to do](https://www.logbook.co.uk/lost-v5c-logbook-what-to-do/)
- [The V62 form explained](https://www.logbook.co.uk/v62-form-replacement-logbook-2/)
- [Do You Get a Logbook (V5C) with a Car on Finance? (UK Buyer's Guide)](https://www.logbook.co.uk/do-you-get-a-logbook-with-car-on-finance-uk/)

### Sources

[**gov.uk**Scrapped and written-off vehicles](https://www.gov.uk/scrapped-and-written-off-vehicles?ref=logbook.co.uk)