How to notify the DVLA you have scrapped your car online
SHORT ANSWER
To notify the DVLA online that you have scrapped your car, keep the yellow 'sell, transfer or part-exchange your vehicle to the motor trade' section of the V5C, go to gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle, choose the motor trader option, and enter the ATF's details plus the 11-digit reference. You get email confirmation, and your tax is cancelled with any full months refunded.
Most people never need to do this themselves, because a licensed scrap yard notifies the DVLA electronically. But it is your name on the record, so it is worth knowing how to do it, or check it, in five minutes.
Step 1: keep the right part of the V5C
When the car is collected, the V5C goes to the authorised treatment facility (ATF). Before it does, tear off and keep the yellow 'sell, transfer or part-exchange your vehicle to the motor trade' section. Its 11-digit document reference is what the online service asks for.
Step 2: get the ATF's details
You need the name and postcode of the facility the car went to. They are on the collection paperwork and the Certificate of Destruction. If a collector cannot tell you which licensed facility the car is going to, do not hand it over.
Step 3: use the DVLA online service
Go to gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle, choose the option for selling or transferring to a motor trader, and enter the registration, the 11-digit reference and the ATF's details. The service runs Monday to Friday 7am to 9pm and weekends 7am to 8pm.
The DVLA record updates straight away and you receive an email confirmation if you gave an address.
Step 4: check it has gone through
You should receive the email and later a letter confirming you are no longer the keeper. Your road tax is cancelled, any Direct Debit stops automatically, and any full remaining months are refunded by cheque to the address on the V5C.
Only cancel your insurance once you have that confirmation and the car has physically gone.
If you do not have the V5C
You cannot use the online service without the log book. The car can still be scrapped with proof of ownership and ID, and the ATF can still issue a Certificate of Destruction. See our guide to scrapping without a V5C for the details.
Key takeaways
- Keep the yellow motor trade section; the 11-digit reference is on it.
- Choose the motor trader option and enter the ATF's name and postcode.
- Confirmation is instant online; tax refunds follow automatically.
- No V5C means no online route, but the car can still be scrapped.
USEFUL NEXT STEPS
Written by the Scrap A Car Scotland team. Last reviewed 27 October 2026.