You will need to take your vehicle to a scrapyard or breakers yard to scrap it. These sites need to be registered as an authorised treatment facility (ATF).
If you wish to keep the plate the transfer to a different vehicle in future, you should apply to take the registration number off the vehicle before scrapping it.
After taking your vehicle to a scrapyard, youâll need to keep the yellow transfer section of your V5C and give the rest of the document to the breaker.
Youâll then need to inform the DVLA that your vehicle has been scrapped.
If you take your vehicle to an authorised treatment facility (ATF) to be scrapped itâs usually free. Youâll also receive a payment for the scrap value of your vehicle.
You may be charged if you decide to keep some parts from your vehicle.
The process of scrapping a vehicle thatâs been registered abroad is the same as with vehicles that were registered in the UK.
Youâll need to take the vehicle to an ATF and receive a âCertificate of Destructionâ as proof that the vehicle has been scrapped.
You may have responsibilities to inform the relevant agency in the country that originally registered the vehicle. You should check the rules on this with the relevant authority before scrapping a vehicle thatâs registered abroad.
You will need to find a ATF (scrapyard or breaker) and arrange to take the vehicle there. You can find an authorised facility online.
The scrapyard may then decide to repair and sell the vehicle or completely sell it.
As a guide, you could get around ÂŁ150 - ÂŁ165 depending on the vehicle.
The type of vehicle and where you live will have an affect on how much you will get for scrapping your car, so you'll need to get a quote for an accurate figure.
When a vehicle is completely scrapped you will receive a âcertificate of destructionâ within 7 days.
Itâs important to keep this certificate as it provides proof that you scrapped the vehicle and can prevent you being held liable for driving offences or fines for no tax or insurance.
You will usually be paid for the scrap value for your vehicle. This should be paid to you by bank transfer to cheque. Itâs illegal for a scrapyard to pay in cash for a vehicle thatâs been completely scrapped.
Check VehicleIf the scrapyard decides to repair and sell your vehicle, you will not get a âcertificate of destructionâ.
A scrapyard can pay you in cash, bank transfer of cheque if they decide to repair and sell the vehicle.
The process is different for vehicles which are recorded as written off by an insurance company.
When a vehicle is written off by an insurance company it will be given a category depending on the severity of the damage.
Some categories indicate that the vehicle can not be repaired and should not even be used for parts. Other vehicles can returned to the road once they have been restored to a roadworthy condition.
You can see a summary of the different written off categories on our support pages.
Youâll need to inform the DVLA when your vehicle has been written off, but the process of scrapping the vehicle will be dealt with by the insurer.