The process of scrapping a car is relatively easy, however, one of the most critical steps in the process is to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that your car has been scrapped. 

Notifying DVLA ensures that your car’s registration number is removed from their records, so it can no longer be legally used. If you fail to inform the government agency you could be hit with a £1,000 fine.

Be aware: The scrapping process is different if your car is an insurance write off. Read more about this on the DVLA website.

In this blog article, we’ll take a look at the process of notifying DVLA when scrapping a car and what happens after you do so.

assington scrap yard

What Is The Process Of Notifying DVLA When Scrapping A Car?

Before you start the notification process, it is important to have all the necessary documents at hand. 

The two documents you need are:

  • Your Vehicle Registration Document (V5C)
  • The Certificate of Destruction (CoD)

Once you have your V5C, contact a scrap yard or recycling centre in order to apply for a CoD. The next step is to complete the notification form which can be found on the DVLA website and then send it off to DVLA.

I can’t find my V5C

You should have received your V5C form when you first purchased your car. But be aware that even if you don’t have a V5C form you can scrap your car. If you are unable to find your V5C form it is very easy to replace it by filling out a V62 form and only costs £25 to get a new one from the DVLA.

I want to keep my registration number

If you want to keep the registration number you need to go through a different process before informing the DVLA of your scrappage. This may include filling out the V317 form and paying an £80 charge. 

For full details of the process follow this link to the DVLA website.

What Happens After The Form Is Sent?

Once the form is received by DVLA, they will process it and send you a CoD in the post. This can take up to four weeks. 

Once you have received your CoD, you can then reclaim any road tax that may be outstanding on the vehicle. You can check this online with the Vehicle Checker on the DVLA website.

Read more: Can I Buy a Number Plate from a Scrapped Car?

How Do I Know If My Car Has Been Scrapped?

Once your car has been scrapped, the DVLA will send you either a letter or an email confirming that the vehicle has been removed from their records. It is important to keep this letter safe as it serves as proof that your car has been scrapped. Additionally, you can also use the online vehicle checker service to make sure your car has been removed from the DVLA records.

In conclusion, notifying the DVLA when scrapping a car is an important process and one that should not be taken lightly to avoid a £1,000 fine. Having the correct documents is essential, as it will make the process easier and faster. After sending off the notification form, you should receive your Certificate of Destruction in the post in 4 weeks. 

You can also use the online vehicle checker service to make sure that your car has been removed from DVLA records.

Visit Assignton Autos in Suffolk and Essex for a hassle-free car scrappage experience. Our team of experts can help you with the DVLA notification process, so you can get your Certificate of Destruction (CoD) quickly and easily. Get in touch today to find out more!