If you’re considering scrapping your car in the UK, it’s crucial to understand the legal requirements involved.
In 2025, strict laws govern the process to ensure safety, environmental responsibility, and legal compliance.
Failing to follow these laws could result in hefty fines or legal issues.
This guide provides an in-depth overview of the UK scrap car laws, including how to find an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), the required documentation, how to notify the DVLA, and the financial considerations involved. We’ll also explain how Scrap.Car makes the process easy and hassle-free.
It is illegal to scrap your car anywhere other than an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) in the UK.
An ATF is a licensed scrapyard or breaker’s yard that follows strict environmental and safety regulations when dismantling vehicles.
They are approved by the Environment Agency, ensuring that harmful materials are disposed of responsibly.
Legal Reference: End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Regulations 2003
The End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Regulations 2003 require all cars to be disposed of at licensed ATFs to minimize environmental harm.
This law ensures that vehicles are recycled safely, preventing hazardous materials from polluting the environment.
When scrapping your car in the UK, you must provide:
Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, scrap metal dealers, including ATFs, are required to verify the identity of anyone selling a scrap vehicle.
This is to prevent vehicle theft and fraud. Therefore, we cannot collect a vehicle without seeing a valid photo ID at the time of collection.
To avoid a fine of up to £1,000, you must notify the DVLA that your car has been scrapped.
This ensures that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle, including any fines or penalties associated with it.
If You Have the V5C Logbook:
If You Don’t Have the V5C Logbook:
Legal Reference: Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994
This law mandates that vehicle owners must notify the DVLA when their car is scrapped. Failing to do so can result in a fine.
What is a Certificate of Destruction?
A Certificate of Destruction (CoD) is issued by the ATF and proves that your car has been legally scrapped and deregistered. This document confirms that the vehicle will no longer be driven or resold.
Legal Reference: End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Regulations 2003
Outstanding Finance
Scrapping your car in the UK doesn’t have to be complicated. At Scrap.Car, we offer a guaranteed price for your scrap car, ensuring a hassle-free process.
No keys? We need the V5C logbook.
No V5C? We need the keys.
Photo ID is required from whoever’s there for collection.