Scrap a Car
Enter your vehicle registration to check if a vehicle is currently taxed to be used on the road.
You can check if a vehicle is currently recorded as scrapped by purchasing a partial vehicle history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I scrap my car?
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.
What happens after I’ve scrapped my car?
After taking your vehicle to a scrapyard, you’ll need to keep the yellow transfer section of your V5C and give the rest of the document to the breaker.
You’ll then need to inform the DVLA that your vehicle has been scrapped.
How much does it cost to scrap a vehicle?
If you take your vehicle to an authorised treatment facility (ATF) to be scrapped it’s usually free. You’ll 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.
How do I scrap a vehicle registered abroad?
The process of scrapping a vehicle that’s been registered abroad is the same as with vehicles that were registered in the UK.
You’ll need to take the vehicle to an ATF and receive a ‘Certificate of Destruction’ 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 that’s registered abroad.
Where can I scrap my vehicle?
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.
How much will I get to scrap my car?
As a guide, you could get around £150 - £165 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.
Completely scrapping a vehicle
When a vehicle is completely scrapped you will receive a ‘certificate of destruction’ within 7 days.
It’s 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. It’s illegal for a scrapyard to pay in cash for a vehicle that’s been completely scrapped.
Check VehicleVehicles that can be repaired and sold
If the scrapyard decides to repair and sell your vehicle, you will not get a ‘certificate of destruction’.
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.
Scrapping vehicles that are written off
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.
You’ll 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.