Can You Scrap a Car Without a V5 Logbook?

Many Car.co.uk customers ask, “Can I scrap my car without a V5?” or “Can you scrap a car without a V5?” The answer is yes, but you do still have legal responsibilities that normally involve the V5C logbook.

Scrapping a car involves some paperwork; most significantly, the official DVLA V5C certificate. However, we realise a lot of people have lost their V5 document, so we’ve put together a quick guide that covers what we and the DVLA need if you scrap a car without one.

What is a V5C?

A V5C logbook (or V5 document), also known as the vehicle registration certificate, is an official document issued by the UK's DVLA proving you are the ‘registered keeper’ responsible for that car. It contains important details about the vehicle and its owner, connecting them together and serving as a record for the vehicle's history.

If you’re looking for a lost V5C logbook, remember that despite the name, you’re not looking for a book, so don’t confuse the logbook with your service record book. A V5C logbook is really just a form. Its cover is mostly red, with a few blue and pale red sections. Inside, it has perforated yellow, green, blue and white sections you can easily tear out.

Drivers use the V5C logbook when changes happen that the DVLA needs to know about. For instance, a change of address, change of registration number or, in this case, when the car is sold or transferred to a trader or dismantler.

To inform the DVLA of a change, you complete the appropriate section of the V5C, then send it back. When that change has been processed, a new, updated version of the logbook will be returned to you.

Why scrap dealers ask for the V5C logbook

The V5C logbook proves that you are the registered keeper of the car. Scrap dealers use it to check that you own the vehicle and have the legal right to scrap it.

It also helps them complete the DVLA notification process. When a dealer scraps your car at an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), they have to notify the DVLA that the vehicle is off the road and issue a Certificate of Destruction. Having the V5C makes this step faster and reduces errors.

Dealers ask for the logbook because it protects them from handling stolen cars, and it protects you from being linked to a car you no longer own. Without it, they need other proof of ownership to avoid legal and financial risks.

Alternative proofs of ownership accepted

If you don’t have the V5C, you can still scrap your car by showing other documents that prove you own it. Dealers need enough evidence to confirm the car is yours before they can take it in. The stronger your paperwork, the smoother the process.

Using a valid photo ID and proof of address

Your vehicle logbook is a useful place to find a lot of information that’s required by our scrap collection partners. So if you’ve lost your V5 form, all you really have to do is provide the same information.

Since the V5C has your address on it, the person collecting your car will need to see a different proof of address. A utility (gas, electric, water, council tax) bill is ideal, and it should be dated within the last 3 months. 

Aside from your proof of address, our collection partners always need to see a form of photo ID, ideally a passport or driving licence. This might seem like a lot to provide, but the scrap yards we deal with must make sure they abide by the law surrounding scrap metal collections.

Don’t worry; our collection partner won’t need to take any of your documents away. They just need to see them.

Old MOT certificates or service records as supporting documents

MOT certificates and service records are not direct substitutes for the V5C logbook, but they establish a paper trail of ownership. These documents both link your name to the car over time, which strengthens your case when the dealer checks legitimacy. While they won’t carry as much weight on their own, they work well alongside photo ID and proof of address.

Insurance papers and purchase receipts

Insurance documents and purchase receipts are another way to back up your claim of ownership. An active or past insurance policy in your name shows that you were legally responsible for the car (otherwise, insuring it wouldn’t have been possible).

And then a purchase receipt confirms when and from whom you bought it. Together, they provide strong evidence that you are entitled to scrap the vehicle.

Signed confirmation between the seller and the scrap dealer

A signed confirmation between you and the scrap dealer records the handover, but it’s not a full replacement for the V5C. You’ll still need to notify the DVLA in writing, providing details such as the registration number, make, model and the dealer’s ATF information.

When you combine it with other supporting documents, this written record ensures the DVLA updates their records properly and protects you from future liability.

How to scrap a car without a V5 document

Whether you’re transferring or selling a car, the V5 document is useful – but not essential. Here, we’ll detail what our scrap collection partner will need from you if you need to scrap a car without a V5 document– as well as what you’ll need to send the DVLA if you’re hoping to scrap a car without the V5.

DVLA process when no V5C is available

The DVLA has no problem if you need to scrap a vehicle without a V5, but it is your legal responsibility to make sure you provide them with the information they require to keep their records up to date.

Again, the information you’ll need to send will be what is normally filled in on Section 9 (or Section 4 on documents created after April 2019) of the V5. It’s similar to the change of owner details section, but instead states your intention to sell or transfer your car to a trader, dismantler or insurance company.

Details should include:

• Date of the sale or transfer
• Name, address and VAT number of the scrap dealer you’re selling to
• Your signature and the current date
• The signature of the person collecting your car

It’s a good idea to write a letter before collection, leaving space for the person who’s collecting your car to complete their own details. When complete, this letter should be sent to:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AR

Risks of scrapping without a logbook

Like I’ve already mentioned, scrapping a car without a V5C logbook is totally legal. But it’s a bit more complicated and carries extra risks you need to manage carefully.

Potential for fraud or disputes over ownership

Without the logbook, it is harder to prove beyond doubt that you own the vehicle. This opens the door to disputes, especially if someone else later claims rights to the car. The four options we’ve given you above have sufficed for thousands of drivers who’ve scrapped through our network, but the logbook is your only true airtight option.

Higher scrutiny from scrap dealers

Dealers are cautious when a V5C is missing. Expect more questions, more paperwork and sometimes lower offers. They take these steps to protect themselves from handling stolen vehicles.

Risk of being liable if the car is not properly destroyed

If the DVLA is not correctly notified, you could remain legally tied to the car. That means you risk fines, parking tickets, speeding offences and even more serious crimes being attached to you after you thought the car was scrapped (if it was, in fact, illegally put back on the road).

What’s more, simply failing to update the DVLA will result in up to a £1,000 fine.

Longer notification process

This brings us to our next point.

Having the logbook makes proper notification remarkably straightforward: you can either notify them online, which takes five minutes, or you can simply post them the corresponding section of the V5C and wait.

If you don’t have the logbook and instead have to write them, the whole process will take weeks longer.

How to avoid scams in the scrap process

The best way to avoid scrap car scams is to use a DVLA-approved Authorised Treatment Facility. You’re required to do this anyway.

Avoid dealers who offer cash in hand (illegal under Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013) or seem unconcerned about paperwork. Keep copies of all documents you provide and confirm that the DVLA has updated their records after the vehicle is destroyed.

Benefits and limitations of scrapping without a V5C

The benefits of scrapping your car without a V5C are clear:

• You can still scrap the car legally if you have alternative proof of ownership.
• You avoid the delay and cost of applying for a replacement V5C, which is £25 and can take up to 5 working days.
• Dealers familiar with the process will guide you through what supporting documents are acceptable. For instance, our collection partners deal with this situation every day.

But let’s recap the drawbacks you’ll run into:

• You will face stricter checks from scrap dealers, which may slow down the process.
• Some dealers refuse to take cars without a logbook, so your options are more limited (again, not a problem through us).
• You must handle the DVLA notification yourself, since you do not have Section 9 of the V5C to send off. Missing this step or accidentally doing it incorrectly will leave you liable for fines and charges.

The bottom line

While you can scrap a car without a V5, it’s essential to make sure you’re dealing with reputable scrap dealers, as following the wrong advice could land you in legal hot water.

If you don’t have it, bring everything else you can — especially photo ID, proof of address, MOT or service records, insurance papers and a signed confirmation with the dealer. The more supporting documents you have, the smoother the process will be.

If you want to be 100% certain that you’re protected when you scrap a car without a V5C, use our service. We guarantee you deal with reputable scrap dealers, and they’ll even help you complete the paperwork you need to send.

Ready to scrap your car without a V5C? Get an instant scrap car quote, arrange a time today or tomorrow and we’ll pick the car up free of charge.