Certificate of Destruction (CoD) — Explained

Last updated: • Reviewed by our ATF compliance team

What is a CoD and who issues it?

A Certificate of Destruction (CoD) is the DVLA-backed record that an
authorised treatment facility (ATF) has depolluted or destroyed your vehicle and
has notified DVLA. Only an ATF with a valid permit can access the official
CoD/NoD service to issue a certificate and permanently close the DVLA vehicle record.
Source: DVLA CoD/NoD service.

Check an ATF is legitimate: use GOV.UK’s Find a vehicle scrapyard or the Environment Agency’s public register of ELV ATFs.

When do you receive a CoD?

After the ATF completes depollution/destruction and issues the certificate, they should
give the CoD to you within 7 days. GOV.UK also confirms the 7-day window when a
car, light van or eligible 3-wheeler is completely scrapped.
Source: DVLA INF169/1 (Interactive guide) •
GOV.UK guidance.

Keep your CoD. Sign it and retain for your records—you do not send it to DVLA. (DVLA’s system is already updated by the ATF.) DVLA INF169/1.

Do you need the V5C to get a CoD?

No. The ATF can issue a CoD via DVLA’s system even if the V5C (logbook) is missing.
DVLA’s interactive user guide states: “You do not need a V5C to issue a Certificate of Destruction”.
DVLA INF169/1.

As the keeper, you must still tell DVLA you’ve taken the vehicle to an ATF (online is fastest).
You can be fined if you don’t notify.
GOV.UK: Scrapped vehicles •
Tell DVLA you’ve scrapped it.

Lost or incorrect CoD

Contact the ATF that scrapped the vehicle—they can reprint the certificate from DVLA’s online system.
DVLA INF169/1 (reprint function).

Scrap vs salvage: will you get a CoD?

Scrapped (ELV)

ATF destroys/depollutes the vehicle → CoD issued (typically within 7 days) for cars, light vans and eligible 3-wheelers.

GOV.UK confirms the 7-day rule and scope.

Salvage (repaired/resold)

If the ATF decides to repair and sell the vehicle, no CoD is issued (vehicle is not destroyed). You may still need to complete DVLA keeper change steps.

GOV.UK: no CoD if repaired & sold.

Step-by-step: how to get a CoD (fast)

  1. Book with a licensed ATF (check on GOV.UK or the EA register).
  2. Have ID ready and remove any private plates you want to keep before disposal.
  3. The ATF depollutes/destroys the vehicle and issues your CoD through DVLA’s CoD/NoD service. DVLA service.
  4. You keep the CoD (don’t send it to DVLA). If it goes missing, ask the ATF for a reprint. INF169/1.
  5. Tell DVLA you’ve scrapped the vehicle (online service). Notify now.

Process at a glance

Owner
Books collection / delivers to ATF
ATF
Depollutes/destroys → issues CoD via DVLA
DVLA
Vehicle record closed
Owner
Receives and keeps CoD (do not post to DVLA)

Book a collection & get your CoD

Free collection • ATF partners • Instant Faster Payments

FAQs

Is a CoD always issued?

Only when a vehicle is scrapped at an ATF (not when it’s repaired/resold). GOV.UK.

How long does it take to receive a CoD?

Typically within 7 days of issue by the ATF. DVLA INF169/1 • GOV.UK.

Can I scrap without a logbook (V5C)?

Yes—ATFs can issue a CoD without the V5C, and you must still tell DVLA that the vehicle has been scrapped. DVLA INF169/1 • GOV.UK.

What if my CoD is lost or has an error?

Ask the ATF that handled your vehicle to issue a reprint via DVLA’s system. DVLA INF169/1.

Official sources:
DVLA CoD/NoD service •
GOV.UK: Scrapped vehicles •
Where vehicles can be scrapped •
DVLA INF169/1 interactive guide •
DVLA INF169 manual user guide •
Find a vehicle scrapyard (ATF)