At a glance: what we’ll ask for
- ✔Photo ID (UK driving licence or passport)
- ✔V5C logbook (helpful, but not essential)
- ✔Proof the car is yours if you don’t have the V5C (e.g. insurance/MOT, purchase receipt, DVLA/keeper email, or a simple signed note)
- ✔Bank details for payment (we pay by Faster Payments — UK law bans cash for scrap)
- ✔Any keys/fob and relevant docs/receipts you want recorded
Why ID is required (and what counts)
Scrap metal rules in the UK mean we verify who we’re collecting from and pay electronically — never cash. A UK photocard driving licence ticks both boxes (ID + address). A passport also works for photo ID; if it doesn’t show your address, a recent utility bill or bank statement is useful.
- Best: UK driving licence (photocard)
- Also accepted: passport plus something showing your address (recent bill/statement)
V5C logbook (and scrapping without one)
The V5C proves who DVLA has on record as the keeper. It speeds things up, but you can still scrap a car without the V5C. We’ll take simple steps to confirm you’re the owner/keeper and note that the V5C is missing.
If you have the V5C
- Have it handy when we arrive. We’ll help with the DVLA online notification (sold/scrapped).
- Keep our collection receipt. If the car is scrapped, the ATF issues a CoD.
If you’ve mislaid the V5C
- Bring photo ID and anything linking you to the car (insurance/MOT, purchase receipt, DVLA email/letter, or a simple signed note).
- We’ll record the situation and still collect. The ATF can issue a CoD to the DVLA-registered keeper.
- You can apply for a replacement V5C later (form V62), but it’s not required for scrapping.
Receipts & what we’ll record
On collection we issue a receipt showing your name and the vehicle’s reg, make/model, date/time, and the payment method/reference. If there are extras (spare keys, alloys, significant parts), tell us so we can note them. Keep this with your records.
Payment: no cash, faster payments only
Scrap payments must be cashless in the UK. We use Faster Payments to send funds while we’re there. Please have:
- Account name (as your bank shows it)
- Sort code and account number
If you prefer, we can pay into a different account (e.g., a partner’s or business account) — we just need their details and your confirmation.
Special cases (quick answers)
Car not in your name
That’s okay — bring your ID and a simple note/receipt from the keeper (or evidence you bought the car). We’ll log what’s missing and proceed.
Deceased owner
We’ll ask for ID from the executor/next of kin and a brief note confirming authority. Any probate paperwork helps but isn’t always essential.
Company vehicles
A quick email from a work address or a headed note is fine. We can also add a PO number if you need one.
Personalised plates
If you want to keep a private plate, move it off the vehicle first (DVLA’s online retention service) before we collect.
DVLA step & Certificate of Destruction (CoD)
When we collect, we’ll help you complete the DVLA online process to say you’ve sold/scrapped the vehicle to us/our ATF partner. Once processed at the ATF, a Certificate of Destruction is issued for end-of-life vehicles. Keep that (and our receipt) with your records.
Collection-day checklist
- ✔Photo ID (driving licence ideal; passport also fine)
- ✔V5C logbook (if you have it) — otherwise proof you’re the keeper
- ✔Bank details for payment
- ✔Keys/fob, wheel-nut key (if applicable)
- ✔Any documents/receipts you want noted
FAQs
Can you collect without the logbook (V5C)?
Yes. Bring photo ID and anything linking you to the car (insurance/MOT/receipt). We’ll note it and still collect.
Do I have to remove plates?
No — unless you’re retaining a private plate. Move the plate off the vehicle online before collection.
When do I get paid?
At collection by Faster Payments. You’ll see a bank reference on your receipt.