Scrapping a car when the V5C log book is missing

Why the log book matters in the first place

The V5C records the registered keeper, which is not always the legal owner. It does two jobs when you scrap a car. It gives the buyer evidence that you are entitled to dispose of the car, and its 11-digit reference lets you use DVLA’s online service to report the sale.

Neither job strictly requires the paper itself. Scrap buyers in England and Wales must verify a seller’s full name and address from a reliable, independent source, so identification does much of the work. DVLA, for its part, accepts a letter.

What to have ready instead

A buyer or ATF will want reassurance that the car is yours to scrap. Practices vary, but these usually settle it:

• photo identification, such as a driving licence or passport
• proof of address that matches the identification
• the keys, and any purchase receipt, old insurance documents or service history in your name
• the green ‘new keeper’ slip, if you bought the car recently and the full log book hasn’t arrived

Should you order a replacement first?

Often there is no need. GOV.UK sets out a full postal route for telling DVLA without a log book, so a replacement simply to scrap the car is usually money spent for little gain.

It is worth it in two cases. First, if you want to take a private number off the car, because the online retention service needs the V5C and you must have the new log book before the car is scrapped. Second, if the details on DVLA’s record are wrong and need correcting, which is done by post.

If you are the registered keeper and nothing has changed, you can order a replacement online or by phone. It usually costs £25, is non-refundable even if the original turns up, and normally arrives within 5 to 7 working days.

Keeper, owner and the green slip

The V5C shows the registered keeper, the person responsible for the car on DVLA’s records. That is often but not always the legal owner. Company cars, cars on finance and cars bought from a relative without updating the record are the usual exceptions, and each can make a buyer cautious when the log book is missing.

If you bought the car recently, you may only hold the green new keeper slip while DVLA sends a log book in your name. You can still scrap the car. Give the buyer the slip, keep your purchase receipt, and if the new V5C later arrives at your address after the car has gone, there is no need to send it anywhere because the car’s record will already be closed once DVLA has been told.

If you aren’t the registered keeper

This is where care is needed. If you are scrapping a relative’s car, or one left on your land, the buyer may need more than your own identification. For a car belonging to someone who has died, the executor or administrator normally deals with it and should keep the paperwork that shows their authority.

Never scrap a car that is still on finance without the lender’s agreement; a missing log book is sometimes the first sign of an outstanding agreement. Car Scrappage collectors are licensed and must verify the seller’s identity, so have your documents to hand when they arrive.