Start with the receiving facility
End-of-life vehicles must be scrapped at an authorised treatment facility (ATF). Check the facility’s details before you agree to hand over your car.
You can use the official vehicle scrapyard finder to look for an ATF.
Ask which paperwork applies
Ask the receiving facility whether your vehicle will be destroyed or repaired and sold. The paperwork depends on that decision. For a qualifying vehicle that is destroyed, a Certificate of Destruction records that outcome.
Do not leave loose ends
Confirm the payment arrangements, keep a record of the handover and follow the DVLA notification process. Remove any personal belongings and deal with a private registration you want to keep before transfer.
Keep the official guidance handy
For current rules on receiving facilities and documentation, read GOV.UK’s vehicle scrapping guidance.
Reviewed October 2026. Check the linked official guidance before arranging your sale.
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