Can I scrap my car without a V5C?

Yes you can. It’s possible to scrap your car without a logbook, although it does make the entire process easier if you have one. We can still recycle your car as long as you can provide proof of your identity, as evidence that you have the right to dispose of the vehicle, so we can fulfil our legal obligations.

Acceptable forms of ID include your passport, along with a recent utility bill or other proof of address, or driving licence. We would also recommend contacting the DVLA separately to tell them that you’ve scrapped your car.

Normally this would be taken care of by EMR, using information from the V5C, but if you don’t have yours, you can contact them by writing to:

DVLA

Swansea

SA99 1DD

The Authorised Treatment Facility, or scrapyard, may also offer to do this for you, but it’s still best to do it yourself, so you can have maximum peace of mind. Following this, once you receive an official Certificate of Destruction, you have proof that your vehicle has been scrapped, and there’s nothing more you need to do.

Find out what documents you need to scrap your car

How to replace a lost V5C

If you need to replace a lost V5C, it’s thankfully quite easy. You can replace a lost logbook by filling in a V62 form online, or by post. Alternatively, you can call the DVLA helpline. Here’s a quick breakdown on how to do each of them in turn.

Online:

• Go to the official DVLA website and access the “Replace a V5C” service.
• Provide your registration number, vehicle details, and personal information.
• Pay the £25 replacement fee by debit or credit card.
• You will receive the replacement V5C within about 5 working days.

To apply online you’ll need to have the following details to hand:

• Your vehicle registration number.
• The VIN/chassis number of your car.
• The name and postcode registered in your logbook.

If you don’t have them to hand, applying for a replacement online might be very difficult – so you may have to look at other methods.

By phone:

• Call the DVLA on 0300 790 6802 (vehicle enquiries).
• Confirm your identity and vehicle details with the advisor.
• Pay the £25 replacement fee over the phone.
• You’ll receive the replacement V5C in about 5 working days.

By post:

• Complete a V62 form (available to download or from a Post Office).
• Include a cheque or postal order for £25, made payable to DVLA.
• Send the form to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DD.
• Allow up to 6 weeks to receive the replacement logbook.

Can I find my V5C online?

In short, no. The V5C is a paper record, so you won’t be able to find a lost logbook online. However, you can still use the DVLA’s website to register any changes to your personal details or vehicle information, and to apply for a replacement logbook; as we’ve detailed above.

How much does a new logbook cost?

A new V5C costs £25, whether you’re applying online, or applying by post. As we’ve detailed above, you don’t strictly need one if you’re scrapping your car, so don’t worry if anyone tells you that you need to pay an extra charge for a car you’re selling to an ATF.

How long does a logbook take to arrive?

That depends on what method you’ve used to replace it. If you apply for your replacement V5C online or over the phone, you only need to wait for about five working days for it to arrive. If you haven’t received it within two weeks, then contact the DVLA.

However, if you’ve chosen to replace your lost logbook by post, then it typically takes about four weeks to arrive. If yours hasn’t arrived after six, then again you might want to consider getting in touch with the DVLA.