Certificate of Destruction (CoD) – Everything You Need to Know

If you're scrapping your car, you should receive a Certificate of Destruction (CoD). This is an official document confirming that your vehicle has been accepted for permanent scrapping by an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF).

A Certificate of Destruction is an important record. It confirms that the vehicle has been taken out of use permanently and that the DVLA has been notified through the authorised scrapping system.

However, not every vehicle sold to a scrap or salvage buyer will receive one. It depends on what happens to the car.

What Is a Certificate of Destruction?

A Certificate of Destruction is an official document issued by an Authorised Treatment Facility when a vehicle is being permanently scrapped.

The certificate records important information about the vehicle, including:

• Registration number
• Make and model
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Date the certificate was issued
• Details of the Authorised Treatment Facility

The ATF uses the DVLA's system to record the vehicle's destruction and issue the certificate.

Once the certificate has been issued, the vehicle's DVLA record is closed permanently. It cannot simply be registered again and returned to the road.

Who Issues a Certificate of Destruction?

Only a licensed Authorised Treatment Facility can issue a valid Certificate of Destruction.

An ATF is a vehicle recycling facility authorised to handle end-of-life vehicles and remove hazardous materials safely.

These materials include engine oil, fuel, brake fluid, batteries and other substances that need careful disposal.

The certificate is issued through the DVLA's system, but it comes from the ATF, not directly from the DVLA.

How Long Does It Take to Receive a Certificate of Destruction?

When a car is permanently scrapped, the Authorised Treatment Facility must provide a Certificate of Destruction within seven days.

You may receive the certificate electronically or as a printed document, depending on the facility.

If you haven't received it after seven days, contact the ATF responsible for scrapping your vehicle.

Keep a copy of the certificate with your vehicle records.

Do All Scrap and Salvage Vehicles Get a Certificate of Destruction?

No. There's an important difference between selling a car for permanent scrapping and selling one for salvage.

Vehicles being scrapped

If your car is permanently scrapped at an Authorised Treatment Facility, a Certificate of Destruction must be issued for eligible vehicles.

Vehicles being sold for salvage

Some damaged, broken or non-running cars still have value for repair or resale.

For example, a car with a failed engine might be repaired and returned to the road. A vehicle with accident damage might also be suitable for repair.

If a vehicle is purchased for salvage and remains eligible to return to the road, it won't receive a Certificate of Destruction simply because it has been sold to a salvage buyer.

The correct DVLA transfer or disposal process still needs to be completed.

Do You Need to Tell the DVLA When Scrapping Your Car?

Yes. You must tell the DVLA when your car has been scrapped.

If you're taking the vehicle to an Authorised Treatment Facility, you should normally give them the V5C logbook while keeping the yellow section marked for selling, transferring or part-exchanging the vehicle to the motor trade.

You can notify the DVLA using the official online service.

Failing to notify the DVLA could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

The notification process is different if you're selling the vehicle to a motor trader for repair or resale rather than permanently scrapping it.

A Certificate of Destruction does not remove the need to follow the correct DVLA notification process.

What Happens to Your Road Tax?

Once the DVLA has been notified that your car has been scrapped, its vehicle tax is cancelled.

If you've paid vehicle tax in advance, you'll receive a refund for any remaining full months.

The refund is sent to the registered keeper using the details held by the DVLA.

You don't need to send your Certificate of Destruction to claim the refund.

What If You Don't Receive a Certificate of Destruction?

First, find out whether your vehicle was sold for permanent scrapping or for salvage.

If it was sold for salvage, a certificate may not be due.

If it was permanently scrapped, contact the Authorised Treatment Facility and ask for your Certificate of Destruction.

If you're unsure whether the DVLA has been notified, check the vehicle's status and contact the DVLA if necessary.

Keep any collection receipts, sale confirmation and other paperwork until the matter is resolved.

Can You Scrap a Car Without a V5C Logbook?

Yes, a vehicle can be scrapped without its V5C logbook, although you'll need to provide enough information to identify the vehicle and establish that you're entitled to dispose of it.

The ATF may ask for identification and other proof of ownership.

You must still notify the DVLA. If you don't have the V5C, you can write to the DVLA with the required vehicle and disposal details.

A missing logbook doesn't prevent a valid Certificate of Destruction from being issued.

What If You Want to Keep Your Private Number Plate?

If you have a personalised registration number that you want to keep, you should arrange to retain or transfer it before the vehicle is scrapped.

Once the vehicle has been permanently scrapped, you may lose the right to keep the registration number.

The DVLA has a separate process for transferring or retaining private registrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Certificate of Destruction a legal requirement?

Yes, when an eligible car or light van is permanently scrapped at an Authorised Treatment Facility. The ATF is responsible for issuing the certificate.

Does the DVLA send the Certificate of Destruction?

No. The Authorised Treatment Facility issues it using the DVLA's system.

How long should I wait for my certificate?

You should receive it within seven days of the vehicle being permanently scrapped. Contact the ATF if it hasn't arrived.

Can I get a Certificate of Destruction for a van?

Yes. If you're scrapping a van up to 3.5 tonnes, the same Certificate of Destruction rules apply. Different requirements apply to some larger vehicles.

Will I receive a certificate if I sell my car for salvage?

Not if the vehicle is being retained for repair or resale. A certificate is issued when an eligible vehicle is permanently scrapped.

Should I keep my Certificate of Destruction?

Yes. Keep it with your records as proof that the vehicle has been permanently scrapped. Don't send your copy to the DVLA unless they specifically ask for it.

Can a car be put back on the road after a Certificate of Destruction?

No. A Certificate of Destruction records that the vehicle has been permanently taken out of use. It cannot legally be returned to the road as the same registered vehicle.

Final Advice

Before handing over a vehicle, make sure you understand whether it's being purchased for scrap or salvage.

If it's being permanently scrapped, check that it will go to an Authorised Treatment Facility and that you'll receive the correct paperwork.

If it's being sold for repair or resale, make sure the DVLA is notified of the transfer.

Keeping the correct records helps prevent problems with vehicle tax, registration and responsibility for the vehicle after it's left your possession.

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