It's one of the questions we're most commonly asked and is the reason why it appears at the top of our FAQs page. So, if you're wondering if you can still scrap your old, unwanted vehicle without its V5C (more commonly know as the logbook or V5), the simple answer is YES.
Why you might not have your V5
If you've owned your vehicle for quite some time, it's easy to lose or misplace your V5C. Maybe you've moved home and have inadvertently thrown it out or perhaps you've stored it away for safekeeping and then forgotten where you put it. It could even be that, unlike your homework from your school years, the dog really DID eat it!
Whatever the reason, the process of disposing of your unwanted vehicle without the logbook (log-book) is still fairly straightforward, although not quite as simple as still having it in your possession.
Will my local scrapyard think I've stolen the car?
No, not at all. Losing the logbook for a car is far more common than most people realise so your local scrapyard won't automatically assume there's some other shady reason for not having it at the time of scrapping. You won't be looked upon as a suspected car thief nor will you be interrogated under a bright light!
Do I need to apply for a new V5 to scrap my car?
No, you don't. Of course, if you're prepared to wait, then you can apply for a replacement V5 logbook if you prefer. However, aside from the hassle of doing so and the time you'll have to wait for a replacement to arrive, it'll also cost a rather hefty £25 (correct at time of writing) to get your duplicate issued. You'll also need to provide the:
- registration number of the vehicle
- VIN/chassis number of your vehicle
- name and postcode registered on your log book
What's the process of scrapping my car without a log book?
It's very easy to do if you already have your log book and is only very slightly more involved if you don't. Although the process can vary a tad between different vehicle recycling companies, here's how we do it at Ace Breakers:
- The person present at the time of collection will have to provide photo I.D. and the registered keeper will need to inform DVLA in writing. We’ll need some details from you; your full name, current address, contact number, vehicle registration and vehicle identification number (VIN). You’ll then need to print, sign, date and time the form.
- The DVLA need to know that the car has been sold to Ace Car Breakers Ltd. for scrap - If required, we can provide a CoD (Certificate of Destruction) by using the chassis number of the vehicle.
- We can complete a ‘no logbook’ authorisation form for your scrap vehicle. This document gives us permission to scrap it without a logbook.
As you can see, this process will only involve a little more paperwork but is fairly straightforward and it's important to reiterate that you’ll need to write to the DVLA detailing that you’ve sold your vehicle to us.
A couple of final thoughts
Most reputable scrap car companies don't charge you a fee if you want to scrap your car without a logbook. If you've received a quote elsewhere and have been told that not having a log book will cost you extra, either walk away or be careful when dealing with them.
Lastly, and although it may sound blindingly obvious, don't forget to cancel your car insurance once your vehicle has finally bitten the dust :)
Hi I have bought a car off someone to be scrapped but they haven’t got a logbook or keys are yous able to still buy the car from me if I give you photo id
Hi Barry
Give us a call during weekday office hours and we’ll be happy to explain what we require under the circumstances you describe.
Hi I have told the DVLA that my car has been written off, as I was told by the insurance company, and I put on the address of the insurance company, instead of the auto salvage company.
Now the auto salvage company are asking for the log book to be in their name, what can I do, the DVLA web site won’t let me change it. Please can you help.
Can the owner of a car with no v5 log book give it to there local garage to be scrapped they know us and the car
Hi William
Yes, that would be fine. It’s worth bearing in mind that the registered keeper and the owner needn’t be the same person. It’s also perfectly legal to sell a vehicle without the V5 logbook. If you sold your car to them, the garage would become the new owner and they could then scrap it or repair it if they wished.
Hi, I scrapped my car on 23rd December, I couldn’t find the log book at the time and unfortunately didn’t realise I would need the VIN number in the absence of the log book, in order to inform DVLA. I’ve turned 3 houses upside down -mine and both my parents – looking for the log book over the last few weeks but no luck. Any tips on how to go about this without the VIN?
Hi Lucy. You don’t need the VIN number even if you don’t have the V5 logbook when you scrap the vehicle. Companies such as ours are permitted to scrap cars with no logbooks as long as we know the vehicle’s identity i.e registration number (number plate) and obtain proof of the identity of the seller. We can then provide you with a CoD (Certificate of Destruction) that you can use when you inform the DVLA that your car has been scrapped.
I have a complicated one – i have just brought a house and the previous owner has abandoned his motorbike in the rear garden (by the look of it its been there for a considerable period). I’ve tried contacting him several times to arrange collection and have got no reply.
As it was left in my property at the time of completion does that give me the ok to get it disposed of? There was no paperwork left for the bike.
Hi Neil
We’re not legal experts so can’t give you specific legal advice regarding who would be considered the owner of the motorcycle if you’ve inherited it by it being left in the garden of your new home. It may depend on the nature of the contract between you and the seller – i.e. the sale may have included fixtures and fittings and other miscellaneous items.
It may be prudent to contact the DVLA and get an official response from them in writing in order to confirm you can scrap it as (presumably) the previous owner didn’t inform them that it was no longer in his/her possession.
That aside, and assuming you’re now the owner, you could try to locate the Vehicle Identification Number (aka VIN, which is probably 17 digits) which will be printed somewhere on the frame of the motorcycle. It’s often stamped near the steering head which is where the front fork joins the frame. If not, you might find it elsewhere on the frame, possibly printed on a metal plate or even under the seat.
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Once found, you should then be able to get the registration number (see our reply to Paul below) which will make it easier to legally scrap.
I have an even more complicated issue, how do you scrap an unregistered car? I have no logbook or anything,
The car will have a unique VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). You might find it inside the engine compartment (have a look under the bonnet). It could be labelled “engine number” or “chassis number” or it might say “identification number”. Depending on the make/model/ it can be also be found stamped onto the bodywork or onto a metal plate. This is typically located somewhere around the driver’s door (open it and have a look).
Alternatively, it can be located under a plastic flap built into the carpet. All cars have a unique VIN on them somewhere so keep looking until you find it. Once you do, you should contact the DVLA and tell them you don’t know your vehicle’s registration number but you do know it’s VIN.
One possibility is to apply for a vehicle registration certificate (form V62) from the DVLA. At the time of writing, the fee for this is £25. Click here to download/view a copy of the form. You will need to provide the reason for not having a V5C (log book) on the form. Unfortunately, the form’s notes do say that you need to provide the DVLA with the reg. no. or they will reject the application. I don’t really recommend this method as it may not be successful but it may still work if you provide a covering letter to explain why you do not know the registration number.
One last easier (and cheaper) alternative is to get the number plate (VRM) by having a HPI check done by using the car’s VIN.