In various car-related conversations, you may have heard of a CoD. Of course, even if you’ve heard the acronym before, you may not know exactly what it refers to. CoD stands for a Certificate of Destruction. The DVLA has issued Certificate’s of Destruction for years, but many people are still confused about when and if they need one. This article will help to clear up some of the confusion around what exactly a COD is and when, if ever, you’ll need to get one.
What is a Certificate of Destruction
A Certificate of Destruction is a document issued by DVLA. Crucially, these certificates are only given to Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs), licensed operations who are able to fully process and recycle end-of-life vehicles. Private owners can also receive a CoD in certain circumstances, usually when they have turned a vehicle into an ATF to be scrapped. A Certificate of Destruction is required only in cases when the vehicle is finally and completely obliterated. This may seem obvious, but in real life it means that if a scrapyard purchases your vehicle and uses it for parts, it may keep that car for years, only pulling parts off as required. A CoD won’t be issued for that car until the very end, when all parts are removed, recyclable material has been processed, and the frame itself is gone.
Legislation dictates that all vehicles that are recycled must be issued with a Certificate of Destruction, however please note the above and also be aware that if your car is still roadworthy then the ATF is obliged to keep it on the road and therefore won’t issue your vehicle with its CoD. However, if your vehicle is to be recycled, the Certificate of Destruction will be produced as soon as your vehicle is scrapped which might take up to two days after it is collected.
Your CoD is sent to Giveacar, so if you would like a copy of it please do get in touch with the team.
Do You Need a Certificate of Destruction?
Since the Certificate of Destruction is the final piece of paperwork your car will ever require, you won’t need it if you’re just selling the car on to another owner. In fact, if you apply for a CoD at that point, you’ll render the car undriveable!
The only time you will need a CoD is when you’ve delivered your vehicle to an ATF. It is important to note, not all ATF’s will issue a CoD immediately. They’ll need to recycle the car first, and as noted above, many ATF’s and scrapyards may sell parts from the car first, before eventually recycling what is left. If there is any further resale of the vehicle, you may never see the CoD: they are only issued to the last registered owner of the vehicle.
A failure to receive a CoD doesn’t indicate shady dealing necessarily. Again, an ATF may keep your car for years or sell it on. If you do wish to receive a CoD immediately, be clear those are your desires when you sell the vehicle to the ATF, as it may affect the price.
Things to Know About the DVLA CoD
While you may not always receive a CoD after you’ve turned in your car to an ATF, you MUST always remember to notify the DVLA of your actions. Failure to do so can result in a hefty fine.
To notify the DVLA, send in Section 9 of your V5C after selling your vehicle. Once you receive word from the DVLA that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle, you don’t need to worry about a CoD.
If you do receive your CoD, remember to keep a hold of it. There is no way to replace a lost CoD.
Now you’ll know a bit more about what a Certificate of Destruction is, and whether or not you’ll ever need one.
Why Scrap Your Car with Giveacar?
Giveacar can arrange to have your car collected free of charge and at a time that is convenient for you. The bonus… the money raised by your vehicle goes to a charity of your choice. Giveacar is the original car donation organisation meaning we are well equipped at ensuring your vehicle goes through the necessary protocol discussed above.
If you have any further questions please do get in touch with the team or contact the DVLA here.