What is a Certificate of Destruction
A Certificate of Destruction (CoD) is a document issued by DVLA. These certificates are only given to Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs), licensed operations that are able to fully process and recycle end-of-life vehicles. This certificate proves that you’ve disposed of your car correctly and prevents you from being penalised. It is a legal requirement for a Certificate of Destruction to be issued by the ATF as soon as the vehicle has been destroyed and recycled.
When Will I Receive A Certificate Of Destruction?
Legislation dictates that all vehicles that are recycled must be issued with a Certificate of Destruction. If your vehicle is completely scrapped and recycled, the ATF will issue a certificate of destruction within seven days. Please note if your car is still roadworthy the ATF is obliged to keep it on the road. Therefore you won’t be issued with a CoD for your vehicle. This 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.
If your vehicle is to be recycled, the Certificate of Destruction is produced as soon as your vehicle is scrapped. This takes up to seven days after it is collected.
Your CoD is sent to Giveacar. If you would like a copy please get in touch.
Do You Need a Certificate of Destruction?
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. Many ATF’s and scrapyards may sell parts from the car before recycling what is left. If there is any further resale of the vehicle, you may never see the CoD; these issued to the last registered owner of the vehicle. If you 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.
Notify The DVLA
You MUST always remember to notify the DVLA, even if you have yet to receive a CoD from the ATF. Failure to do so can result in a fine.
To notify the DVLA, send in Section 9 of your V5C (or section 4 of newer versions of the V5C) after selling your vehicle. You can also do this online here. Once the DVLA confirm 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.
Scrap a Foreign Vehicle
If you are wanting to scrap a vehicle from another country in the UK, you must use an ATF. You’ll receive a ‘Certificate of Destruction’ to prove that the vehicle has been destroyed. It is then your responsibility to notify the driving authority in the country where the vehicle is registered that it has been scrapped.
Why Scrap Your Car with Giveacar?
Giveacar is the original car donation scheme. We proudly work alongside scrap sites that are all ATF registered and are therefore monitored by the Environment Agency. 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.
If you have any further questions please do get in touch with the team on 0207 736 4242 or contact the DVLA here.