Do I need to be the owner to scrap a vehicle?

Yes — you generally must be the owner or registered keeper of a vehicle to scrap it legally. Scrap yards and Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) will only accept a car from someone who can prove they have the right to dispose of it. This is to prevent fraud and ensure that no stolen vehicles are processed. In most cases, having your name on the V5C logbook and a matching photo ID is enough to prove ownership. At blackburnscrapyard.co.uk, we help ensure every car is scrapped legally and responsibly — and that the process is smooth, even if you’re scrapping on someone else’s behalf.

Who Can Scrap a Vehicle Legally?

The ideal person to scrap a car is the one listed as the registered keeper on the V5C logbook. While the V5C doesn’t technically prove legal ownership, it is the standard document that scrap yards rely on to verify who is responsible for the vehicle. In almost all routine scrap transactions, the keeper and the owner are the same person — and that person will present both the V5C and valid ID at the time of scrapping.

If your name is on the V5C, bring it along with your ID — that’s sufficient.

If scrapping on someone else’s behalf, you must have their permission.

Scrapping a car without consent could be considered vehicle theft.

Scrap yards must verify that the person scrapping the car is authorised to do so.

What If the Vehicle Isn’t in Your Name?

If you’re not the registered keeper but you have permission from the owner, you can still scrap the car — but you may be asked to provide extra documentation. Here’s how to do it properly:

1. Written Permission

If you're scrapping a car that’s registered in someone else’s name (such as a spouse, parent, or friend), the scrap yard may ask for a signed note from the owner. This note should include:

It’s helpful — but not always required — to also bring a copy of the owner’s ID for extra credibility.

2. Proof of Relationship

If you're scrapping the vehicle of someone you live with or are related to, showing a matching surname or shared address on your ID can often be enough to reassure the scrap yard. Reputable yards use common sense — if your partner’s name is on the V5C and you share a home, you probably won’t be turned away.

3. Recently Purchased Vehicles

If you bought the car recently and haven’t yet updated the V5C, bring a bill of sale, eBay invoice, or other proof of purchase. This shows that you’re the rightful new owner and helps the yard understand why the logbook hasn’t been changed yet.

4. Vehicles Belonging to Someone Who Has Passed Away

If you’re scrapping a vehicle on behalf of a deceased person, you must be able to show that you’re the executor of the estate or an immediate family member with authority. In most cases, a copy of the death certificate and your photo ID are enough to allow the scrap yard to proceed. We cover this process in detail in our bereavement support FAQ.

When Can’t You Scrap a Vehicle?

You cannot legally scrap a car that isn’t yours unless you have explicit permission. For example:

Attempting to scrap a vehicle you don’t own — even if it seems abandoned — could be considered theft or handling stolen goods. Always go through proper legal channels. If the car has been left outside your home for weeks or months, contact your local council or the police. Do not attempt to dispose of it yourself.

What Will the Scrap Yard Ask For?

All reputable ATFs will ask you for:

Some yards will also verify vehicle details through an online stolen vehicle register. If the name on the V5C doesn’t match your ID, expect a few extra questions. Good scrap yards are diligent — they’re not being difficult, they’re staying compliant.

What If You Don’t Have the V5C?

You can still scrap a car without the logbook, but you’ll need to prove you have the right to do so. Bring ID, and if you’re not the owner, bring permission documentation. The yard will likely ask you to sign a statement confirming you’re authorised. At blackburnscrapyard.co.uk, we help customers in this situation every day — and we make sure everything is above board.

Bottom Line

If you are the registered keeper and have the V5C, scrapping is simple. If not, bring documentation that proves you’re acting with permission. Never scrap a vehicle without consent — it’s not worth the risk. Our team can help you gather what you need and confirm if your paperwork is sufficient before you book a collection.

We accept cars from registered keepers or people with authorisation.

If you don’t have the V5C, we’ll help you prove ownership another way.

Scrapping someone else’s car without permission is illegal.

We’ll guide you on what documents you need before collection.

Talk to our team if you’re unsure whether you’re allowed to scrap the vehicle — we’ll review your documents and help you move forward the right way.

Useful Resources

Have questions about scrapping someone else’s vehicle? Get in touch — we’re here to help.

Legal Context

The person scrapping the car should be the rightful owner or acting on the owner’s behalf with permission. While there’s no formal “ownership document” beyond the V5C (which indicates the registered keeper, not legal ownership per se, but in practice they’re assumed to be the owner), scrap yards are cautious not to take in stolen vehicles. Legally, if you scrap a car without the owner’s consent, that is unlawful – it could be considered theft and fraud. The Scrap Metal Dealers Act requires dealers to verify identity, but it doesn’t mandate proof of ownership beyond that. However, most ATFs use the V5C and personal ID as evidence that the person scrapping the car is likely the owner/keeper. If you’re scrapping someone else’s car (say a family member’s), it’s best to have them present or have a signed note and ideally the V5C. In practice, scrap yards often scrap cars for whoever presents them with the keys and V5C; if the name on V5C differs from ID, they may ask questions. Ultimately, if an issue arises later (e.g., the owner reports the car stolen), the scrap yard could be investigated for handling stolen property. Thus, they prefer dealing with the person named on the V5C.

Why This Matters

A scenario: someone might try to scrap a vehicle that was left on their property but isn’t theirs – legally they can’t just scrap it; they’d need to go through proper channels (like contacting authorities for abandoned vehicles). Another common case: a car is jointly owned or registered to a spouse who isn’t available – the other spouse can scrap it with documentation. People worry if they can send a friend to scrap the car – yes, but that friend needs the right docs. The pain point is ensuring you have authority. If you are not the registered keeper, the scrap yard might hesitate. Also, owners worry about giving their car to someone else to handle scrapping – one should ensure that person will indeed complete the process honestly.

Quick Step-by-Step Summary

  • Be the registered keeper: Easiest path – your name is on the V5C as the keeper. When you go to scrap, show the V5C and your ID. The scrap yard will have no issue since it’s clearly your vehicle to scrap. If not the keeper, get permission: If the car is in someone else’s name (e.g., your spouse, parent, or a friend), ideally have them write a short letter stating that they authorize you to scrap the vehicle on their behalf. Include the date, vehicle reg, their signature, and a copy of their ID if possible. Many scrap yards won’t ask for this, but it’s good to have in case. Provide proof of relationship or situation: If the owner is deceased, you should have proof that you’re the executor or next of kin (and we cover that in another question). If you recently bought the car but didn’t send the V5C to DVLA, bring any proof of purchase to show you have the right to scrap it. ID and documentation: Regardless, you (the person physically scrapping) will need to show your ID and, if you have it, the V5C. If the V5C isn’t in your name, the yard will use their judgment – some may still proceed if you have the car keys, the car, and perhaps a story that checks out (like “I’m scrapping my partner’s car, here’s our same surname ID”). Others might refuse if it seems fishy. Avoid scrapping without rights: Do not attempt to scrap a car that isn’t yours or that you found. If it’s abandoned on your land, call the council or police – don’t just scrap it, as you could be committing an offence. Scrap yard diligence: Reputable scrap yards may run the vehicle’s registration through a database to check for theft markers. If you’re not the registered keeper and can’t adequately explain why, they may turn you away to protect themselves. Bottom line: For a hassle-free experience, the person named on the logbook should handle the scrapping. If that’s not possible, come prepared with evidence that you’re authorized to do it.

Sources & References

  • Citizen’s Advice – Abandoned Vehicle Info; GOV.UK – Registered Keeper and Ownership Explained

Helpful External Links

  • https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/legal-system/arrests-police-and-the-criminal-justice-system/if-you-think-a-vehicle-has-been-abandoned/, https://www.gov.uk/registering-vehicle-with-dvla