Certification of Destruction - Your Questions Answered
The End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation 2003 and the End-of-Life Vehicles (Storage and Treatment) (Scotland) Regulations 2003 require that vehicles at the end of their life may only be treated at Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs). For those vehicles covered by the Regulations the ATF will issue a Certificate of Destruction (CoD).

Before Taking A Vehicle To Be Scrapped
Where do I need to take a vehicle if I want to scrap it?
You should take the vehicle to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) such as TS Russell to be de-polluted and destroyed.

How do I find a registered ATF?
You have already found an ATF - TS Russell, please contact us for more information.

What documents do I need to take with me?
The Registration Document/Certificate (V5/V5C).

What if I haven't got the V5C/V5?
You can still take the vehicle to be scrapped; the ATF may be able to issue a Certificate of Destruction without a V5C/V5 being present.

What will happen to a Cherished Mark if I need to destroy a vehicle?
If you wish to transfer or retain the registration mark, you will need to apply to your nearest DVLA local office before presenting the vehicle to the ATF. If this is not done then once the vehicle has been destroyed, the right to the registration mark will be lost.

After Taking Your Vehicle To Be Scrapped
What happens next?
If the vehicle is covered by the Regulations the ATF will issue you with a Certificate of Destruction.

What vehicles are covered by the Regulations?
  • Passenger carrying vehicles up to 3,500kg

  • Light goods vehicles up to 3,500 kg

  • Three-wheel motor vehicles (excluding motor tricycles).


    • What details will appear on the Certificate of Destruction?
  • Details of the ATF and Licensing Authority

  • Vehicle details

  • The name, address, nationality and signature of the person or organisation presenting the vehicle.


    • Why do you need my name, address and nationality details.
    The Regulations state that this information must appear on the Certificate of Destruction. These details will not be transmitted to the DVLA.

    When will I receive the Certificate of Destruction?
    The ATF should issue the Certificate immediately. In certain circumstances this may not be possible and the ATF will advice that it can be collected later or posted to you.

    What do I do with the Certificate?
    It should be retained; it is proof that the last registered keeper is no longer responsible for the vehicle.

    Will the ATF charge me for the certificate?
    No. The Regulations prohibit the ATF from charging for a Certificate of Destruction. The ATF may, however, levy a charge for de-polluting and scrapping the vehicle.

    Do I need to notify the DVLA that I have scrapped my vehicle?
    No. The ATF will do this.

    What do I do if I lose my Certificate?
    Duplicate Certificates cannot be issued. You may request a letter confirming that a Certificate has been issued by writing to the DVLA at the address overleaf.

    I am scrapping a foreign-registered vehicle in the UK. What do I do?
    Do NOT hand over the Registration Certificate/Document. Send it to the registration authority of the country in question and enclose a copy of the UK Certificate of Destruction.

    How can I be sure that the ATF will destroy the vehicle?
    The ATF may not destroy the vehicle immediately after a Certificate is issue but should do so as soon as possible. Once the Certificate has been issued the registered keeper's liability for that vehicle will end.