What the New V5C Format Actually Changed
The new V5C format, introduced in April 2019 by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), cut the document from 12 sections down to 6. The front cover changed from blue green to red pink. Name and address moved to the front cover for faster identity checks. A multi-colour guidance panel was added to help owners use the document correctly.
The new V5C format removed signature boxes and replaced them with red declarations. Data capture boxes appeared for the first time in this redesign. The document reference number shifted position now sitting below the date of acquisition field. DVLA also printed a security message directly on the cover Don’t share, keep it safe to reduce vehicle registration certificate fraud across the United Kingdom.
Old V5C vs New V5C How to Tell Which Version You Have
Physical Differences Between the Two Versions
The old V5C had a blue green cover, 12 sections, and signature boxes throughout. Perforations separated the green slip at the back for new keepers. The new V5C format (April 2019) switched to a red pink cover with only 6 sections. A multi-colour guidance panel sits at the bottom of the front page this is an intentional anti-fraud design feature, not just decoration. The Buyer Beware warning label on the front is part of DVLA’s document security system, built to stop vehicle registration certificate fraud.
Section Number Differences That Matter When Scrapping
| Section Purpose | Old V5C | New V5C |
| Sell/transfer to ATF or scrap | Section 9 | Section 4 |
| New keeper slip (given to buyer) | Section 10 (V5C/2) | Section 6 |
| Selling to private individual | Section 6 | Section 2 |
| Change name or address | Section 6 (green slip) | Section 3 |
| Motor trader taking possession | Section 8 | Within Section 4 |
The registered keeper scrapping via the old format completes Section 9. On the new V5C, that same task moves to Section 4. The new keeper slip shifted from Section 10 to Section 6. DVLA renumbered every section in the 2019 redesign using the wrong section and delayed the scrap my car process.
Which Section of the V5C to Complete When Scrapping Your Car
The Section to Fill In on the New V5C (Section 4)
When scrapping a vehicle using the new V5C format, complete Section 4. The registered keeper fills in the date of sale, the ATF name, full ATF address, VAT number, and postcode. Both the keeper and the ATF collection driver sign Section 4 before the logbook changes hands. Hand over the whole V5C to the ATF do not tear or detach any pages first.
The Section to Fill In on the Old V5C (Section 9)
Section 9 on the old V5C is titled Notification of Sale or Transfer of the Vehicle to a Motor Trader, Insurer, or Dismantler. Both the registered keeper and the motor trader complete and sign this section together. Post the completed section to DVLA Swansea, SA99 1AR note this address differs from the new format address SA99 1BA. Keep a photo of the signed section before posting.
What Information the ATF and DVLA Need From You
DVLA needs the vehicle registration number, date of sale, ATF VAT number, and the registered keeper’s signature on the completed section. The ATF needs the VIN/chassis number, make and model, keeper’s full name, and keeper’s address for their own records. Mileage is optional on Section 4 the date of sale is mandatory. A Certificate of Destruction request goes to the ATF directly, not to DVLA.
The Yellow Slip Why You Keep Part of Your V5C When Scrapping
Which Part of the Logbook Do You Keep?
The yellow section of the V5C is printed on physically yellow paper. You can identify it by colour alone. On the new V5C, this tear off sits within Section 4, the sell/transfer slip for the registered keeper. Tear it off along the perforated line before handing anything over. Give the remaining V5C pages to the ATF collection driver and never hand over the full logbook without separating this first.
How Long Do You Need to Keep It?
Keep the yellow section until the Certificate of Destruction arrives and DVLA updates its records. A £1,000 fine risk stays active until DVLA confirms the vehicle as scrapped in its system. Store the slip for at least 12 months after the CoD arrives penalty notices sometimes reach former keepers weeks after disposal. Keeper liability ends only when the CoD is issued by the ATF.
The Certificate of Destruction What Happens After the V5C Is Handed Over
When the ATF Must Issue the CoD
Under the End of Life Vehicles Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/2635), the Authorised Treatment Facility must issue a Certificate of Destruction within 7 days of scrapping the vehicle. The trigger is completion of depollution and dismantling not the collection date. DVLA gets notified by the ATF once the record is filed. Contact the ATF directly if the CoD has not arrived within that 7 day window.
What a Genuine CoD Contains
A legitimate Certificate of Destruction always includes the ATF permit number, vehicle VIN, vehicle registration number, make, model, and the last registered keeper’s name and address. The ATF permit number lets you verify the facility’s licence on the DVLA ATF register independently. Most ATFs deliver the CoD by email as PDF paper copies are less common now. Any CoD missing the issue date or ATF permit number needs querying before you treat it as valid.
What to Do If You Have Not Received Your CoD
Contact the ATF by phone or email first, request the Certificate of Destruction directly and log the date you chased. Check the DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service at gov uk to see if your vehicle still shows as taxed or on the road. If the ATF is unresponsive, write to DVLA with the scrapping date, ATF name, address, and your vehicle registration number. A vehicle still showing as active means the scrapping was likely never recorded and reported this to DVLA in writing immediately.
What to Do If You Still Have an Old Style V5C
Is the Old Version Still Valid for Scrapping?
The old style blue green V5C with 12 sections remains fully valid for scrapping in the United Kingdom. DVLA has not recalled the old format, no replacement is required before collection. ATFs must accept it by law. The registered keeper completes Section 9 instead of Section 4 same legal outcome, different section number.
How to Get a Replacement V5C Before Scrapping
Apply for a replacement V5C online at gov uk vehicle log book using your vehicle registration number, VIN, and the name and address held on DVLA records. The phone route is faster payment by credit or debit card is taken at the time of the call, no V62 form needed. Postal applications require a completed V62 form and a £25 fee sent to DVLA. All 3 methods deliver the replacement vehicle registration certificate within 5 working days to the registered keeper’s address on file.
What Happens If Your V5C Is Missing When You Scrap
Your Legal Responsibility to Notify the DVLA
A registered keeper who scraps without completing the V5C must send a written letter to DVLA Swansea, SA99 1AR. That letter needs the date of scrapping, the ATF name, ATF address, VAT number, and the keeper’s signature. Gov uk confirms a fine of up to £1,000 applies for failing to notify DVLA correctly. No V5C does not cancel the notification duty it only changes the method.
What Documents ATF Dealers Accept as Alternatives
Start with the baseline valid photo ID (passport or driving licence) plus a proof of address dated within 3 months. MOT certificates and service records build a chain of custody trail that strengthens the ownership claim. An insurance certificate or purchase receipt adds a third layer of ownership confirmation. The more documents provided, the faster the ATF processes the collection without a V5C.
The Risk of Not Notifying the DVLA Correctly
Keeper liability runs until DVLA updates its records not from the date of physical handover to the ATF. Parking fines, speeding offences, and criminal activity linked to that vehicle stay attributed to the registered keeper in the meantime. A fine of up to £1,000 applies under gov.uk rules for missing DVLA notification. Only a Certificate of Destruction or confirmed DVLA written notification closes that liability permanently.
FAQs
What section do I fill in on the new V5C when scrapping my car?
On the new V5C, complete Section 4 titled Selling, transferring or part exchanging this vehicle to a motor trader. Both you and the ATF driver sign it. Keep the yellow slip and hand the rest to the ATF.
Can I scrap my car if I only have the old blue green V5C?
Yes. The old blue green V5C with 12 sections stays legally valid for scrapping. Complete Section 9 titled Notification of Sale or Transfer to a Motor Trader, Insurer, or Dismantler. It performs the same function as Section 4.
How long does it take to receive a Certificate of Destruction?
The ATF must issue the Certificate of Destruction within 7 days under the End of Life Vehicles Regulations 2003. Most send it by email as a PDF. Contact the ATF directly if it hasn’t arrived after 7 days.
What happens if I hand over my whole V5C to the scrap dealer by mistake?
Contact the ATF immediately to recover the document. If unresponsive, write to DVLA with the scrapping date, ATF details, and vehicle registration number. Apply for a replacement using the V62 form for £25 as a backup.
Ready to Scrap Your Car the Right Way?
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