How the refund works
- We collect your car and, on request, provide a Certificate of Destruction.
- You tell the DVLA the car has been scrapped — online with your V5C logbook, or by post.
- The DVLA cancels your vehicle tax from the date they are told.
- They automatically refund any full remaining months by cheque to the registered keeper's address. Direct Debits are cancelled automatically.
Worth knowing
- Only complete unused months are refunded — tell the DVLA straight after collection so you don't lose a month.
- Keep your Certificate of Destruction and the collection date safe in case the DVLA asks.
- If you've lost the logbook, you can still tell the DVLA by post — see our guide to scrapping a car without a logbook.
See also: scrap car prices · what a Certificate of Destruction is · get a quote
FAQs
Can I claim tax back if I scrap my car?
Yes. Once you tell the DVLA the car has been scrapped, they cancel your vehicle tax and automatically refund any full remaining months.
How do I tell the DVLA I've scrapped my car?
Use the DVLA's online service with your V5C logbook, or send the relevant section by post. You'll need the date and the details of who took the car.
How is the refund paid?
The DVLA sends a cheque for the full remaining months to the registered keeper's address. If you pay by Direct Debit, that's cancelled automatically.
Do I get a refund for part months?
No. The DVLA only refunds complete unused months, so it's worth telling them as soon as the car is collected.