DVLA Certificate of Destruction
The document that ends your responsibility for your car
A Certificate of Destruction (CoD) is an official DVLA document confirming your vehicle has been destroyed at an Environment Agency–licensed Authorised Treatment Facility. It is proof that your car no longer exists — legally, you are no longer its keeper.
Why it matters
The moment the DVLA is notified, it all stops
Destroying a car anywhere but a licensed ATF leaves you exposed. With a CoD from us, your liabilities end automatically.
Vehicle tax
Your tax liability ends the day the DVLA is notified — apply for a refund for any full remaining months.
MOT requirement
The car no longer needs an MOT or a valid test certificate. You cannot be penalised for a destroyed vehicle.
Insurance & fines
Insurance liability, parking fines, congestion charges and speeding penalties can no longer attach to the vehicle.
That is why it is illegal — and unwise — to scrap a car with anyone who cannot issue a CoD. If a buyer cannot produce an ATF licence and a Certificate of Destruction, you risk fines, penalties and a car that legally still belongs to you.
How it works
From quote to Certificate of Destruction
A simple, fully traceable process — normally completed within days.
Step 1
Get your quote
Enter your registration online and receive an instant, itemised quote — guaranteed for 48 hours. No obligation to accept.
Step 2
Free collection
Choose a slot Monday–Saturday. Our licensed driver verifies your ID and logbook, then pays you by BACS bank transfer — cash payments are illegal.
Step 3
Depollution & dismantling
Your car is safely depolluted and dismantled at our licensed facility. Usable parts are graded and sold; the rest is recycled.
Step 4
DVLA notified & CoD issued
The day your car is destroyed, we notify the DVLA electronically and issue your Certificate of Destruction with a unique reference.
What you receive
Your CoD, your records, your peace of mind
Your CoD by post
A paper Certificate of Destruction sent to you, usually within 5 working days of your car being processed. Keep it with your vehicle paperwork.
A unique CoD reference
Every CoD carries a reference tied to your vehicle. Quote it whenever you need to prove your car has been legally destroyed.
DVLA records updated
We notify the DVLA electronically on the day of destruction, so the vehicle record is updated without you lifting a finger.
How the DVLA confirms it
You do not need to tell the DVLA anything
As a licensed ATF we are registered with the DVLA to notify them electronically on the day a vehicle is destroyed. That means:
- Your vehicle record is updated automatically — no forms to post
- You can apply for a refund on any full remaining months of vehicle tax
- Your CoD reference lets you (and us) verify the destruction at any time
- The logbook is cancelled so it can never be misused
Your scrap payment is made by BACS bank transfer — cash payments for scrap vehicles are illegal under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.
We are a licensed, DVLA-registered ATF
Kent Autorecycle Ltd is an Environment Agency–licensed Authorised Treatment Facility in Middlesbrough (ATF Licence held and verified). Every CoD we issue is genuine, DVLA-notified and backed by our environmental permit, scrap metal dealer licence and waste carrier licence — all held and verified (details available on request).
Licence registration numbers available on request.
Information on this page is provided in good faith and reflects standard ATF and DVLA practice. It does not constitute legal or tax advice — for vehicle tax refunds or keeper-record queries, contact the DVLA directly. All licences shown are held and verified — registration numbers available on request.