I’ve researched this as far as I can and the information given to me both by the DVLA, and the wording on the V5C itself, are confusing. Hidden away at the bottom of page 12 of booklet INS160, that comes with a V5C, is the wording: “If you sell or p/x your vehicle to a Motor trader who has an electronic link to the DVLA to notify vehicle sales and transfers, they should follow the system guidelines to notify DVLA of the vehicle transfer AND ISSUE YOU WITH AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.” That seems clear enough.

The detail is harder to follow: “If you pass your vehicle to an Authorised Treatment facility (vehicle dismantlers and scrap dealers have now become ATFs) they will keep your Registration Document. You may be issued with a Certificate of Destruction by the ATF (for further information see leaflet INF156).”

INF156 states: “After you have taken the vehicle to be scrapped, what happens next? The ATF will give you a Certificate of Destruction. Under the regulations, they cannot charge you for a Certificate of Destruction. However, the ATF may charge you for scrapping the vehicle. The details that appear on the Certificate of Destruction are: Details of the ATF and the Environment Agency Licensing Authority that issued the ATF licence, Details of the vehicle, Your name, address, nationality and signature. The ATF should give you the Certificate of Destruction immediately and tell DVLA that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle. If this is not possible, the ATF will tell you that you can collect it later, or they will post it to you. If you do not get a Certificate of Destruction immediately you should fill in the ‘Selling or transferring your vehicle to a motor trader, insurer or dismantler’ (V5C/3) section of your V5C and send it to DVLA to tell us you no longer have the vehicle (which is going to be a bit difficult if you have already handed the entire V5C to the dealer).”

“YOU SHOULD RECEIVE A LETTER CONFIRMING THAT YOU ARE NO LONGER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VEHICLE. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THIS WITHIN 20 WORKING DAYS, PHONE 0870 240 0010. YOU SHOULD KEEP THE CERTIFICATE AS IT IS PROOF THAT YOU ARE NO LONGER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VEHICLE.”

And on top of this, GVSS.co.uk is advertising to dealers in Glass’ Guide: “Auction your scrappage vehicles through the Glass’s eSalvage online system…and allow our accredited salvage agents to make you a bid. The highest bid will be notified to you within four days. Payment and a certificate of destruction will be given on collection.” Scrappage vehicles aren’t all simply being destroyed. Some are being broken up for parts. Others are being exported virtually intact.