How do I claim my scrap car tax refund from DVLA?

You don't have to claim it manually — DVLA refunds it automatically once we notify them you've scrapped the car. A cheque is posted to the address on the V5 within 2–6 weeks.

How much road tax do I get back after scrapping?

DVLA refunds any full unused months of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). Part-months don't count — a car scrapped mid-month loses that month.

What happens to my direct debit for car tax?

Your DVLA direct debit is cancelled automatically the day the scrap notification is processed. You'll be refunded any months paid for but not used.

What if the address on my V5 is out of date?

Update it with DVLA before scrapping if you can — the refund cheque is always posted to the address on file, and DVLA won't reissue to a new address once the cheque has been sent.

Can I still get a refund if I've lost my V5?

Yes — we notify DVLA on your behalf whether you have the V5 or not. DVLA sends the refund cheque to the last address they hold for the registered keeper.

How long does the road-tax refund take?

Typically 2–6 weeks from the day we collect and notify DVLA. Direct-debit cancellations happen instantly; the refund cheque follows by post.

Scrap car tax refund — how DVLA pays you back

You don't need to do anything to claim your scrap car tax refund. When we scrap your car in Hampshire, we notify DVLA the same day. DVLA cancels your direct debit automatically and posts a refund cheque for any full unused months of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) to the address on your V5 — usually within 2–6 weeks.

Day 0

We collect your car and notify DVLA the same day via the online scrap-notification portal.

1–2 weeks

DVLA processes the notification. Direct debits are cancelled automatically — no action needed from you.

2–6 weeks

Refund cheque for any full unused months of road tax arrives at the address on the V5.

What DVLA refunds — and what it doesn't

✅ Full unused months of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) from the day the scrap notification is processed.
✅ Automatic direct-debit cancellation from the same date.
❌ Part-months. If you scrap on the 15th, that month is not refunded.
❌ Refund to a new address if the V5 is out of date — always update DVLA first if you've moved.

Prefer to check with DVLA directly?

Official DVLA guidance on refunds is at gov.uk/vehicle-tax-refund. Any questions on our end — call or WhatsApp us.

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