If your car has been written off, you have a legal obligation to notify the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). Here’s how to do it.
Why do I need to notify the DVLA?
When your car is declared a total loss (also called a write-off), you must inform the DVLA so they can update their records. This ensures:
You’re no longer legally responsible for the vehicle
Road tax and MOT obligations are cancelled
You avoid potential fines
What information do I need to send?
You’ll need to send the following:
Your V5C registration certificate (log book)
A short cover letter explaining that the vehicle has been written off
Your name, address, and the date of the incident
Remove the vehicle section of the V5C before sending.
Where do I send my documents?
Send everything to:
E2E
Unity House
Dudley Road
Darlington
DL1 4GG
What happens next?
The DVLA will update their records
You may receive confirmation by post
If due, they may issue a refund for any unused vehicle tax
Anything else I should do?
If your vehicle has been sold for salvage or disposed of, you should also inform the DVLA of the change of ownership or disposal using the appropriate section of the V5C.
For more details, visit the official DVLA website at www.gov.uk/dvla