How to Verify an ATF Licence

11th Jul, 2025

Scrapping a car requires trust. You wouldn’t hire a plumber without a Gas Safe card; that proof of legitimacy is just as vital when choosing a scrap dealer. For car scrapping, the equivalent is the Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) licence. A legitimate dealer must have one. If not, they are operating illegally, and you are taking a gamble.

Don’t get caught out by a good price from a rogue trader. Checking a dealer’s legitimacy is easy, and this simple ATF licence verification process can prevent major headaches. That’s why at Scrap Car Network, we handle all these checks for our customers, but it’s knowledge every car owner should have.

First, what exactly is an ‘ATF licence’?

Before getting into the risks, let’s be clear on what this licence actually is. Think of it as a scrap dealer’s legal permit to operate, issued by the UK’s environmental regulators: the Environment Agency (England), SEPA (Scotland), or Natural Resources Wales (Wales). This official licence is sometimes called an Environmental Permit. They are the same legal document, and both serve as proof that the dealer is approved. A facility must prove it can dispose of vehicles safely to earn one.

• Safely drain 5-7 litres of engine oil, coolant, and other fluids to prevent ground contamination.
• Correctly handle explosive airbag canisters and lead-acid batteries.
• Issue a Certificate of Destruction (CoD), the official document proving your car is legally off the road.
• Recycle up to 95% of the vehicle’s weight, meeting strict environmental targets.

Without this licence, a dealer has no legal right to scrap your vehicle, and they cannot provide the paperwork that protects you.

The legal nightmare: How a bad deal follows you home

Under UK law, you are legally responsible for your vehicle until a licensed ATF issues a Certificate of Destruction. Because what happens to your car after it leaves your driveway is what truly matters, and the consequences can be severe.

For example, an owner accepts a high cash offer for their hatchback. The dealer seems professional but avoids providing an ATF number, promising to “sort the paperwork later.” This is a major red flag. Months later, the original owner receives a £130 fine for an unpaid London congestion charge. Then comes a speeding ticket. The car was never scrapped; it was sold illegally, and now the owner faces a stressful battle to prove their innocence.

Failing to use a licensed dealer can lead to:

• A £1,000 fine from the DVLA if your car isn’t properly de-registered.
• Responsibility for fines if the car is later abandoned (£200 fixed penalty) or caught by a speed camera (minimum £100 fine and points).
• No proof of scrappage, which can cause issues with insurance and future car ownership.

The risks of using unlicensed scrap car dealers are simply too high. The potential cost and stress far outweigh a small cash incentive.

Your defence plan: The 2-minute ATF licence verification process

This quick, free, step-by-step guide ensures peace of mind.

Step 1: Ask for the licence number

Ask for their ATF licence number or Environmental Permit. A legitimate business will provide it without hesitation. It should be clearly displayed on their website or paperwork. If they can’t or won’t provide it, walk away.

Step 2: Use the official government register

This is the most important step. Once you have the business name, postcode, or licence number, check it against the official public register. This government database is 100% reliable.

• For England: Use the Environment Agency Public Register (opens in a new tab).
• For Scotland: Use the SEPA Authorised Sites Register (opens in a new tab).
• For Wales: Use the Natural Resources Wales Public Register (opens in a new tab).

If they are on the register, they are legitimate. If not, they’re not. It’s that black and white.

Step 3: Check the details match

When you find them on the register, quickly check that the details match what they’ve told you.

• Is the business name exactly the same? Be wary of slight variations.
• Does the address and postcode match the location they claim to operate from?
• Is the licence still valid and not expired? An expired licence is no better than having no licence at all.

This cross-check is crucial, as scammers may use a legitimate company’s name with their own contact details.

Warning signs: How to spot a rogue trader

Knowing what to avoid is half the battle. The other half is knowing where to find a service you can trust from the start. Trust your instincts. These are clear signs of a dodgy operator:

• They offer to pay in cash. The Scrap Metal Dealers Act of 2013 made it illegal to pay cash for scrap cars, specifically to create a clear financial trail and combat theft. Legitimate payments must be by bank transfer or cheque.
• They are vague about their address. A real business has a physical site. If they only operate from a mobile number and are reluctant to give you a location, it’s a sign they have something to hide.
• The price is too good to be true. They might quote you £250 on the phone, but when they arrive, they’ll point to a scratch and say “that’ll knock £50 off,” haggling the price down aggressively. They rely on you feeling pressured to accept.
• They pressure you to make a quick decision. A professional service will give you a quote that’s valid for a set period, giving you time to think. High-pressure tactics are a classic red flag.

The safe harbour: Finding a trusted network

The simplest way to ensure compliance is to use a service that vets its partners. Scrap Car Network is built on a UK-wide network of scrap dealers, and every partner is verified to hold a valid ATF licence. This commitment to verifying licence details means you are always protected.

This isn’t just a one-off check. Partners are continuously monitored to ensure they maintain the high standards required. Whether you need to scrap your car in London or you’re looking for a trusted partner in Newcastle, the network ensures you’re only dealing with certified professionals.

Using a vetted service provides a guarantee of:

• Every partner is a fully licensed ATF.
• Receiving a Certificate of Destruction.
• Correct handling of the DVLA notification.
• A fair price with no hidden fees.

For any questions, get in touch with the team for clear answers.

Always check: It’s your responsibility and your protection

Taking a moment to verify licence details is a small step that offers huge protection from fines and fraud, while ensuring your car is recycled responsibly. Never leave it to chance. Taking two minutes to check is the simplest way to ensure you’re making a safe, wise, and legal choice.