Step-by-Step Car Scrapping: Singapore Guide

About two-fifths of deregistered vehicles in Singapore are scrapped annually. That’s why it’s important to understand how scrapping works. This guide explains the steps, ensuring a smooth transition from paperwork to payment.

Discover how to scap car step by step using LTA’s OneMotoring and Singpass 2FA. Understand PARF/COE rebates and when to submit disposal proof with SGCarScrap. Our goal is to make the deregistration and scrapping process efficient and fair, to help you keep maximum value.

This section introduces the basics. Subsequent sections will detail legal duties post-deregistration, the scrapping pathway, and preparing your vehicle and documents. You’ll also see how to choose an LTA-approved scrapyard or EPZ and what to do on-site. We share Singapore-specific tips and when scrapping is the right choice.

Whether you’re looking for a step-by-step car building tutorial or need to scrap a car, this guide is for you. We aim to provide clear, straightforward instructions. Beginning here gives you a clear plan to end ownership responsibly and profitably.

Vehicle Deregistration & Legal Duties

Before you start scrapping, understand deregistration. In Singapore, deregistration cancels your vehicle’s local registration. That means no road use unless it’s in an LTA-approved EPZ or properly re-registered.

Deregistration explained

Once deregistered, the car is off LTA records. You must dispose of the vehicle by scrapping at an LTA-appointed scrapyard, exporting it, or placing it in an EPZ pending export. Based on age, COE balance, and matching engine/chassis numbers, you could get PARF/COE rebates.

What you must do after deregistering

You must deregister your vehicle online using Singpass 2FA. No Singpass? Book an appointment through LTA’s feedback portal. Then, visit the Customer Service Centre with Form D01 and ID. After deregistration, you must submit proof of disposal to LTA within one month. EPZ storage triggers a 14-day deadline.

Penalties for failing to submit disposal proof or keeping a deregistered vehicle

Failing to submit disposal proof can lead to prosecution. First offences can mean fines up to $2,000 or up to three months’ jail. Repeat cases: up to $5,000 fine and six months’ imprisonment. It’s illegal to keep or allow use of a deregistered vehicle. Penalties include fines up to $2,000 and/or imprisonment.

Deregistered cars have no valid road tax/insurance. Driving uninsured can trigger at least 12-month disqualification.

You might want to retain the registration number. Apply at or before deregistration via scrapyard/EPZ/LTA. You get one month after deregistration to complete retention if eligible.

For practical guidance, refer to a straightforward construction-style tutorial. Or follow a trusted how to scrap a car step by step guide from an LTA-appointed operator. That helps keep you compliant and protects rebates.

Step-by-step scrapping guide

Plan clearly before you start. This guide outlines the scrapping process. It guides confident choices among scrap/export/EPZ.

End-to-end scrap flow

First, choose whether to scrap, export, or store at an EPZ. Always verify outstanding taxes, loans, or encumbrances.

Next deregister via OneMotoring (Singpass 2FA). If OneMotoring is not an option, visit an LTA service centre in person.

Within eight calendar days for PARF-eligible cars, transport the vehicle to an LTA-approved scrapyard or EPZ. Get a valuation and receive payment on the spot when applicable.

Make sure disposal documents are uploaded to LTA by the operator or submit yourself. Apply for rebates and await LTA processing.

Deadlines you must know

Submit disposal proof within 1 month to avoid penalties.

If your vehicle is stored at an EPZ and later exported, the EPZ operator must file export documents with LTA within 14 calendar days of the car leaving the zone or when 12 months of storage ends.

Apply for PARF/COE within 12 months. PARF applies to <10-year cars. Expect LTA to release rebates roughly two to four weeks after claims are processed.

Scrap vs export vs EPZ: when to choose

Scrapping is best for cars that are too old, unsafe, or unpopular with exporters. Exporters often reject poor-condition cars.

With demand abroad and decent condition, export can pay more. Expect about 1–2% handling deductions from exporters.

Pick EPZ storage when exporting later but you need time. Storage can last up to 12 months for buffer.

Plan ~3 weeks before COE expiry to avoid towing and rush. Balance costs, admin, and payout when choosing via https://sgcarscrap.com/how-to-scrap-a-car-step-by-step.

Option	Ideal For	Time Limits
Scrapping	Old or unfit vehicles	1-month disposal proof; 12-month rebate claim
Overseas sale	Good-condition cars with overseas demand	EPZ operator files export docs within 14 days if stored; arrange shipping before 12 months
EPZ Storage	Owners who need time to export	Up to 12 months; notify LTA at exit/12 months

Prep your car & paperwork before an LTA-appointed yard

Before you go, prep the car and gather the required documents. Using a checklist helps prevent delays. Ensure the scrapyard can process your vehicle efficiently and LTA accepts the disposal proof without issues.

Settle road tax & loans

Check road tax via OneMotoring. If there are arrears, settle them before deregistration. LTA will collect unpaid road tax or late fees at deregistration. Having payment proof can expedite the process.

Contact your bank or finance provider to cancel or settle any outstanding car loans. The vehicle must not be financed when deregistered. If the loan is cleared, bring the lien release document with you.

Documents to bring: original NRIC or long-term pass/Digital IC, deregistration form, proof of payments

Bring original ID. Citizens/PRs may use physical NRIC or Digital IC via Singpass. Foreign owners present Employment/ICA pass. Copies/screenshots/videos won’t be accepted.

Bring LTA dereg confirmation or completed D01 for in-person. Attach relevant payment receipts. Authorised handover requires valid ID and LTA-compliant digital authorisation.

Checking PARF/COE eligibility & amounts

Check PARF/COE via LTA OneMotoring services. Eligibility/amounts depend on age and lay-up history. Remaining COE time determines the COE rebate.

Log in with Singpass to view estimates and apply for encashment. After a successful https://sgcarscrap.com/what-happens-to-scrapped-cars submission, payouts usually take 2–4 weeks. If Singpass access is not possible, make an appointment at LTA with identification and deregistration paperwork.

Practical tips: confirm engine and chassis numbers match LTA records, remove personal items, notify your insurer, and schedule the scrapyard appointment within LTA’s allowed window. These steps mirror basic car assembly steps in reverse, helping you handle the process when ending a car’s road life.

Item	Source	Documents
Road tax check/payment	LTA portal	Payment receipt, OneMotoring transaction ID
Clear loan	Financier	Loan closure letter, lien release document
Identity verification	Singpass or physical ID	NRIC/LTP or Digital IC
Dereg proof	LTA deregistration service	Deregistration confirmation or completed D01 form
Check PARF/COE	OneMotoring (Singpass)	OneMotoring rebate estimate, Singpass login

Preparing your car for scrapping in this manner ensures a smoother visit to the scrapyard. Knowing the steps to scrap a car reduces the risk of rejected disposal proof. For the best value, gather multiple quotes and present matching documentation to support the body value assessment.

Selecting an LTA-approved scrapyard or EPZ

When selecting an LTA-approved scrapyard Singapore or an EPZ, consider your schedule and paperwork needs. Check LTA/OneMotoring lists for appointed operators. Esun International at 17 Tractor Road and Kheng Keng Auto at 56 Pandan Road are notable choices. EPZ examples: Boeki Auto & Marine (39 Kranji Link), Cogent Automotive Logistics (62 West Coast Ferry Road).

Where to locate scrapyard EPZs

Use LTA contact lists to find EPZ details. You’ll see addresses/phones/hours for Kiat Lee Machinery (213 Kranji Rd) and Hup Lee Leong Hardware (26 Sungei Kadut St 3). Use the contacts to confirm disposal submission and immediate body-value payment.

What to expect at the scrapyard valuation — body value factors and demand for parts

Valuation has two parts. LTA provides dereg figures including PARF/COE. Scrapyards quote body value using model, condition, and engine/chassis match.

Demand for certain parts can raise offers. Popular models from Toyota, Honda, and Mercedes often fetch stronger body values because of steady parts demand. The scrapyard normally pays the body value immediately once it accepts the vehicle.

Booking tips and typical operating hours

Always book ahead. Most appointed operators require appointments. Book at least a week ahead if doing paperwork in person. In some cases, 8-day windows apply after deregistration.

Common hours: weekdays day-time, shorter Saturdays. Public holidays tend to be closed. Always confirm hours with operators (e.g., Boeki Auto & Marine, EPZ@Carros).

Company	Location	Typical Hours	Key Service
ESUN International	No. 17 Tractor Road	Mon–Fri 9–5:30; Sat 9–1	Body-value payout on-site; LTA submission
Kheng Keng	56 Pandan Road	Weekdays 8:30–17:00; Sat 9:00–12:00	Valuation by parts demand; towing arranged
Boeki Auto & Marine	39 Kranji Link	Weekdays 9–18; Sat 9–13	EPZ handling & export processing
Cogent Automotive Logistics	62 West Coast Ferry Road	Mon–Fri 8:30–17:30, Sat 9:00–12:30	Logistics & disposal doc submission

Once deregistered, anyone may tow it to the chosen yard/EPZ with original ID. Confirm whether the operator will upload disposal documents to LTA for you. Keep a copy of all receipts and make note of how the car fits into the automobile assembly process or car assembly guide if you plan to recycle parts for reuse.

On-site steps & LTA disposal submission

Upon arrival at an LTA-approved scrapyard or an Export Processing Zone, a streamlined process awaits. You can either drive the car in or have it towed. The operator will verify your identity and deregistration status using Singpass or the documents you provide.

On-site steps

• Provide keys and originals or an authorised letter if you’re not present.
• They assess body value via condition, parts demand, and model popularity.
• Payment for the agreed body value is typically made immediately on handover.

LTA disposal submission

• Submit disposal documents within one month of deregistration (you or operator).
• For exports, EPZ operators must upload export documents within 14 calendar days after the vehicle leaves the EPZ or when 12 months of storage ends.
• For sea: CCP + endorsed B/L; for land: CCP + MY Customs import + foreign registration.
• Double-check engine and chassis numbers match LTA records before you submit disposal proof LTA to avoid delays.

After disposal: what to expect

• Once LTA receives the documents, you can apply for PARF or COE rebate on OneMotoring using Singpass.
• Expect ~2–4 weeks for rebate processing.
• If you used a dealer or exporter, the payout may be the paper value minus broker or exporter fees, often around one to two percent.
• If anything mismatches, LTA will contact the last registered owner to resolve.

Keep copies of all receipts, uploaded files and contact details for the operator. It helps with follow-ups regarding timing or amounts.

Treat the scrapyard process as a stepwise checklist. A stepwise “car-building” view can reveal what buyers value.

Alternatives, tips to maximise value, and common pitfalls to avoid

You have multiple disposal options in Singapore. The choice between scrapping and exporting depends on the vehicle’s condition, paperwork, and the urgency of receiving cash. Scrapping at an LTA-approved yard offers an immediate payout for the vehicle’s body value. You also receive the paper value from LTA when you claim rebates for PARF or COE.

With overseas demand, exporting can improve returns. Exporters manage paperwork and take a small fee off paper value. Working with a CaseTrust-SVTA accredited motor dealer adds consumer protection. Verify their reputation/fees ahead of time.

How to boost what you get:

Timing matters. Avoid expiry to reduce towing and keep options open. Clean, intact components can improve offers. Panels/electronics in working order are prized.

Collect several quotes. The demand for vehicles varies by market year, impacting offers. Ensure you receive written receipts and confirm who will submit the disposal proof to LTA.

Quick wins to improve offers:

• Have matching IDs/docs ready.
• Fix minor issues only if costs are low and returns are likely.
• If keeping the plate, do retention before deregistration.

Avoid these mistakes:

• Waiting until the last minute. Plan at least three weeks before COE expiry to avoid rushed decisions and towing charges.
• Missing the disposal-proof deadline. This can lead to prosecution, fines, or worse.
• Letting a deregistered car be used. It’s illegal and penalised.

Always match engine/chassis numbers to LTA. Any discrepancies delay rebate payouts. Provide physical NRIC/LTP or Digital IC via Singpass per LTA.

Compare multiple operators to negotiate. Ask about towing costs, who files disposal documents, and what written proof you will receive. Confirm with your insurer about transfer/cancellation.

DIY-inclined? Basic car-building knowledge helps assess parts. This knowledge is also useful when discussing the vehicle’s condition with scrapyards or exporters.

Final Thoughts

Scrapping is straightforward if you follow LTA steps. Deregister with SingPass and settle tax/loans. After that, book with an LTA-approved yard/EPZ.

Bring original ID, dereg form, and payment proofs. The operator will then value your car and provide immediate payment. After scrapping, submit disposal proof to LTA within a month. PARF/COE claims must be within 12 months; LTA takes ~2–4 weeks.

For better returns, compare offers from accredited motor dealers and exporters before making a decision. Exporting can also be a good option if timing or demand increases your earnings. Avoid fines by never using a deregistered car. Make sure numbers, ID, and paperwork align with LTA.

Plan at least three weeks before your COE expires to reduce costs and stress. That helps you navigate disposal smoothly and legally. For step-by-step scrapping, you now have the steps. It helps you maximise your returns and avoid common pitfalls, whether you’re looking to build a car from scratch or simply to free up value.