End-of-Life Vehicle Permits: What You Need to Know
If you’re looking to operate a site that processes End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) you’ll need a End-of-Life Vehicle Environmental Permit issued by your national environmental regulator. This permit is a legal requirement to protect the environment and ensure vehicles are handled, stored, and dismantled correctly and responsibly.
Targeted. Compliant. Approved First Time.
At The Permitting Company, we simplify the process for you, handling the entire application, compliance paperwork, and liaison with regulators from start to finish.
What Is an End-of-Life Vehicle Permit?
An End-of-Life Vehicle Permit authorises your site to:
Receive and store ELVs
Depollute ELVs (removal of fluids, oils, batteries, airbags, etc.)
Dismantle, treat/recycle, and store vehicle parts
An ELV (End-of-Life Vehicle) permit grants you ATF (Authorised Treatment Facility) status
Benefits of ATF status
Legal Authority to Accept and Process ELVs
Only ATFs can legally depollute and dismantle ELVs under environmental regulations.
Issue Certificates of Destruction (CoDs) -
Only ATFs can legally issue a certificate of destruction to demonstrate to the DVLA that a vehicle has been legally scrapped.
Access to More Vehicles and Clients
Auction companies (such as Copart), Insurance companies, car dealers, and fleet operators will only trade withs ATFs for vehicle disposal because of legal and environmental assurance.
An End-of-Life Vehicle Permit will include specific legal and operational requirements that your site must follow. These are designed to protect the environment, prevent pollution, and ensure safe handling of ELVs.
Types of End-of-Life Vehicle Permits
There are two main types:
Standard Rules Permit:
A faster, more cost-effective option providing your site location and proposed activities meet the rules set out.
An example of standard rules ELV permit can be seen here - SR2015 No 17
Bespoke Permit:
Required if your site location or activities cannot meet the rules set out in a standard rules permit.
A bespoke permit is designed around the sites requirements, bespoke permit application is generally a more complex process.
The Permitting Company can advise which type of permit you need and manage the entire application on your behalf.
How to Get an End-of-Life Vehicle Permit – We Handle It All
At The Permitting Company, we take the hassle out of getting permitted. Here’s how we help:
Site Assessment & Planning
We carry out a full review of your proposed site layout, drainage, infrastructure, and advise on any improvements needed to meet permit standards; while making sure the permit reflects the needs of your business.
We’ve supported End-of-Life Vehicle operators across the UK in planning, designing, and achieving permits for their sites.
Application Preparation
We prepare and submit all the required documents, including:
Pre-application (if required)
Location screening
Site infrastructure plans and location map
Sensitive Receptor Plan
Fire Prevention Plan (FPP)
If required, we also draft:
Relevant emissions management plans
Environmental Management Systems for submission
Submission & Liaison with the Regulator
We deal directly with the regulator (e.g., Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, or SEPA), removing the stress of technical questions, back-and-forth emails, and compliance hurdles.
Permit Determination
Once approved, you’ll receive your End-of-Life Vehicle permit with detailed operating conditions. We ensure you understand every requirement, including the management system documents submitted with your application, so you can remain fully compliant from day one.
Why work with us?
At The Permitting Company we’re more than just consultants – we’ll make sure that any post operational queries are dealt with to give you added support in your new business. Here is why our clients chose us:
Regulator insight
With years of experience navigating complex environmental regulations, we ensure your application meets all permitting requirements efficiently and without unnecessary delays.
Specialist in the sector
As specialists in environmental permitting compliance, we bring the knowledge, experience and precision needed to help your project suceed from concept to completion.
Fast turnaround
We understand the importance of timescales. Our efficient processes and strong relationships with regulators help us deliver permitting solutions quickly without compromising quality.
Let’s Get Your Site Compliant and Operational
Whether you’re starting fresh or expanding an existing site, The Permitting Company can help you secure your End-of-Life Vehicle Permit efficiently and professionally.
Please get in touch for a no obligation discussion
The Permitting Company are one of the most competitively priced permitting consultancies in United Kingdom. Because every site and application is unique, there are no standard prices when it comes to applications for Environmental Permits.