Scrapping a car in Italy: costs, papers, PRA removal

Want to know how to scrap an old car in Italy, what it costs and which papers you need? In short: you hand the car to an authorised collection centre, get the scrapping certificate, and check that it has been struck off the PRA register within 30 days. The legal costs are modest (13.50 euros ACI fee and 32 euros stamp duty, plus 10.20 euros of Motorizzazione fees), and in some cases demolition is practically free. Here is the step-by-step procedure, with the mistakes to avoid. [1][2][3]

Deregistration, demolition and rottamazione: what is the difference

In everyday Italian people say rottamazione, but there are two steps. Demolition is the physical destruction of the vehicle by an authorised dismantler. Deregistration (cessazione della circolazione per demolizione) is the removal from the PRA, the Public Vehicle Register. Until the car is deregistered it stays in your name, with everything that implies: road tax, insurance and liability. [1][3]

There is also deregistration for permanent export, when the vehicle is registered abroad with foreign plates. That is a different route and does not involve demolition. [2]

Who to hand the car to

You have two options. The first is an authorised collection centre (autodemolitore), licensed by the Provinces or Regions; you can find those near you through PRA channels. The second is a dealer, if you are buying another vehicle at the same time. Be wary of unlicensed pick-ups: rogue operators do not issue a valid certificate and you may end up with fines or a car that is still formally yours. [1][2]

The documents to bring

The collection centre needs: [1][3]

• both number plates (one for motorcycles);
• the registration document and the ownership certificate, or the single document DUC;
• a valid ID;
• if the car is inherited, proof that the inheritance was accepted;
• if plates or papers were lost or stolen, a police report or a substitute declaration;
• for jointly owned cars, the other owner's ID;
• the foglio complementare for vehicles registered before 1993.

If you have the digital ownership certificate, the dismantler can use it directly: its codes allow deregistration from the PRA. [2][3]

What scrapping a car costs

If you scrap the car without buying another one, the legal items quoted by ACI are: ACI fees 13.50 euros, stamp duty 32 euros, Motorizzazione fees 10.20 euros, plus any collection charges and transport to the centre. [1] If the file is done on the NP3B form filled in by the dismantler, stamp duty can be 48 euros. [2][3] An ACI record check to verify the car's status costs about 7.10 euros. [3] Individual centres' fees vary, so always ask for a written quote.

Scrapping is free when it is done together with buying a car from an authorised dealer, who may also offer you discounts. [1][3] Some dismantlers collect a complete car in good condition for free, because they profit from reselling parts; you still pay the deregistration costs. [1][3]

Administrative lien: the most common blocker

If the car carries a fermo amministrativo (administrative lien), the PRA will not deregister it until you pay the debts behind it. There are exceptions, for example if the vehicle is destroyed or unusable and a public authority certifies it, or if the creditor issues a release. [1][2] Before you set off, run an ACI record check on the plate: it saves a wasted trip. [3]

The scrapping certificate and the 30 days

After handover the centre issues the certificate of scrapping, with your details, the vehicle's, the signature and the commitment to request deregistration. Keep it safe: it frees you from civil, criminal and administrative liability linked to the car from the date of issue, and you will need it if fines arrive later. [1][2][3]

The dismantler must request deregistration from the PRA within 30 days of handover. After a few weeks, check that it went through using the AvvisACI service or a record check: if no vehicle matches the plate, the car is shown as demolished or exported. [1][2]

Road tax and insurance after scrapping

Road tax (bollo) stops from the date of deregistration from the PRA, not from handover: the exemption applies only after the cancellation. Tax already paid for a period in which the car no longer runs and the unused part of the insurance can be recovered, so ask your insurer to suspend the policy or refund the unused portion. [1][3] Bollo rules depend on the Region, so check your regional website.

Scrap it or sell it?

Before demolishing, check whether the car still has value. A running car with a recent inspection and few faults often sells for more than a dismantler would pay, even as a parts or project car. Scrapping makes sense when repairs exceed the car's value, the car can no longer pass inspection, or it is saddled with costs not worth paying. If the value is unclear, compare listings of similar models and what a private sale could bring before deciding.

Practical checklist

1. Run an ACI record check on the plate to rule out liens.
2. Choose only an authorised collection centre and get a written quote.
3. Bring plates, registration document, ownership certificate or DUC, and an ID.
4. Collect and keep the scrapping certificate.
5. After 30 days, confirm deregistration with AvvisACI or a record check.
6. Tell your insurer the car is gone and ask for a refund of the unused portion.

Sources and further reading

Amounts are those given by the sources consulted and may change: always confirm the fees with ACI or the centre before handing over the vehicle.