That’s up to the laws of the state in which you reside.

The transfer of ownership of any vehicle, including a junk car, requires a title in most states.

If you need to sell your junk car but don’t have the original title anymore because you lost it or it was damaged, you can get a replacement title from your state’s DMV.

No matter your vehicle’s title status, it is imperative that you follow your state’s environmental regulations when getting rid of your junk car.

Please check with your state to see the form you need to junk your car or if it even allows junking your car without title

Alabama

You may need a Bill of Sale in Alabama to legally sell your junk car if you don’t have the title.

In Alabama, a Bill of Sale must include the buyer’s and seller’s contact information as well as the vehicle’s make, model, year, and VIN and the sales price. Each party to a sale must sign a Bill of Sale.

Alaska

If you want to sell your junk car in Alaska but don’t have the title, you might need to fill out a Bill of Sale instead.

The names and addresses of the buyer and seller, the vehicle’s make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and the purchase price should all be included on an Alaska Bill of Sale form. Both the purchaser and the vendor need to sign the Bill of Sale.

Arizona

If you want to sell your junk automobile in Arizona but don’t have the title, you may need to fill out a Bill of Sale instead.

The buyer and seller’s contact information, as well as the vehicle’s make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), must all be included on an Arizona Bill of Sale form. Both the purchaser and the seller need to sign the Bill of Sale.

Arkansas

If you want to sell your junk car in the state of Arkansas but don’t have the title, you may need to fill out a Bill of Sale.

Included on a valid Arkansas Bill of Sale form are the buyer’s and seller’s contact information as well as the vehicle’s make, model, year, and VIN as well as the purchase price. Both the buyer and the seller need to sign the Bill of Sale for it to be legally binding.

California

If you want to sell a junk car in California but don’t have the title, you may need to fill out a Bill of Sale instead.

It is mandatory in the state of California that a Bill of Sale form provide the buyer and seller’s contact information as well as the vehicle’s make, model, year, and VIN and the purchase price. Each party to a sale must sign a Bill of Sale.

Although, in California, transferring ownership of a junk car without a title may be challenging even with a Bill of Sale. Vehicle titles are often required by the state when transferring ownership. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may issue a certificate of ownership for a non-running vehicle, but doing so is a tedious and complicated process.

Colorado

Some situations for transferring ownership of a junk car in Colorado without a title may call for a different set of forms than others. You might need a Bill of Sale and an Affidavit of Ownership to complete the deal. But without the title, it’s not always possible to sell a junk automobile. If you need more information or assistance, you should call or visit the Colorado DMV or a nearby DMV office.Connecticut

Delaware

Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to transfer ownership of a junk car in Delaware even if no title exists. An Affidavit of Ownership or Bill of Sale may be sufficient proof of ownership in some circumstances. For more information about licensing and registration in the state of Delaware, it is best to contact the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles or a local car agency.

In Delaware, transferring ownership of a vehicle without the title can be difficult and may call for procedures and paperwork not required when transferring possession of a legally registered vehicle. If the title is misplaced or cannot be located, the owner may need to submit an Affidavit of Ownership to prove their right to use the car. It’s possible that a Bill of Sale is needed to officially document the sale and transfer of title.

Please be aware that in some states transferring ownership of a car requires a certificate of destruction or inspection. The Affidavit of Ownership or Bill of Sale signature may also need to be notarized if you plan to submit it to a particular local automobile agency.

If you need to transfer ownership of a junk automobile in Delaware but don’t have the title, you should call the state’s Division of Motor Vehicles or a local auto agency to find out the precise requirements and processes.

Florida

If you want to sell a junk car in Florida but don’t have the title, you may need to fill out a Derelict Motor Vehicle Certificate (DMVC) and a Request to Cancel Title.

Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issues DMVCs to verify ownership of inoperable vehicles. The car’s make, model, year, and VIN number, as well as a statement verifying that the vehicle is no longer operational, must be included on the Request to Cancel Title form that must be submitted in order to acquire a DMVC.

You may be able to sell your junk car to a third party or donate it to a scrap yard if you get a DMVC. It can be difficult and time-consuming to get a DMVC and transfer ownership of a junk car without a title.

Georgia

If you want to sell a Junk automobile in Georgia but don’t have the title, you’ll need a Georgia Bill of Sale for a Junk or Salvage Vehicle.

Transferring ownership of a junk or salvage vehicle in the state of Georgia requires both parties to sign a Bill of Sale for Junk or Salvage Vehicle in Georgia. You will need the vehicle’s make, model, year, and VIN, as well as the names and addresses of the buyer and seller, to finish a Georgia Bill of Sale for a Junk or Salvage Vehicle.

Georgia’s Bill of Sale for Junk or Salvage Vehicles can be used to legally sell or donate your junk car to a buyer or salvage yard. However, transferring ownership of a junk automobile without a title can be complicated and time consuming, and you may be required to produce extra papers, such as evidence of identification or registration, to complete the deal.

Hawaii

To junk a car in Hawaii forget about whether or not the registration is current; you can still legally junk a car you no longer want. It’s important to remember that a car that’s been declared junk cannot be registered again.

Here are the steps you need to do to get rid of your old car:

Fill out the Certificate of Junk Status while you’re there.
In the event that you possess a tan title certificate:

Line 1 requires the registrants’ dates and signatures. Date and sign Line 2 for the Lienholder.
With a blue title certificate in hand:

Section A of the front title needs to be filled out by the registered owners.
Section B of the title’s back must be completed by the lienholder.
Put your mileage total in the boxes given.
Take the vehicle’s license plates, the most recent registration certificate, the certificate of ownership or title with the appropriate endorsement, and the Junked Certificate to the county motor vehicle registration office in your area.

Idaho

Depending on the specifics of the transfer, several paperwork may be necessary to transfer ownership of a junk car without a title in the state of Idaho. However, a Bill of Sale and an Affidavit of Ownership may be necessary in some jurisdictions. Those in need of clarification or additional information are encouraged to get in touch with either the statewide Idaho DMV or their nearest DMV field office.

If you want to junk an automobile in Idaho, you’ll need to check with the junkyard to see if they require the title. Complete a Duplicate Idaho Title Application if you need a replacement title because you lost the original (Form ITD-3367). In the event you have lost your vehicle’s title but can provide alternative proof of ownership, you may still be able to sell your vehicle to a junkyard in Idaho. Before bringing something to be junked away, it’s a good idea to call the junkyard and find out exactly what they expect.

Illinois

The state of Illinois requires a Junk Vehicle Notification Form (Form VSD-325) and a duly assigned Certificate of Title, Certificate of Purchase, or Salvage Certificate from any vehicle owner who has lost the title or who plans to send the vehicle to a salvage yard. This is the only valid bill of sale form to use when selling a junk car.Indiana

Iowa

Transferring ownership of a junk car in the state of Iowa may be complicated if the previous owner did not keep the title. When a vehicle is deemed unrepairable, the Iowa Department of Transportation may issue a junking certificate; however, necessary documentation, including confirmation of ownership, is still required. If you want to sell a junk car in Iowa without the title, you need call the state’s transportation department to find out the precise requirements and processes.

Submit an Application for Replacement of Iowa Certificate of Title (Form #411033) to your county treasurer in order to apply for a new certificate of title.

Kansas

Kansas law does not specify what kind of document must be used to transfer ownership of a junk car without a title. If a vehicle’s owner in Kansas does not have a title, they are required to either track down the former owner or visit the Kansas Division of Vehicles.

Vehicle registration and license plates may be revoked if the owner is unable to produce a title. Any questions regarding the transfer of ownership of a junk car in Kansas without a title should be directed to the Kansas Department of Revenue.Kentucky

Louisiana

Louisiana law makes it difficult to sell or trade a vehicle without a title. Legally selling a car in Louisiana requires a clear title. Vehicle sellers should check on whether or not they will need to apply for a duplicate title if the original is lost or unavailable. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles can give you the specifics on what you need to transfer ownership of a junk car, although in some circumstances a bill of sale and a notarized statement from the owner explaining why the title is not available would suffice.  Please see
2013 Louisiana Laws Revised Statutes
TITLE 32 – Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation
RS 32:717 – Sale of motor vehicle as scrap

Maine

Due to the lack of standardized procedures for dealing with this issue, several forms may be required to transfer ownership of a junk car without a title in the state of Maine. Signing a bill of sale that includes the vehicle’s make, model, year, VIN number, and a description of the vehicle’s condition will help you sell your junk car even if you don’t have the title. A registration or insurance policy showing your name as the policyholder may also be requested before the sale can be finalized. If you need more particular advice, contact the local DMV or a lawyer.

Though the title has been turned over to the Secretary of State, the recycler can buy the vehicle even if they do not have the title. The onus is on the recycler to ensure that the title has been properly relinquished. A copy of the MVT-103 and the preceding title with transfers should be obtained by the recycler.
Vehicles from model years 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, and 1999 can be purchased by a licensed recycler without a certificate of title if the following conditions are met: 1. The recycler, salvage vehicle dealer, or scrap processor obtains the seller’s name and address from a government-issued photo identification document or credential and keeps the seller’s name and address and vehicle identification number for at least six months.

Within 30 days of the vehicle’s destruction, a recycler, salvage vehicle dealer, or scrap processor must submit a properly completed MVT-54 Form to the Secretary of State.
Only scrap vehicles are covered by this paragraph. A legitimate government-issued photo identification document or credential for the purposes of this paragraph includes, but is not limited to, a current and valid U.S. passport, military ID, driver’s license, or non-driver identity card.

Maryland

You may need to submit a bill of sale and a junk/salvage certificate to the Maryland DMV if you’re trying to transfer ownership of a junk car without a title. If you need clarification on the forms you need to submit, the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles is your best bet.

When it comes to vehicles older than 20 years in New York and Maine, registration cards are used instead of titles. If you are selling or buying a car and are unsure if the title is necessary, you should treat it as though it is necessary until you can prove otherwise.

Massachusetts

Without the proper paperwork, transferring ownership of a junk car in Massachusetts can be a major hassle. This bond can be used in place of a title to facilitate a sale or other transfer of ownership. You may need to go to a bonding business or the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to get this bond.

Michigan

You’ll need to fill out an Affidavit of Ownership (Form TR-54) and have it notarized if you want to sell your junk car in Michigan without the title.

A bill of sale or registration will suffice as proof of ownership. After filling out the form, you must submit it to the Michigan Secretary of State for approval.

If you apply for and get a Junk Car Title from the Secretary of State, you must turn it in when you sell or otherwise dispose of the vehicle.

Minnesota

You may require a bonded title or a “Affidavit of Ownership” form to transfer ownership of a junk car in Minnesota if you don’t have the original title. For more information and assistance on the exact regulations and forms needed to transfer ownership of a junk automobile without a title in Minnesota, you can get in touch with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services.

Mississippi

In Mississippi, a salvage car without a title is difficult to sell or trade. A title is required to transfer ownership of a car, and without one, the process might be difficult or impossible. The best course of action for transferring ownership of a junk car in Mississippi without a title might be determined after consulting with a local DMV office or an attorney.

Mississippi law makes it impossible to change car ownership hands without the title. In order to transfer ownership of a car without the original title, the seller must first get a duplicate title (Form 78-006).

Missouri

In Missouri, the Affidavit of Ownership for a Motor Vehicle form is required to transfer ownership of a junk car without a title. Transferring ownership of a car requires this document, which also acts as proof of ownership.

Please note that the Department of Revenue may need additional paperwork in order to finalize a change of ownership in certain circumstances. If you need clarification on any of these matters, the Department of Revenue is the place to go.

Montana

You must fill out a Montana Junk/Salvage Certificate in order to junk a car in Montana without the title (MV5).

The seller must complete and sign the MV5 form when selling a car to a registered salvage dealer. In addition to the selling date, the form requires the vehicle’s make, model, year, and VIN number.

Nebraska

Nebraska law does not specifically address the procedure of junking a vehicle without a title. Your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a private junk auto buyer may be the best resource for learning about the precise forms or documentation needed in this case. Furthermore, depending on the circumstance and the purchaser, you may be required to follow a unique set of procedures.

From the nebraska dmv:  If the motor vehicle is dismantled, destroyed, or altered to the point where it no longer resembles the motor vehicle described on the Certificate of Title, the owner(s) of record as shown on the face of the last Certificate of Title must surrender the title to any County Treasurer or to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

In order to rubbish a vehicle for which the title has been lost, the owner(s) must first get a Duplicate Certificate of Title.

All listed owners must consent to the sale and surrender their rights to “JUNK” before the title can be transferred. The lien holder’s consent is required before the owner(s) can assign the title to junk if there is an open lien on the title.

Following a “JUNK” designation, the title must be returned to the County Treasurer. The County Treasurer then sends the titles to the DMV to be destroyed and the junked status recorded in the state database.

The County Treasurer also requires the return of the registration certificate, license plates, and renewal tabs (if applicable).

Once a title has been marked as “JUNK,” it can never be reinstated. Only be used for spare components; automobile, ATV, minibike, or UTV. An Assembled Car may be built using a main component part from a junked vehicle, but the title for the junked vehicle cannot be used because it has been junked and destroyed. In addition to a Parts Vehicle Bill of Sale, the owner must also turn in a legal title for another important component part utilized in the construction of the vehicle.

Nevada

In Nevada, a “Bill of Sale” document and the vehicle’s registration details may be required in order to rubbish an automobile without a title. Contacting a junkyard or scrap yard directly is the best way to find out what kinds of paperwork are necessary to transfer ownership, as the regulations may vary depending on the business.

New Hampshire

You may have trouble transferring ownership of your junk car in the state of New Hampshire if you don’t have the title, which is often required for this process. If you need further information or to find out what, if any, actions need to be performed to change the ownership of your vehicle in New Hampshire, you might try contacting the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

New Jersey

To get rid of a car in New Jersey without a title, fill out an Application for Certificate of Ownership (Form OS/SS-7). You can pick up a copy of this application from your neighborhood MVC office or download it from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s website.

To have a smooth junking experience, double-check with the junkyard to see what they recommend you bring.

New Mexico

Unfornuately without the title, in New Mexico, you cannot legally sell or give away a junk vehicle. Titles are necessary in the state

in order to change the owner of a car. The transfer of ownership cannot proceed without the original title or a copy of the title in the event of its loss or theft.

New York

If you want to sell a junk car in New York without a title, you may require a different paperwork than someone selling a title-free vehicle.

Nonetheless, a bill of sale can be used to transfer ownership of a car in New York without the title.

The parties involved in the transaction, the car’s make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN), and the date of sale should all be included on the bill of sale.

In order to make the bill of sale legally binding, it is also recommended that both parties sign it.

Moreover, a Junking Certificate may be necessary in certain circumstances. For further information on the forms necessary in your county, I suggest getting in touch with the local DMV.

North Carolina

The North Carolina DMV may ask for a Bill of Sale and a government-issued photo ID if you don’t have the title to your junk automobile in order to tow it away. In some areas, the sale of a junk car requires both the seller and the buyer to sign a “Statement of Understanding” certifying that they understand the vehicle is unsafe for use on public roads. To learn more, you can get in touch with the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles or a nearby junkyard.

North Dakota

If you want to sell your junk car in North Dakota, be sure you have the title in your name. In North Dakota, transferring car ownership typically requires a title. The North Dakota Department of Transportation can help you get started if you don’t have the title.

Ohio

If you live in Ohio and wish to sell a junk automobile without a title, you’ll need to fill out a “Affidavit of Ownership of Junk Vehicle” and submit it to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). With this document in hand, you’ll be able to sell or otherwise dispose of the automobile with confidence. The steps for transferring ownership of a junk automobile without a title can change depending on the situation, so it’s important to double-check with the Ohio BMV.

Oklahoma

At the time of purchase, the seller must provide their U.S. address, date of birth, height, and weight from a government-issued photo ID and verify that they are at least 18 years old.

Any car being sold for scrap in the state of Oklahoma must now have either a title or a “VEHICLE INFORMATION REQUEST” in place of the title.

Vehicle owners can pick up a “VEHICLE INFORMATION REQUEST,” also called a Form 769, at their regional tag office. In order to sell a vehicle in California, the state agency responsible for registering them must fill out this document and have it notarized.

Oregon

A junk car’s title transfer process in Oregon could be different based on the vehicle’s condition and the motivation for the transfer.

A completed Application for Title and Registration (Form 735-226) and supporting documentation (such as proof of identification, ownership, and lien satisfaction, if applicable) may be required.

For detailed procedures and information on the transfer of ownership of a junk automobile without a title in Oregon, it is advisable to consult with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) or a local DMV office.

Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, you need to fill out a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Verification form (Form MV-41) and have it notarized in order to get rid of a junk automobile without a title.

A bill of sale or registration will suffice as proof of ownership. After filling out the form, you’ll need to bring it, along with any additional paperwork, to the PennDOT for approval.

After PennDOT’s approval, you’ll receive a Salvage Certificate that must be returned before the car can be sold or otherwise disposed of.

Rhode Island

When you want to get rid of an automobile in Rhode Island but don’t have the title, you’ll need to fill out a Rhode Island Affidavit of Abandoned Motor Vehicle and have it notarized.

A bill of sale or registration will suffice as proof of ownership.

After filling out the form and gathering the necessary documentation, you’ll need to submit everything to the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles for final approval.

The Department of Motor Vehicles will issue a Junking Certificate if your request is granted; this document must be returned prior to the vehicle’s sale or other disposal.

South Carolina

In order to sell a car for scrap in South Carolina without the title, you will need to fill out a Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale (Form 400-U) and have it notarized.

A bill of sale or registration will suffice as proof of ownership.

After filling out the form, you must submit it together with the necessary documentation to the DMV in South Carolina for processing.

If you apply for and get a Junk Car Title from the Department of Motor Vehicles, you must turn it in when you sell or otherwise dispose of the vehicle.

South Dakota

It is necessary to fill out a South Dakota Junk/Salvage Vehicle Affidavit and have it notarized in order to junk a car without the title.

A bill of sale or registration will suffice as proof of ownership.

The South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division, is where you’ll go next to submit your completed form and supporting papers for processing and approval.

To sell or otherwise dispose of the car, you must first get a Junk Vehicle Title from the Department of Revenue.

Tennessee

Tennessee requires an Application for Duplicate or Lost in Transit/Reassignment for a Motor Vehicle Title (Form RV-F1317001) to be notarized before an automobile can be junked without a title.

A bill of sale or registration will suffice as proof of ownership.

After filling out the form, you must next submit it to the Motor Vehicle Division of the Tennessee Department of Revenue for approval.

To sell or otherwise dispose of the car, you must first get a Junk Vehicle Title from the Department of Revenue.

Texas

If you want to sell a junk car in the state of Texas but don’t have the title, you may need to fill out a Bill of Sale instead.

The buyer and seller’s contact information, as well as the car’s make, model, year, and VIN, are required pieces of information on a Texas Bill of Sale form. Each party to a sale must sign a Bill of Sale.

However, transferring ownership of a junk car without a title in Texas may be challenging even with a Bill of Sale. Most car sales in California must include transferring the title, and you’ll need the title to sell your junk car. The Department of Motor Vehicles in Texas may issue a certificate of ownership for a junk vehicle, but doing so can be difficult and time consuming.

Utah

In Utah, you need to have a Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale (Form TC-123) notarized in order to sell an automobile for scrap without the title.

A bill of sale or registration will suffice as proof of ownership. Take the completed form and any necessary documentation to the Utah Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you apply for and get a Junk Car Title from the Department of Motor Vehicles, you must turn it in when you sell or otherwise dispose of the vehicle.

Vermont

To junk a car without a title in the state of Vermont, you will need to complete a Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale (Form TA-VT-07) and have it notarized.

You will also need to provide proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or registration.

You will then take the completed form and supporting documents to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles for review and approval.

If approved, the Department of Motor Vehicles will issue you a Junk Vehicle Title, which you will need to surrender when you sell or dispose of the vehicle.

Virginia

It is possible to sell an automobile in Virginia without the title by completing a Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale (Form VSA-14) and having it notarized.

A bill of sale or registration will suffice as proof of ownership. After filling out the form, it must be submitted to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles for final approval.

If you apply for and get a Junk Car Title from the Department of Motor Vehicles, you must turn it in when you sell or otherwise dispose of the vehicle.

Washington

It is possible to sell an automobile for scrap in Washington without the title if you fill out a Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale (Form TD-420-065) and have it notarized.

A bill of sale or registration will suffice as proof of ownership. After filling out the form and gathering the necessary documentation, you’ll submit your application to the Washington State Department of Licensing for final approval.

When selling or otherwise getting rid of your junk vehicle, you must first obtain a Junk Vehicle Title from the Department of Licensing.

West Virginia

In West Virginia, if you don’t have the title to your car but still want to get rid of it, you’ll need to fill out an Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title (Form DMV-4-TR) and have it notarized.

A bill of sale or registration will suffice as proof of ownership. After filling out the form, it must be sent to the West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles for final approval.

If your request is granted, the Department of Motor Vehicles will issue you a Junk Vehicle Title. This title must be returned to the DMV prior to selling or otherwise disposing of the vehicle.

Wisconsin

To junk a car without a title in the state of Wisconsin, you will need to complete a Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale (Form MV2495) and have it notarized.

You will also need to provide proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or registration.

You will then take the completed form and supporting documents to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for review and approval.

If approved, the Department of Transportation will issue you a Junk Vehicle Title, which you will need to surrender when you sell or dispose of the vehicle.

Wyoming

A Vehicle/Vessel Bill of Sale (Form MV2495) must be completed and notarized in order to sell a junk car in Wyoming without the title.

A bill of sale or registration will suffice as proof of ownership.

After filling out the form and gathering the necessary documentation, you’ll need to submit your application to the Wyoming Department of Transportation for final approval.

A Junk Vehicle Title, issued by the Department of Transportation if your application is accepted, must be returned to the department upon the vehicle’s sale or other disposition.

CONCLUSION

Penalties for selling a car without a title may include fines and possible jail time, depending on the circumstances. It’s important to consult with a legal professional or the local state department in charge of motor vehicles for guidance on how to proceed if you find yourself in a situation where you need to sell a car without a title.