Can I Sell a Junk Car Without a Title?

Car titles are important because they are the legal documents that prove ownership of a vehicle. Titles are also used for RVs, boats, watercrafts, motorcycles, and other major motorized commodities. Some states use the term, “pink slips” for car titles, which are not the same thing as the document a person receives when they are let go from employment. Anytime a person buys a car, whether new or used, they will receive the car title from their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If a person chooses to sell their vehicle, they would transfer the title over to the new owner.

So what happens if you lose the title? What if you never receive who buys junk cars a title? Continue reading to learn your options for selling a car without a title.

No Title? No Problem.

Sometimes car titles get lost or even stolen, and other times they are never transferred over to the new owner. Regardless of why your title is missing, there are still ways to sell your car without it. Although having a car title can make the process easier, selling a vehicle without a title only requires a few extra steps.

Here’s what you can do:

You can declare your car title lost or stolen. All states have a procedure in place for car owners to apply for a duplicate title if it is lost or stolen. Learn your state’s process at your local BMV.

Some states have a process in place for car owners who wish to sell their vehicle to a private party. Learn if your state has these procedures at your local drivers’ license branch.

If you have a junk car that you want to sell to a salvage yard, check to see if they will do business without a title. Some companies will purchase junk cars without a title if alternative documentation can be presented to show proof of ownership.

How to Sell a Vehicle to a Junk Car Buyer:

1. Call the company and ask them about their junk car selling process. Ask them if they will do business without a car title.

2. If they buy vehicles without titles, ask them which documentation is an acceptable proof of ownership.

3. Locate any alternative documents that can prove you own the vehicle you wish to sell, such as your registration and drivers’ license.

4. Follow the steps given to you by the junk car buying company to complete the process and receive your cash.