Selling your old car to a junkyard or junk car buyer with its valid title in hand is the easiest way to get rid of a junk car. But what if you can't find the title or don't have it in your possession? Can you still sell that junk car if you don't have the title?
Fortunately, junkyards that junk cars without titles are out there, ready to take your old jalopy off your hands. If you're wondering, "Who buys cars without title near me?" then keep reading. We can help you learn how to get cash for junk cars without titles in your area.
Will a Junkyard Buy a Car Without the Title or Registration?
Yes, some junkyards buy cars without titles, which is fortunate for those of us who might not be good at keeping track of paperwork.
Most states require you to have a valid title as proof of ownership before you sell a car. Some don't require you to have a title to sell a junked car, but junkyards may still want one to be sure you're the legal owner. Signing over a title is the easiest way to sell your vehicle with the least amount of hassle for you and the buyer.
If they buy a car without a title, the junkyard usually has to purchase it as scrap. They won't be able to retitle it or resell it, so you probably won't get as much cash for the car as you would if you had the title.
Junkyards that buy cars without titles will require other proof of ownership to save themselves a potential headache in the future. They'll want to see the car registration in your name and your identification. They may ask for other documentation.
Getting Your Hands On a Title
Before you go through the process of selling your car with no title, it’s worth exhausting all the possibilities of getting your hands on one. Check the following places to see if they can help:
- Your bank. If your car still has any debt on it, it’s technically owned by the bank, so they may have the car title there. You can transfer the title from the bank to the person buying your car.
- The local DMV. All states have a process for declaring your title lost and applying for a duplicate title.
In What States Are Cash for Junk Cars Companies and Junkyards Allowed to Buy Cars Without the Title?
Each state has its own laws and regulations regarding the sale of junk and scrap vehicles. While almost all states require a title for you to sell a car to a private party, some states allow sales without one to junkyards and salvage yards.
For instance, you can sell your car for scrap in Illinois without the title. When the registration is due again, return it with a "scrap for salvage" note. The junkyard should also send in a junk vehicle notification form with a copy of the bill of sale.
The "scrap for salvage" note prevents the car from being legally titled again. You will probably get less money for it than a car that has a title. Junkyards that buy cars without titles in most states often buy cars to sell as scrap metal, so the lack of title shouldn't affect the price you get. They will still require proof of ownership from you before they buy the car.
In California, instead of having to apply for a lost title and wait two weeks or more for it to arrive, you can sell a car without the title. You must fill out form REG 227 to transfer the title into someone else's name and have the updated title issued.
Connecticut allows car sales without a title, even to private parties, if the vehicle is at least 20 years old. Florida permits you to sell a car without a title if it's over ten years old and worth less than $1000, but you'll need to sign a declaration of ownership and provide a thumbprint as part of the process.
Oklahoma allows car sales for scrap with a notarized copy of a vehicle information request form when there's no title available. Oklahoma requires you to drain and puncture the gas tank and remove the battery from cars sold this way. You won't need a title to sell a car for scrap in Wisconsin, either. You can sign a junk bill of sale without the hassle of getting another title.
These are just a few examples. Save time researching your state's laws and asking, "Are there places that buy junk cars without title near me?" by contacting Junk Car Medics. We know each state's laws and can help you get cash for junk cars without titles in your area.
How to Find Junkyards That Buy Cars Without the Title
The easiest way to find junkyards that buy cars without the title is to contact a reputable junk car buyer like Junk Car Medics. If you want to do it on your own, you'll need to:
- Determine if selling a car without a title is legal in your state. Follow the advise above but just use it as that. Advice. We are not lawyers nor do we interpret the law so please verify if you can junk a car without a title in your state before proceeding.
- Find reputable junkyards near you or cash for junk cars services. You’ll need to call a reputable junkyard near you and ask them whether they buy junk cars without a title. If the first one says no, don’t give up -- auto junkyards that buy cars without a title are definitely out there.
- Ask about the process for selling a car with no title. Every junkyard will have its own process for buying a car without a title. They may ask for other documents to prove that you own the car.
- Follow the process carefully. Selling a junk car without a title can be a bit tricky, so make sure you follow the junkyard’s process carefully to make sure there are no snags and the buying process goes smoothly. You'll likely be required to verify your identity since there won't be any paperwork to do to transfer ownership of your vehicle.
Find Out if Selling a Car Without a Title is Legal in Your State
If you're selling your junk car for scrap, you might discover you don't need the title. If the car still runs, though, you may find your state requires you to have the title. Also, if you want more cash for it than you'd get if you sold it for scrap, you'll probably want to take the time to get a replacement title.
Find Out Who Buys Cars Without Titles in Your Area
You might spend a lot of time looking at websites or talking on the phone before you find a junkyard willing to buy your vehicle.
You can go to Google and search for places that buy junk cars without titles and add "in your city and state" at the end to get local results. Or you could replace "near me" with your city and state name.
Contact Junkyards That Buy Cars Without Titles to Determine What Documentation They Need
When you contact junkyards near you, ask what proof of ownership you need to show them instead of the title. Expect to be asked for the car's current registration, your insurance card, and your driver's license to prove your identity and ownership of the car.
If they don't require these documents and don't seem interested in proving you own the car, you should contact someone else. If they're operating legally, junkyards that buy cars without titles will want to make sure you're the legal owner before taking possession of the vehicle.
What To Do if a Junkyard Won't Buy Your Car Without the Title
Even in states where selling a car without a title is legal, not every junkyard will buy junk cars no title required. They might worry about future legal problems if they purchased a stolen vehicle without knowing it. A valid Certificate of Title is the easiest way for them to prevent these problems.
If you don't have the title because you're still in the process of paying for the vehicle, you can pay off the lien to obtain the title. Contact the bank or lienholder. They can explain the process they require for you to get the title or transfer it through a sale.
If the title has been lost or damaged beyond use, you can apply for a duplicate title through your state's DMV. The fee and application process for a duplicate title varies from state to state.
In most cases, you can apply online or by mail and receive a title in the mail in a matter of two or three weeks. In some states, you may have to go to the DMV and apply in person.
Get Cash for Junk Cars With No Title Using Junk Car Medics
You usually won't get as much for junk cars without its title as you would for one with the proper paperwork. Contacting junkyards to junk cars for cash without titles should be a last resort when you want to sell the car fast or avoid paying the fee for a new title.
If you can afford to pay the fee and wait for a replacement title, that will make it easier.
To sell your vehicle without a title, contact Junk Car Medics today. We already work with reputable junkyards that buy cars without titles in your area and can help you get the best deal. If it's illegal to get cash for junk cars without titles in your state, we can help you understand how to apply for one and get an even better deal for your junker car.
