If you have a car that is no longer usable or taking up precious space in your yard or garage, it could be beneficial to take it to your local junkyard or sell that junk car for cash. Fortunately, you can find many junkyards that buy cars without title or registration near you.
Will a Junkyard Buy a Car Without Registration?
There are many reputable junkyards that buy cars without registration. Often, junk cars will sit in a backyard or garage for months or even years without an active registration.
You do not have to pay to register a junk vehicle before taking it to a junkyard. As long as you are the titleholder for the car, it will be enough for proof of ownership. So make sure you have the title although in some states junkyards can buy cars without titles also.
When Would You Need a Registration When Junking a Car?
There are two circumstances where you will require an active registration to junk your car.
- If you drive the vehicle to the junkyard instead of towing it there, it will require valid registration. All operational vehicles that are on the road require proper registration certificates, regardless of age or condition.
- For the security of the junkyard, they want to ensure you own the title before junking the car. If you cannot locate the title for the vehicle as proof, having a registration certificate is another way you can prove ownership of the vehicle.
If you are not driving the vehicle and have another way to prove you own it, you will not need an active registration before junking your car.
What To Do If a Junkyard Won't Buy Your Car Without Registration?
Can you junk a car without registration? If you have run into a roadblock with your local junkyard when it comes to buying your car without a registration certificate, you do have several options.
Instead of getting frustrated and giving up, you can try these alternative methods for proof of ownership. One of these methods may be all they need to buy your car from you and have you on the way out the door with cash.
- Try to get a duplicate copy from the DMV office by submitting the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Present the old registration tag and license
- Show them the latest insurance documents and your driver's license
If you are unsure how to junk your car without registration, talk to your local junkyard and see what their processes entail. Many reputable businesses are happy to help you find a way to junk your vehicle so you can get cash fast.
Can I Junk a Car With Expired Registration?
More often than not, vehicles that have expired registration certificates are fine to take to your local junkyard. However, the business may want a copy of the expired registration and title of the vehicle as proof of ownership before handing over cash.
The only time the registration needs to be active and valid is if you are driving the vehicle to the junkyard or when you have no other means to prove you are the owner. Otherwise, an expired registration certificate will not keep you from junking your vehicle at most places. Here's more information on how to junk an unregistered vehicle.
How To Find Junkyards That Buy Cars Without Registration
One way to find junkyards that buy cars without registration is to ask them. Many businesses will tell you outright of any documentation or paperwork they will need before purchasing a vehicle from you.
Professional junkyards with a website may list their qualifications for junking vehicles on their web page. Try searching online to see if they outline any prerequisites for junking your car.
You can search for junkyards that buy cars without registration on the internet, through your local business directory, or even through word of mouth. Ask your friends or coworkers if they know a business that buys junk cars.
In Conclusion
There are numerous junkyards that buy cars without registration, as long as you can prove you own the title to the vehicle. Do not let a missing registration certificate keep you from getting cash for your junk vehicle.
Talk to your local junkyard and see what their processes are and if they can help you out when you do not have registration for your vehicle. Then, you could be on your way out the door with cash quicker than you think.
