How To Junk a Car In Tennessee

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Welcome to the Volunteer State! So, you need to know how to junk your car in the state of Tennessee? You’ve come to the right place! People choose to junk their cars for different reasons. Regardless of the reason, a junk car has irreparable damage and can’t be driven on the roads and highways of Tennessee. Here’s what you need to know about junking your car in TN.

How Do I Sell My Car to a Junkyard In Tennessee?

You will be surprised at how easy it is to junk your car in Tennessee. The good news is TN junkyards aren’t picky about the condition of your vehicle. Whether the vehicle is drivable or not, the junkyard will take it.

With the internet, you can find junkyards near you with a few clicks. Type in the phrase “junkyards near me” or something similar, and you will have a list of the junkyards in your area. Yes, it’s that simple! In some situations, you may have to allow your computer to access your location.

One of the most essential pieces of information you will be asked to provide is your vehicle’s identification number (VIN). You will also need to provide different information regarding your car, such as whether it’s drivable and a few photos of the vehicle.

After you answer the necessary questions, you will be provided with a quote. If you’re satisfied with the quote, you can accept it and proceed to the next steps. If you aren’t satisfied with the quote and want a different quote, you can try a different junkyard. Junking your vehicle won’t make you a millionaire. However, it is a great way to earn extra cash.

Companies That Buy Junk Cars Online In Tennessee

Contact any one of the 3 companies below to get a free quote for your junk car. In most cases, they will be happy to tow your car away at no cost and leave you a check you can cash immediately.

Junk Car Removal Service Locations In Tennessee

Have your junk car towed and get paid in cash or check for sell it in Tennessee including the following locations:

  • Nashville, TN
  • Memphis, TN
  • Knoxville, TN
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Clarksville, TN
  • Murfreesboro, TN
  • Franklin, TN
  • Johnson City, TN
  • Jackson, TN
  • Hendersonville, TN

How Much An Damaged Or Junk Car Is Worth In Tennessee

You can sell your damaged or junk car in Tennessee no matter the condition. A junk car removal company will buy your unwanted vehicle and sell it for part or sell it at an auto auction. Either way, you will get rid of your car and pay nothing for towing it away.

MakeModelYearCitySold For
ChevroletBeretta1986Nashville-Davidson, TN $                  190
ChryslerSebring2008Memphis, TN $                  360
ChevroletCruze2009Knoxville, TN $                  640
ChevroletCruze2011Chattanooga, TN $                  540
InfinitiM452004Clarksville, TN $                  440
InfinitiI352001Murfreesboro, TN $                  740
SubaruOutback2006Franklin, TN $                  380
JeepGrand Cherokee2009Johnson City, TN $                  940
LexusIS 2502004Jackson, TN $               1,120
ToyotaCorolla2008Hendersonville, TN $                  995

How Do I Get Rid of a Junk Car In Tennessee?

When you’re ready to junk your vehicle, use your tablet, smartphone, desktop computer, or other device and find a local junkyard. To junk a vehicle, you need to disclose different details about your vehicle. You may also be asked to provide pictures of the vehicle, including the vehicle’s VIN. You can take the vehicle to the junkyard or have the junkyard tow it for a fee.

Do You Need a Vehicle Title to Junk a Car In Tennessee?

The need for a title to junk a vehicle in Tennessee depends on the junkyard. You will find that some TN junkyards require you to have the vehicle’s title while other junkyards only require a document that proves ownership of the vehicle. Check with the junkyard you choose to use to learn more about their junking requirements.

How Much Does It Cost to Junk a Car In Tennessee?

There is usually no cost to junk a vehicle in the state of Tennessee. There may be a fee you’re required to pay if you opt for the junkyard to tow your vehicle to their lot. In the event you don’t have the vehicle’s title, you will have to pay for the applicable documents and fees to have the vehicle’s title transferred. However, this fee may be subtracted from your junking quote.

What is a Junk Title In Tennessee?

In the state of Tennessee, a junk title is a title that is given to vehicles that can’t be repaired. In addition to not being able to be repaired, this type of vehicle can’t legally be driven on the roads and highways of Tennessee and can’t be registered for road use at any point in the future. Junk vehicles don’t have any value, but their parts do. Tennessee junk vehicles can’t be sold for use.

Can You Junk a Car With an Expired Registration In Tennessee?

Sure you can! Keep in mind that you can’t have an unregistered vehicle in a public area, whether the vehicle has a junk title or not. Also, keep in mind that unregistered vehicles are not the same as untitled vehicles. Unregistered vehicles do not have a vehicle registration. Untitled vehicles do not have a vehicle title.

How Do I Get a Junk Vehicle Title In Tennessee?

If your auto insurance company determines your vehicle is a total loss, your original vehicle title and registration are invalid. If you are the owner of a vehicle that is less than 10 years old, you are eligible to apply for a salvage certificate, which prevents your vehicle from being operated on the roads and highways of Tennessee. Vehicles that are deemed non-repairable can have a non-repairable vehicle certificate, which prevents the vehicle from obtaining a title or registration in Tennessee.

To get a junk title, you need the following documents:

  • Application for Tennessee Salvage/Non-Repairable Certificate (Form RV-F1311801)
  • Original Certificate of Title

Applications and documents are ONLY accepted by mail and not accepted in person. You must mail your application and documents to:

Department of Revenue
Special Investigations
Anti-Theft Unit
500 Deadrick Street
Nashville, Tennessee 37242

If you’re junking your vehicle online, you may be required to provide the following information:

  • Your phone number
  • Email address
  • The vehicle’s VIN and a photo of the VIN
  • Your mailing address
  • Photo of the vehicle
  • Certificate of Destruction

Keep in mind that you may be asked to provide more or fewer documents depending on the city in Tennessee you reside.

What Paperwork Do I Need to Scrap a Car in Tennessee?

When you’re scrapping a car in Tennessee, there is different paperwork you must complete and submit. The required paperwork to scrap a car in the state of TN is as follows:

  • The Tennessee Certificate of Title (must be properly endorsed for transfer)
  • Lien sale documents (must be properly endorsed for vehicle registration and title transfer)
  • A salvage certificate (Form RV-F1311801)

If you don’t have the vehicle’s registration, you must provide a bill of sale. The vehicle’s bill of sale may be used instead of obtaining vehicle title signatures.

Sell your junk car for cash in Tennessee.

Can You Sell a Car With a Salvage Vehicle Title In Tennessee?

It’s not against the law to sell a salvage vehicle in Tennessee. However, you are required to prep the vehicle to be sold to someone else. If you have already reported your vehicle to the TN DMV as a salvage vehicle, you can restore the vehicle or receive a revived salvage vehicle title, which is great for mechanics who enjoy rebuilding vehicles.

How Do I Get Rid of a Car I Don’t Want?

If you have a vehicle you don’t want, there are different ways you can get rid of it. You can junk your car or sell your junk car to a junkyard. Either method you choose to get rid of your car will help you earn a little cash. If your car is operational and doesn’t have a junk car title, you can sell it to an individual in a private sale.

Does the TN DMV Buy Old Cars?

No. The Tennessee DMV doesn’t buy old cars, but if you want to get rid of your old car, you can donate it or sell it to someone else in a private sale. A lot of people collect old cars. You may receive more money if you can sell your vehicle to someone rather than a junkyard, as long as your vehicle isn’t “junk”.

Can I Scrap My Car Without a Registration Document?

If the vehicle’s registration is required to junk a car and you don’t have the document, you will need to find a junkyard that junks vehicles for free or at a low cost to recycle the car’s parts. When your vehicle’s parts are recycled, they will be turned into useful building materials.

Can I Scrap a Car That Is Not Registered In My Name?

No. A car’s registration is different than a car’s title. You can’t scrap a car that’s not titled in your name. If you’ve lost the vehicle’s title, you must provide proof of ownership document that proves you are the legal owner of the vehicle you want to scrap or junk. Keep in mind that a bill of sale document and proof of a valid TN auto insurance policy won’t work as a proof of ownership document.

You are required to present at least one proof of ownership document because junkyards report to the state of Tennessee regarding the vehicles they junk or scrap and report information about the person junking or scrapping the vehicle.

Can I Scrap a Car Without a Vehicle Title?

You may be able to scrap your vehicle without having the vehicle’s title. If so, you will receive less money than your original quote because the junkyard has to pay the TN DMV for a duplicate title and the transfer of ownership of the vehicle.

What Do You Need to Junk a Car In TN?

Before you can get rid of your junk vehicle, you need to visit your local TN DMV branch and bring the vehicle’s Certificate of Title and the vehicle’s license plates. The Certificate of Title must be in your name or endorsed for transfer of ownership to you.

You may need to pay additional fees if the vehicle is not currently registered as a junk vehicle. Contact your local TN DMV office for more information regarding the specifics of the necessary paperwork required to junk your vehicle.

How Old Does a Car Have to be to Not Require a Vehicle Title in TN?

Most vehicles that are registered in the state of Tennessee also require a vehicle title. However, some vehicles are an exception to this rule. Vehicles that don’t require a vehicle title in Tennessee are as follows:

  • Snowmobiles
  • Golf carts
  • Fire fighting equipment (fire engines, fire trucks, etc.)
  • Hauled vehicles
  • Forklift trucks
  • Disaster relief vehicles

How Do You Junk a Car In TN?

Junking a car in Tennessee is a pretty straightforward process. You can take your vehicle to a junkyard or have it towed to the junkyard if it’s not drivable. Regardless of the method, you choose to junk your car, make sure you have the required paperwork and payment for all applicable fees.

Current Scrap Metal Prices in TN?

If you’re scrapping your vehicle, it’s good to know the prices per pound the scrapyards in Tennessee pay before planning your visit. Below are the standard scrap metal prices in Tennessee:

  • Aluminum – $0.91
  • Aluminum Alloy – $0.71
  • Copper – $3.09
  • Brass – $2.45
  • Lead – $0.75
  • Nickel – $9.22
  • Tin – $8.32
  • Zinc – $1.22
  • Steel Scrap – $0.15
  • Steel Rebar – $0.27

Tennessee Junkyard Locations

There are different junkyard and scrapyard locations in Tennessee. Check to see if you find one in your area!

Flat Rock Auto Parts & Salvage
720 Flat Rock Rd
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 849-8247

Monday – Friday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday (9 AM – 3 PM)
Sunday (Closed)

Turner Auto Salvage
2429 Nashville Hwy
McMinnville, TN 37110
(931) 668-4157

Monday – Friday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday (8 AM – 12 PM)
Sunday (Closed)

Averitt Auto Salvage & Scrap Metal
8068 Leanna Central Valley Rd
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 890-1519

Monday – Friday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Congratulations! You are now the guru of junking cars in Tennessee. Now that you know you know the paperwork you need and the fees you may have to pay to junk your car in Tennessee, you can successfully junk your vehicle with confidence. Happy junking!

Popular Cities to Junk Your Car In Tennessee