$500 Cash For Junk Cars Without Title? Yes, Here’s How.

CashForYourJunkCar.org is an independent publisher. You will find affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you purchase through these links. It doesn't cost you anything & it helps us keep the site running.

Many people wonder if you can sell a used car to a junkyard without a title. As much as it is easy to sell a car that you no longer need to a junkyard, it becomes a little bit more complex when the car title is missing. However, there is a way to go about this depending on why the title is missing.

Generally speaking, most junkyards will not accept a car that lacks both a title and registration. However, a few will buy a junk car without a title if you can produce your driver’s license and a copy of the registration.

Can you sell your car without a title

The short answer is, maybe. When selling your car to a junkyard, you will be required to produce a title to show proof of ownership. In most states, it is illegal to sell your scrap car if it lacks a title. However, a few circumstances may permit you to do otherwise.

1. If the title is with the bank

It is not uncommon to purchase a car through a bank loan. When this is the case, the bank will hold onto the title until you clear the loan balance. If you wish to sell the car before you complete paying the loan then you will be forced to sell it without a title.

In this case, you will need to contact your bank and find out the outstanding loan amount. Once you find a junkyard that is willing to buy your car you can sell it to them and use the money to offset the bank balance. The bank will then sign the title of the car over to the new owner.  

2. When the title is misplaced or stolen

In case you have the title to your car and wish to sell it to a junkyard, there is a way to go about it legally. When you purchase a car, your private information is entered into an online database together with the car title and registration information. This information and can be retrieved should you apply to the DMV or relevant state agency for a new title.

You can let the junkyard know about the missing title and request a grace period to allow you to apply for a new one. The junkyard may pay a small amount of money to allow them to hold onto the car as you sort out the issue with the title.

When applying for a replacement of title you will need to produce your driver’s license, registration, and insurance card. You will also be required to pay a replacement fee. In most states the process is now 100% online which expedites the process for car owners.

3. When the title is a “salvage title”

If your car has been written off due to a terrible accident that rendered it unworthy for road use the title will be referred to as a “salvage title.” A salvage title implies that the cost of repairing the vehicle is significantly higher than the value of the car itself.

Any car that has been declared unfit for road use cannot get a valid title. Unfortunately, most junkyards do not accept cars with salvage titles. However, you can sell the car parts for its pieces.

How to sell a junk car without title

Vehicles that have been totaled out can be sold to a salvage yard as scrap or parts. The junkyard will estimate the value of the car based on the functional parts that can be put to use and make an offer to the seller. Most junkyards will pay cash once an agreement with the seller has been reached. You should expect to fetch a lower price when selling a vehicle that lacks a title to a junkyard.

How do you sell your car to a Junkyard?

If you have an old car that you are planning to sell to a junkyard the first thing to do is to make sure that the car is in the best possible shape. Once this is sorted, you had better hit the road running: go online and find the best-reviewed junkyards.

You should also check the specs of your car and record them somewhere before engaging the salvage yard.

Find out if they offer pickup or towing services that will save you some extra hassle if available find out how much they charge for this. You might be lucky to find one that offers free towing. Compare price offers between different junk car buyers and enquire whether they have a cash offer.  Settle on the junkyard that is offering the best deal.

Call a Nationwide Service That Buys Junk Cars Without Titles

Do you want to cut to the chase and not have to make too many calls to local junkyards? There are nationwide services that will buy your junk car. Here are a few: