Car selling rules by state
Title, plate, notary and paperwork rules for private sellers in all 50 states and DC, each checked against official state sources.
- 7 require a notarized seller signature; 11 confirm it isn't needed
- 30 have the seller keep the plates, 3 keep them with the car, 1 let the seller choose
- 27 have a named notice of sale or release of liability
- 30 allow junking without a title in some cases; 14 require the title
Checked November 6, 2026 Download as CSV
"Unconfirmed" means we couldn't confirm the rule on an official page, so we don't state one. Each state's page lists every source we used and links to its motor vehicle agency.
AlabamaShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Not required
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- No separate form
- Duplicate title
- MVT 12-1 (Application for Replacement Title); $15
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: Recyclers may file form MVT 5-18 instead of a title for vehicles 12+ model years old worth $1,000 or less when the owner has not obtained a title in their name (Ala. Admin. Code 810-5-75-.48).
AlaskaShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Stay with the car
- Report the sale
- Notice of Vehicle Sale for Transfer, 10 days, online
- Duplicate title
- Form 809 (Affidavit of Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Title, notarized); $15
- Junk without a title
- Unconfirmed
ArizonaShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Depends on title
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Sold Notice (46-8502), online
- Duplicate title
- Title Replacement on AZ MVD Now, or Title and Registration Application (96-0236) by mail; $4
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: Registered scrap metal dealers and licensed automotive recyclers may buy vehicles 12+ model years old valued at $1,200 or less without a title if the owner signs a statement and provides photo ID (A.R.S. 28-2098).
ArkansasShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Unconfirmed
- Report the sale
- Notice of Transfer of Ownership of a Motor Vehicle (Release of Liability), online
- Duplicate title
- Application for Title or Replacement Title (10-381); $10
- Junk without a title
- Unconfirmed
CaliforniaShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Stay with the car
- Report the sale
- Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) (REG 138), 5 days, online
- Duplicate title
- REG 227 (Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title); $28
- Junk without a title
- Title required: To get junk status a dismantler must submit the California title or, if lost, an Application for Duplicate Title (REG 227), with the Report of Vehicle To Be Dismantled (REG 42).
ColoradoShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Report Release of Liability, 5 days, online
- Duplicate title
- DR 2539A (Duplicate Title/Lien Request and Receipt); $8.20
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: A recycler can take a vehicle from the titled owner, from a seller with a completed state-form bill of sale, or otherwise after a 7-business-day hold and a VIN check (CRS 42-4-2202).
ConnecticutShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- No separate form
- Duplicate title
- H-6B (Application for Replacement Certificate of Title); $25
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: Licensed recyclers must receive the title if the vehicle is required to have one (CGS 14-67m(b)). Vehicles older than 20 model years need no title (CGS 14-166(b)); DMV treats their registration as proof of ownership.
DelawareShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Not required
- License plates
- Unconfirmed
- Report the sale
- Seller's Report of Sale
- Duplicate title
- MV213 (Application for Duplicate Title); $50
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: Owners with a lost or destroyed title may transfer a vehicle over 8 years old with no engine or totally inoperable to a licensed automotive recycler on DMV forms (21 Del. C. 4402(g)).
FloridaShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Not required
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Notice of Sale (HSMV 82050), 30 days
- Duplicate title
- HSMV 82101; $75.25 (add $2.50 for a printed paper title)
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: Vehicles 10+ model years old worth under $1,000 may be sold to a licensed salvage dealer or secondary metals recycler without a title using form HSMV 82137 and the seller's ID (Fla. Stat. 319.30).
GeorgiaShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- No separate form
- Duplicate title
- MV-1 (Title/Tag Application); $8
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: Recyclers may accept a sworn Form MV-1SP instead of a title if the vehicle is 12+ model years old, worth under $850, lien-free, and the owner never obtained or lost the title (O.C.G.A. 40-3-36).
HawaiiShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Not required
- License plates
- Unconfirmed
- Report the sale
- Notice of Transfer (CS-L(MVR)53), 10 days
- Duplicate title
- CS-L(MVR)10 (Application for Duplicate Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title); $10 (Honolulu)
- Junk without a title
- Title required: To junk a vehicle, the owner must give the county director of finance a signed statement of the junking and the signed certificate of title (HRS 286-51.5).
IdahoShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Notice of Release of Liability (ITD 3858), 5 days, online
- Duplicate title
- ITD 3367 (Duplicate Idaho Title Application); $14
- Junk without a title
- Title required: An owner selling a vehicle for junk must endorse 'for junk only' on the title at the sale (Idaho Code 49-522), and the title must be surrendered when the vehicle is dismantled (49-516).
IllinoisShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Not required
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Notice of Sale (Seller's Report of Sale) (VSD 703)
- Duplicate title
- Application for Vehicle Transaction(s), VSD 190; $50
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: Scrap processors need a title, salvage or junking certificate, or similar ownership proof, plus two IDs (625 ILCS 5/5-401.3). A lien-free owner of record can get a junking certificate without surrendering the title (5/3-117.1).
IndianaShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Unconfirmed
- Duplicate title
- Application for Certificate of Title for a Vehicle, State Form 205; $15
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: If the title is lost, faulty or destroyed, the owner applies to the BMV for a Certificate of Authority (State Form 55018, $4). A licensed salvage recycler may accept it in place of a title.
IowaShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Notice of Sale of Vehicle and Delivery of Title (411107)
- Duplicate title
- Application for Replacement of Iowa Certificate of Title, Form 411033; $30
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: An owner without a title can sell a vehicle 12 or more model years old to a licensed vehicle recycler for scrap if the price is under $1,000 (Iowa Code 321.52).
KansasShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Not required
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Seller's Notification of Sale (TR-216), online
- Duplicate title
- Application for Secured/Duplicate/Reissue Title, TR-720B; $10
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: An owner without the title can transfer a vehicle 10 or more model years old with a nonrepairable vehicle certificate from the Division of Vehicles; the vehicle must then be dismantled or recycled (K.S.A. 8-135c).
KentuckyShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Required
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Affidavit of Incomplete Transfer (TC 96-3)
- Duplicate title
- Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title, TC 96-182; $6 plus notary fee
- Junk without a title
- Title required: Kentucky's junk title application (Form TC 96-351) requires the paper title in hand, and KRS 186.190(2)(a) bars selling a vehicle without delivering the title to the county clerk.
LouisianaShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Required
- License plates
- Unconfirmed
- Report the sale
- Notice of Vehicle Transfer, online
- Duplicate title
- Vehicle Application, DPSMV 1799 (with notarized duplicate title affidavit); $68.50
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: Scrap processors and licensed dismantlers can buy an auto hulk (not self-propelled, worth only parts or scrap) with the owner's signed Auto Hulk Affidavit (DPSMV1801) and ID instead of a title (R.S. 32:718).
MaineShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- No separate form
- Duplicate title
- MVT-8 (or Online Duplicate Title service, $46); $33
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: A vehicle 20 or more model years old can go to a recycler, salvage dealer or scrap processor without a title if the buyer records the seller's photo ID (29-A M.R.S. 652).
MarylandShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes them; turn in or transfer
- Report the sale
- No separate form
- Duplicate title
- Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title, VR-018; $40
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: A dismantler or scrap processor may accept an MVA Affidavit of Ownership instead of a title from the sole owner of record, with documents verifying ownership (COMAR 11.12.03.07; Transportation §15-507).
MassachusettsShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- No separate form
- Duplicate title
- Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title; $25
- Junk without a title
- Title required: The person taking the vehicle for junking must surrender its title or salvage title to the RMV within 10 days (M.G.L. c. 90D §20E). Age-exempt untitled vehicles may use the last registration.
MichiganShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- No separate form
- Duplicate title
- Duplicate title application, TR-11L (or online); $15
- Junk without a title
- Title required: A recycler or scrap processor buying a vehicle from its owner must receive an assigned title (MCL 257.217c).
MinnesotaShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Stay with the car
- Report the sale
- Notice of Sale (report vehicle sold), 10 days, online
- Duplicate title
- Application for Duplicate Title, Registration, Cab or Lien Card, PS2067A; $7.25 plus $2.25 tech surcharge and $12 filing fee
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: Without a title, licensed dealers may buy vehicles 10+ model years old, unregistered 7+ years; parts dealers may buy for dismantling with a 7-day hold. Seller gives ID and sworn statement (Minn. Stat. 168A.1501).
MississippiShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes them; turn in or transfer
- Report the sale
- No separate form
- Duplicate title
- Application for Replacement Certificate of Title, Form 78-006; $9
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: Owners who lost or never got the title may sign a sworn statement (vehicle 10+ model years old, lien-free), for sale only to licensed parts dealers or scrap processors (Miss. Code 63-21-39).
MissouriShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Not required
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Notice of Sale (Form 5049 (or Bill of Sale Form 1957)), 30 days
- Duplicate title
- Application for Missouri Title and License, Form 108 (notarized); $8.50 plus $9 processing fee
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: RSMo 301.227.9 lets scrap metal operators buy inoperable vehicles 10+ model years old without a title using DOR Form 5423, the seller's state ID copy, and a lien check (waived at 20+ years).
MontanaShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Not required
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Unconfirmed
- Duplicate title
- MV7
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: MCA 75-10-512 (wrecking facility records) accepts a notarized bill of sale from the former owner or seller, or a release of ownership, in place of the certificate of title for a junk vehicle.
NebraskaShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Report Sale of Vehicle (Notice of Transfer), online
- Duplicate title
- Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title; $14
- Junk without a title
- Title required: Every owner of record must sign the title over to 'JUNK' and surrender it (Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-169); if the title is lost, Nebraska DMV says the owner must first get a duplicate title.
NevadaShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Vehicle Resale Notification, online
- Duplicate title
- VP 012; $20
- Junk without a title
- Title required: Nevada DMV's wrecker guide (June 2023) says wreckers buying directly from an owner need the owner's title documents, and a bill of sale does not replace a certificate of title.
New HampshireShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Unconfirmed
- Report the sale
- No separate form
- Duplicate title
- TDMV 18; $35
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: No title is needed for model year 1999 or older vehicles (title-exempt under RSA 261:3, except trucks over 18,000 lbs GVW); for newer vehicles RSA 261:22 requires assigning the title to the crushing facility.
New JerseyShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes them; turn in or transfer
- Report the sale
- No separate form
- Duplicate title
- OS/SS-UTA; $60
- Junk without a title
- Unconfirmed
New MexicoShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes them; turn in or transfer
- Report the sale
- Notice of Vehicle Sold (MVD-10048)
- Duplicate title
- MVD-10901; $5
- Junk without a title
- Title required: NMSA 66-3-119(A) requires anyone who sells or gives a vehicle as scrap or for dismantling to a licensed recycler to assign and deliver the certificate of title to that recycler.
New YorkShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes them; turn in or transfer
- Report the sale
- No separate form
- Duplicate title
- MV-902; $20
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: Owners without a valid title may use MV-35 to transfer a vehicle at least eight model years old, worth $1,250 or less, to a registered dismantler, itinerant collector or certified scrap processor, with ID.
North CarolinaShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Required
- License plates
- Seller removes them; turn in or transfer
- Report the sale
- No separate form
- Duplicate title
- MVR-4; $25.50
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: Recyclers and salvage yards can buy a vehicle at least 12 model years old without a title if the seller signs a no-lien ownership statement and shows photo ID (G.S. 20-62.1).
North DakotaShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- No separate form
- Duplicate title
- SFN 2872 (marked duplicate); $5
- Junk without a title
- Unconfirmed
OhioShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Required
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Unconfirmed
- Duplicate title
- BMV 3774; $18 ($23 in some counties)
- Junk without a title
- Title required: Ohio statutes require the title: owners surrender it when a vehicle is dismantled or destroyed (ORC 4505.11(A)); scrap processors mark the owner's title 'TO BE CANCELED' and send it to the clerk (ORC 4738.16).
OklahomaShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Required
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Unconfirmed
- Duplicate title
- 701-7; $11
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: Scrap metal dealers can buy an inoperable vehicle without a title if the seller states they bought it from the lawful owner and provides that owner's no-lien bill of sale (2 O.S. 11-92).
OregonShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Unconfirmed
- Report the sale
- Notice of sale (DMV2U), 10 days, online
- Duplicate title
- 735-515; $101 to $192 (based on MPG rating)
- Junk without a title
- Title required: ORS 822.137 penalizes dismantlers that acquire a vehicle without a certificate of sale and, if applicable, the certificate of title; ORS 822.133 bars dismantling before obtaining an ownership record or salvage title.
PennsylvaniaShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Required
- License plates
- Seller removes them; turn in or transfer
- Report the sale
- No separate form
- Duplicate title
- MV-38O; $72
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: An owner whose title is faulty, lost or destroyed can transfer a salvage vehicle kept on their own property to a scrap metal processor, and must verify the salvage report (75 Pa.C.S. 1163).
Rhode IslandShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes them; turn in or transfer
- Report the sale
- Unconfirmed
- Duplicate title
- TR-2/TR-9 Application for Title
- Junk without a title
- Unconfirmed
South CarolinaShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes them; turn in or transfer
- Report the sale
- Notice of Vehicle Sold (SCDMV Form 416)
- Duplicate title
- Title Application (SCDMV Form 400); $15
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: An owner with a lost title can sell to a demolisher or recycler on Form TI-014A if the vehicle is 12 or more model years old, has no valid plate and is totally inoperable (S.C. Code 56-5-5670).
South DakotaShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Seller Report of Sale (Form 1024), online
- Duplicate title
- Duplicate Title Application Form 1002
- Junk without a title
- Title required: SDCL 32-3-5 bars selling or disposing of a vehicle without delivering its title, and SDCL 32-3-51 requires the title be sent to the state when a vehicle is destroyed. Replace a lost title first.
TennesseeShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Unconfirmed
- Duplicate title
- Multi-purpose, Noting of Lien, and Duplicate Title Application; $14 plus any county fees
- Junk without a title
- Unconfirmed
TexasShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Not required
- License plates
- Seller's choice
- Report the sale
- Vehicle Transfer Notification, 30 days, online
- Duplicate title
- VTR-34 Application for a Certified Copy of Title; $2 by mail, $5.45 in person
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: Owners get a TxDMV Certificate of Authority via Form VTR-71-2 ($2); demolishers must accept it in lieu of a title (Transp. Code 683.054). A lost Texas title is unnecessary if TxDMV verifies ownership.
UtahShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Not required
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Report the vehicle as sold to the DMV, online
- Duplicate title
- TC-123 Application for Duplicate Utah Title; $6
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: Only with a junk permit, issued after a Tax Commission investigator finds the vehicle inoperable and unrebuildable, usually to licensed dealers or dismantlers. Otherwise the title is required before scrapping (Utah Code 41-1a-1009, 41-1a-1010).
VermontShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Unconfirmed
- Duplicate title
- VT-004 Replacement Title Application; $42
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: No title is needed for model year 2009 and older vehicles registered in Vermont that have not changed owners since; sell them with the registration certificate (23 V.S.A. 2012(10)). Titled vehicles still need the title.
VirginiaShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes them; turn in or transfer
- Report the sale
- Report a Vehicle Sold or Traded, online
- Duplicate title
- VSA 67 Application for Replacement and Substitute Titles; $15
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: Licensed auto recyclers can demolish a vehicle at least 10 model years old without a title after a DMV record search; the seller signs a Vehicle Removal Certificate, VSA 40 (Va. Code 46.2-1608.2).
WashingtonShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Not required
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Report of Sale (TD-420-062), 5 days, online
- Duplicate title
- Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest; $39.50
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: Scrap processors and hulk haulers can accept the owner's affidavit of lost or stolen title and release of interest (DOL form TD-420-040, notarized or certified) instead of a title (WAC 308-65-130).
Washington, DCShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes them; turn in or transfer
- Report the sale
- No separate form
- Duplicate title
- Certificate of Title/Temporary Tag Application; $30
- Junk without a title
- Title required: DC requires the owner of a junk vehicle to apply for a DMV Junk Vehicle Certificate before transferring ownership; the title or certificate must be surrendered after destruction (D.C. Code 50-1331.02(b), 50-1331.07(c)).
West VirginiaShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Unconfirmed
- Duplicate title
- DMV-4-TR Affidavit of Duplicate Title; $15
- Junk without a title
- Some cases: A scrap buyer can turn in a statement of cancellation signed by the seller instead of the title, using form DMV-SV-14 for West Virginia titled vehicles (W. Va. Code 17A-4-10).
WisconsinShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Unconfirmed
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Seller notification, 30 days, online
- Duplicate title
- MV2119 Replacement Title Application; $20
- Junk without a title
- Allowed: You don't need a replacement title to junk a vehicle. A licensed salvage dealer buying without the title has you sign a DOT bill of sale (MV2459) stating the title is lost or destroyed and there are no liens (Wis. Admin. Code Trans 136.02).
WyomingShow rules
- Notarized signature
- Required
- License plates
- Seller removes and keeps them
- Report the sale
- Unconfirmed
- Duplicate title
- Affidavit of loss filed with the county clerk; $15
- Junk without a title
- Title required: WYDOT requires salvage yards to obtain a properly executed title for every vehicle received. W.S. 31-11-110 requires owners to surrender the title when a vehicle is sold as salvage. A lost title needs a duplicate.
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