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Selling a car without a title

A missing title slows a sale down but rarely stops it. Most sellers either order a duplicate or use an exception their state allows.

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Your options when the title is missing

Common title situations and what to do
Your situationWhat usually works
Title is lost, car is paid offApply for a duplicate title at your DMV. Many states process it in a few days or weeks, and some offer same-day service in person.
A lender holds the titleYou can still sell. We pay the lender off, the lender releases the title, and you get any amount left over.
Older car in a title-exempt stateSome states don't title vehicles past a certain age. A registration and bill of sale may be enough.
Car was inheritedYou'll need the title plus documents showing you're entitled to sell, such as a death certificate and letters testamentary or a small-estate affidavit.
Title was never transferred to youContact the person whose name is on the title. They can sign it over, or your DMV can explain the bonded title process.
Takes about two minutes.
No obligation.
Get an offer, title or not (855) 497-1176

How can I sell a car without a title?

  1. Order a duplicate title from your state's motor vehicle agency. This fixes most cases, often for a small fee, and many states take the application online or by mail.
  2. If a lender holds the title, pay off the loan or let the buyer pay the lender directly, and the lender releases the title.
  3. If your state doesn't title older vehicles, sell with the registration and a bill of sale. Check your state page for the cutoff.
  4. If you can't prove ownership any other way, ask your state about a bonded title, which is backed by a surety bond.
  5. If the owner has died, use the estate paperwork your state accepts, such as letters testamentary or a small-estate affidavit.

Can you junk a car without a title?

Often, if the car is older or low in value. In 31 states a licensed recycler can take a signed ownership statement or a state form instead of a title, usually for cars past a set age or under a value cap; Georgia's MV-1SP, for example, covers cars 12 or more model years old worth under $850. In 13 states and DC you need the title or a duplicate.

Junking a car without a title, from each state's statutes and agency pages
All 45 states
Alabama
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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).
Arizona
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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).
California
Without a title?:
Title required
The rule:
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).
Colorado
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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).
Connecticut
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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.
Delaware
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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)).
Washington, DC
Without a title?:
Title required
The rule:
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)).
Florida
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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).
Georgia
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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).
Hawaii
Without a title?:
Title required
The rule:
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).
Idaho
Without a title?:
Title required
The rule:
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).
Illinois
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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).
Indiana
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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.
Iowa
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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).
Kansas
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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).
Kentucky
Without a title?:
Title required
The rule:
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.
Louisiana
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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).
Maine
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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).
Maryland
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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).
Massachusetts
Without a title?:
Title required
The rule:
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.
Michigan
Without a title?:
Title required
The rule:
A recycler or scrap processor buying a vehicle from its owner must receive an assigned title (MCL 257.217c).
Minnesota
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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).
Mississippi
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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).
Missouri
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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).
Montana
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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.
Nebraska
Without a title?:
Title required
The rule:
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.
Nevada
Without a title?:
Title required
The rule:
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 Hampshire
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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 Mexico
Without a title?:
Title required
The rule:
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 York
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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 Carolina
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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).
Ohio
Without a title?:
Title required
The rule:
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).
Oklahoma
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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).
Oregon
Without a title?:
Title required
The rule:
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.
Pennsylvania
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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).
South Carolina
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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 Dakota
Without a title?:
Title required
The rule:
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.
Texas
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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.
Utah
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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).
Vermont
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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.
Virginia
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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).
Washington
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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).
West Virginia
Without a title?:
In some cases
The rule:
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).
Wisconsin
Without a title?:
Allowed
The rule:
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).
Wyoming
Without a title?:
Title required
The rule:
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.

States not listed are ones whose rule we couldn't confirm on an official page. Each state's own page links to its motor vehicle agency, and our seller rules by state page has every rule in one table.

Which states let older cars sell without a title?

A few states don't title vehicles past a certain age, so an older car there sells with the registration and a bill of sale instead. These are the rules we've confirmed on official state pages. Everywhere else, plan on a title or a duplicate.

Older vehicles that can sell without a title, from each state's official pages
Alabama
Rule:
Vehicles more than 35 model years old are not titled; a bill of sale documents the sale.
Sources:
Alabama sources
Connecticut
Rule:
Vehicles more than 20 model years old do not need a title.
Sources:
Connecticut sources
Georgia
Rule:
1962 and older models need no title; 1963 to 1985 models are title optional.
Sources:
Georgia sources
Kansas
Rule:
Antique vehicles of model year 1949 or older can be titled with a bill of sale instead of a title.
Sources:
Kansas sources
Maine
Rule:
Titles are required only for the last 25 model years. In 2026, model year 2000 and older needs no title; from January 1, 2027, model year 2001 and older.
Sources:
Maine sources
Minnesota
Rule:
Vehicles registered before July 1, 1972 and never titled can be transferred on the registration card.
Sources:
Minnesota sources
Mississippi
Rule:
Titling is voluntary for pre-1969 vehicles.
Sources:
Mississippi sources
New Hampshire
Rule:
Model year 1999 and older are not titled, except heavy trucks over 18,000 lbs. Seller completes form TDMV 22A instead.
Sources:
New Hampshire sources
New York
Rule:
Model year 1972 and older are not titled. The transferable registration proves ownership and is used to sell.
Sources:
New York sources
Vermont
Rule:
Model year 2009 or older with a Vermont registration in your name: give the buyer the registration certificate and a signed bill of sale.
Sources:
Vermont sources

How to get a duplicate title

  1. Find your state's duplicate title form on the DMV website. Our state pages link to each agency.
  2. Have the VIN, your ID and proof of address ready.
  3. Pay the fee, which is usually modest, and submit the form online, by mail or in person.
  4. If there's an old lien on record, include the lien release from your lender.

You can start the sale while the duplicate is on its way. We'll make an offer now and schedule pickup once the title arrives, or sooner in states that allow it.

What we need from you

  • Your photo ID
  • The VIN, so we can check the car's title history
  • The registration in your name, if you have it
  • A lien release or payoff letter, if there's a loan

We won't buy a car that isn't yours to sell. Every purchase is checked against the VIN to make sure it isn't reported stolen.

Frequently asked questions

Can I junk a car without a title?

Often, if the car is older or low in value. In 31 states a licensed recycler can take a signed ownership statement or a state form instead of a title, usually for cars past a set age or under a value cap; Georgia's MV-1SP, for example, covers cars 12 or more model years old worth under $850. In 13 states and DC you need the title or a duplicate.

Is it illegal to sell a car without a title?

In most states, a titled car can't be legally sold without the title, because the title is how ownership transfers. That doesn't mean you're stuck: a duplicate title usually costs a small fee, and older vehicles that your state doesn't title can often sell with a registration and a bill of sale.

Is a car worthless without a title?

No. A car without a title still has value for its parts and metal, and most title problems can be fixed with a duplicate. The offer can be a little lower until the paperwork is sorted out, because it takes the buyer extra work, but a missing title rarely takes the price to zero.

Does not having a title lower my offer?

Sometimes a little, because it adds paperwork on our side. A car with a clean title in your name gets the strongest offer.

How long does a duplicate title take?

It depends on the state and how you apply. Some motor vehicle offices print a duplicate the same day at the counter, while mail applications can take a few weeks. Fees range from $2 in Texas to over $100 in Oregon, where the title fee depends on the car's fuel economy. Your state page lists the form and fee.

Can I sell a car with a salvage title?

Yes. Car Emptor buys cars with salvage and rebuilt titles. Select the title status in the offer form so the price reflects it from the start. A salvage brand lowers resale value, so the offer is usually lower than for the same car with a clean title, but the sale itself works the same way.

Sources

Reviewed by the Car Emptor team. Last updated November 6, 2026.

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