What Should You Do If You Don't Have The Title for a Junk Car?

Keeping a junk car on your property can have plenty of downsides. Not only are these old vehicles unsightly, but they can damage your property value, attract pests, and even pose an environmental hazard as they rot away and leak fluids. Unfortunately, it's easy to lose track of crucial documentation when dealing with very old and unused vehicles.

However, junk car buyers typically can't take your vehicle if you don't have a title. Although selling to a junk buyer is straightforward, you're still conducting a vehicle sale. As a result, you'll need a title and bill of sale. So, what should you do when you don't have the correct documentation for your old car? Keep reading to find out!

Understanding Local Laws

Before doing anything else, you'll want to familiarize yourself with your state's local laws for vehicle sales. If you are selling a relatively new junk car, then there's probably no getting around the documentation issues. The good news is that much older vehicles may be exempt from these requirements, although the exact age varies from state to state.

If you don't want to do the research yourself, calling up your junk car buyer is an excellent place to start. Local buyers are often familiar with your state's laws, and they can tell you whether your vehicle is old enough to qualify for sale even without a title. If not, you'll need to take a few more steps to get your vehicle ready to sell.

Getting Your Title

Like sales requirements, the process for getting a replacement title will vary between states. One thing is usually consistent, however: you'll need to wait several weeks. In most cases, you can acquire a lost title by filling out a form and sending it to your local motor vehicle department. Your motor vehicle department can typically give you a rough estimate of the turnaround time.

Note that you will almost always need several pieces of information to request a lost title. For example, you'll need to know your car's VIN and license plate number (if it has one), and you'll often need to provide photocopies of your identification. Some states may require proof of ownership, such as past property tax receipts.

The good news is that collecting your documentation and mailing it in is typically the most challenging part. Once you receive your new title, you're only a call away from turning your old junk car into cash. Since most junk car buyers don't require any additional documentation, you shouldn't need to provide anything else to enjoy an empty driveway and a heftier bank account. 

For more info, look to a cash for junk cars service in your area.