How to Sell a Car Without a Title? (In Each State)

SellCarAdvisor is reader-supported, when you sign up through links on this post, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. How We Work.

The bottom line: Selling a car without a title is possible, but your options depend on your state’s laws and your car’s condition.

Your best first step is getting a replacement title from your state’s DMV. It costs as little as $2 in some states and usually takes a few weeks. This opens up every selling option and gets you the most money.

If you can’t get a replacement, companies like Peddle and Wheelzy buy cars without titles in most states. They offer free towing and handle the paperwork. When prompted about the title, answer “I can’t find my title.”

A handful of states stop requiring a title once a car reaches a certain age, like Alabama, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Georgia. Each state sets its own age, and some move the cutoff forward every year, so check the table below for your state. In these states, an older car can often be sold with just a bill of sale and registration.

For everyone else, you can also look into bonded titles, selling to junk car buyers, or donating. To see what different buyers would offer for your car, compare offers from multiple services with Sell Car Advisor.

4.8

200,536 reviews on

Quote stays valid for 7 days
Handles all the paperwork too
Buys cars that are missing keys
Pays cash or check at pickup

Get Quote (833) 391-2352 Read Review

4.7

79,709 reviews on

Assists with replacement titles
Buys cars stripped for parts
Driver pays you before loading
Quote often needs a phone call

Get Quote (833) 985-1374 Read Review

4.1

8,833 reviews on

Over 200 locations nationwide
Drop off your car at any yard
Backed by Copart auction yards
Pays a check right at pickup

Get Quote (877) 748-6945 Read Review

Compare Instant Offers

Compare Instant Cash Offers

How to Sell a Car Without a Title in Each State

Every state has different rules for selling a car without a title. Some let you sell older vehicles to anyone with just a bill of sale. Most don’t allow private sales without one.

In states where a title is required for private sales, you can still sell to licensed junkyards and online car buyers using just your ID and registration. These buyers are set up to handle untitled vehicles. Select your state below to see your options.

State	Title Required to Sell?	When a Title Is Not Required	Replacement Title Fee
Alabama	Yes (for most cars; more than 35 model years old exempt)	at least 12 model years old, worth $1,000 or less, never titled in seller's name (sold to licensed dismantler), or over 35 model years old	$15
Alaska	yes	no junk or age exception; sell a titled vehicle by getting a duplicate title first, or apply for a surety bond title if you have no or inadequate proof of ownership	$15.00
Arizona	yes	vehicle must be at least 12 model years old, sale price $1,200 or less, sold to a registered scrap metal dealer or licensed automotive recycler	$4.00
Arkansas	yes	the vehicle must be at least 25 model years old with no title available and sold for scrap or dismantling; otherwise apply for a replacement title, or a bonded title if the title was never in your name	$10.00
California	yes	you must apply for a replacement title before selling (no exception)	$28
Colorado	yes	for a non-roadworthy vehicle with no title, the buyer has 24 months instead of 60 days to apply for a title; for a vehicle 25 years or older, the buyer can establish title without a surety bond using a bill of sale presented within 24 months of the sale	$8.20
Connecticut	Yes (for most cars; more than 20 model years old exempt)	the vehicle is older than 20 model years (no title required), or the original Connecticut title is lost and the vehicle is titled in the seller's name and the buyer will register the vehicle in Connecticut	$25.00
Delaware	yes	sale must be to a licensed automotive recycler for wrecking or dismantling, and the recycler accepts a salvage certificate or other acceptable evidence of ownership in place of a title	$50
Florida	yes	at least 10 model years old, valued under $1,000, and sold to a licensed salvage motor vehicle dealer or registered secondary metals recycler	$75.25
Georgia	Yes (for most cars; model year 1985 and older exempt)	vehicle must be 12 model years old or older and worth $850 or less, sold to a licensed scrap or parts dealer	$8.00
Hawaii	yes	none, Hawaii has no statutory exception for selling a vehicle without the certificate of title	$5 to $10 depending on county
Idaho	yes	the vehicle must be a 2010 or older model year, weigh over 16,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, or have no odometer device	$14.00
Illinois	yes	sale must be to a licensed scrap processor or automotive parts recycler, the vehicle cannot return to the road, and the seller must furnish documentary proof of ownership such as registration plus photo ID	$50
Indiana	yes	the vehicle is at least 15 model years old and is sold for scrap or parts	$15.00
Iowa	yes	the vehicle is 12 model years old or older, the purchase price is less than $1,000, and the buyer is a licensed auto recycler under Iowa Code chapter 321H	$35.00
Kansas	yes	only antique vehicles 35 model years or older may transfer ownership solely by bill of sale, and 1950 or newer antique vehicles purchased on a bill of sale also require a Motor Vehicle Examination (MVE-1) from the Kansas Highway Patrol	$10
Kentucky	yes	the vehicle must be a hulk that is rusted, wrecked, discarded, worn out, extensively damaged, dismantled, and mechanically inoperative, or of an apparent value under $200, otherwise the classic motor vehicle project path applies only to vehicles at least 25 years old, not in roadworthy condition, and never titled in Kentucky	$6.00 plus the cost of a notary
Louisiana	yes	the vehicle must qualify as an auto hulk under RS 32:702(3), meaning it is not self-propelled, not capable of carrying persons or property on a public highway, and its highest or primary value is its sale or transfer as parts or scrap metal, and the buyer must be a licensed secondary metal processor or automotive dismantler and parts recycler	$68.50 plus an $8 handling fee, plus a Public Tag Agent surcharge up to $18 if processed by a tag agent
Maine	Yes (for most cars; more than 25 model years old exempt, i.e. 2000 and older in 2026)	vehicles more than 25 model years old can be sold with just a bill of sale; vehicles at least 20 model years old can be sold to a licensed recycler, salvage vehicle dealer, or scrap processor with no title required	$33.00
Maryland	Yes		$40.00
Massachusetts	yes	licensed junk car buyers can accept vehicles with alternative ownership documents instead of a title when the vehicle is going to scrap; passenger vehicles model year 1980 or older purchased before November 26, 1990 are also exempt from titling	$25
Michigan	yes	the seller and buyer both appear in person at a Secretary of State office, the seller proves identity and ownership, and the buyer applies for a new original title in their name	$15.00
Minnesota	yes	the vehicle must be inoperable with a model year that is 20 or more years before the current year, and the buyer must be a licensed scrap vehicle operator such as a scrap metal processor, used vehicle parts dealer, or junk yard	$21.50 by mail or $22.50 at a deputy registrar office
Mississippi	yes	the vehicle is at least 10 model years old and has no liens, it is sold to a licensed parts dealer or scrap metal processor, and the owner signs a sworn statement, the vehicle can never be titled again	$9.00
Missouri	required to sell	Missouri requires a certificate of title for sale of any motor vehicle; if the title is lost, the seller must apply for a duplicate title using Form 108 before selling	$8.50 title fee plus a $9 processing fee
Montana	yes	a private sale needs the signed title, while a licensed junk or wrecking buyer can take the vehicle on a notarized bill of sale or release of ownership in place of a title	$10.30, dropping to $5 on July 1, 2026
Nebraska	yes	a parts vehicle sold only for parts and not to be driven transfers with a parts vehicle bill of sale under section 60-142, and a vehicle manufactured prior to 1940 with no major component part replaced and no title issued in the prior 30 years transfers with a notarized bill of sale and affidavit under section 60-142.01, while all other vehicles require the seller to first obtain a duplicate title	$14.00
Nevada	yes	the vehicle must be last titled in Nevada, model year 2010 or older, and have no liens or a lien release, in which case the buyer and owner of record complete Form VP 012 and a Bill of Sale to transfer ownership; a 2011 or newer vehicle requires the owner to obtain an actual paper title first	$20 when the vehicle stays in Nevada, plus an $8.25 title processing fee on a complete change of ownership
New Hampshire	Yes (for most cars; model year 1999 and older exempt)	the vehicle must have a model year of 1999 or older and not be a heavy truck or truck-tractor over 18,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, which must always be titled regardless of age	$35.00
New Jersey	yes	owner must obtain a duplicate title first; no age-based or condition-based exception	$60
New Mexico	yes	a replacement title must be obtained before sale, since there is no provision to sell a normal vehicle without a title, and a nonrepairable vehicle may only be conveyed to a licensed wrecker or recycler	$5.00
New York	yes	the car is worth $1,250 or less and at least 8 model years old and sold to a registered dismantler or scrap processor, or the car is a 1972-or-older model New York never titled	$20
North Carolina	yes	the car is 12 model years old or older, sold to a licensed salvage yard or secondary metals recycler for scrap or parts only, with no lien	$25.50
North Dakota	yes	a replacement title must be obtained before sale, since there is no provision to sell a normal vehicle without a title, a person applies for a new title with proof of ownership and for a vehicle 40 years or older a bill of sale or affidavit of ownership is accepted	$5.00
Ohio	yes	no exemption for old, junk, or non-running vehicles; the only paths are Form BMV 3770 for electronic titles, or a court-ordered title (ORC 4505.10) when no duplicate is possible	$18 statewide ($23 in some counties)
Oklahoma	yes	the vehicle is not within the last ten model years, not roadworthy, and not capable of repair, or it is being sold to a scrap metal dealer, and the title is lost, canceled, or otherwise not available	$11.00
Oregon	yes	A 2010 or older car can be transferred when the buyer marks the Replacement Oregon Title box on the title application, while a car appraised at $1,000 or less can be disposed of to a licensed dismantler without the title under ORS 819.280	Oregon does not charge a separate duplicate title fee. The title fee applies and starts at $101, varying by combined MPG rating up to $192 for all electric vehicles.
Pennsylvania	yes	vehicle must be a salvage vehicle (inoperable or unable to meet inspection standards where the cost of repairs would exceed the value of the repaired vehicle), located on the owner's property, and transferor must verify in writing that the vehicle is salvage; transfer must be to a licensed salvor or scrap metal processor	$72
Rhode Island	required, unless the vehicle is model year 2000 or older and was first registered to the seller before 1/1/2024	only vehicles model year 2000 or older first registered to the seller before 1/1/2024 can be sold without a title, the seller provides a bill of sale and valid proof of ownership such as an old registration or paid sales tax form, all other vehicles require the title or a duplicate	$53.50
South Carolina	required	a car can be sold without a title to a licensed demolisher or secondary metals recycler if all four conditions are met: the seller is the owner with the title lost or destroyed (or the vehicle is abandoned on the seller's property), the vehicle is twelve model years old or older, has no valid registration plate affixed, and has no engine or is otherwise totally inoperable	$15
South Dakota	yes	there is no exemption that lets a private seller transfer ownership without a title; the seller must first obtain a title, by duplicate if the title is lost, or under 32-3-64 if the vehicle is 11 model years or older with no existing record, or under 32-3-64.1 if it is older than 30 years with no record and no bill of sale	$10, plus a $2 technology fee
Tennessee	yes	vehicle must be 12+ years old, sold to a licensed dismantler or scrap metal processor for parts, dismantling, or scrap; 3-business-day waiting period before processing; ID, signature, and thumbprint collected at pickup	$14 (plus county fees)
Texas	yes	the car is 13+ years old, has been unregistered for 7+ years, and goes to a licensed used automotive parts recycler for parts, dismantling, or scrap only	$2 by mail / $5.45 in person
Utah	yes	For a lost Utah title, sign Part 1 and Part 2 of Form TC-123 and give it to the buyer in place of the original. For a vehicle with no Utah record, complete the Insufficient Evidence of Ownership process with an Ownership Statement and a possible surety bond.	$6.00
Vermont	Yes (for most cars; model year 2009 and older exempt)	The vehicle must be a 2009 or older model that was registered in the seller's name in Vermont before July 1, 2024. The seller provides the registration certificate as proof of ownership.	$42.00
Virginia	yes	Title required for all sales. Owner must apply for a duplicate (Form VSA 67) before selling, or use a junk buyer that handles the duplicate via Power of Attorney.	$14 online / $15 by mail
Washington	yes	a title is required for all sales; the Department of Licensing accepts an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest in place of the original paper title (no junk-specific exception)	$39.50
West Virginia	yes	not applicable, a lost title must be replaced with Form DMV-4-TR before the sale	$15.00
Wisconsin	required	private sellers must hold the title in their name or obtain a replacement before selling; only licensed dealers may sell a vehicle not titled in their name	$20.00
Wyoming	yes	a lost title must be replaced with a duplicate, or where ownership cannot be proven a title obtained through the affidavit of ownership or bonded title process, before the sale	$15.00
District of Columbia	DC requires a title for all private vehicle sales.	Licensed junkyards and online car buyers can still purchase with your ID and registration.	Contact DC DMV for current replacement title fees.

How to Sell a Car Without a Title: Your Options

If getting a replacement title isn’t possible or takes too long, you still have ways to sell your car. Your options depend on the car’s condition and how much time you want to spend.

1. Companies That Buy Cars Without Titles

Several online services buy cars without titles. They handle towing for free and take care of most of the paperwork. Here are the main ones:

Peddle: Buys cars in almost any condition nationwide. Has 4.7/5 on Trustpilot with 200,536 reviews. Free towing included.
Wheelzy: Buys vehicles with title issues and offers free towing. Rated 4.7/5 on Trustpilot.
CarBrain: Focuses on damaged vehicles, including those with title problems. Rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot.
Cash For Cars: Buys vehicles without titles in many states. Call (877) 748-6945 to check if they can buy in your area.

When getting a quote, answer “I can’t find my title” when asked about title status. These companies will tell you what other documents they need instead.

2. Apply for a Bonded Title

A bonded title is a way to prove you own a vehicle when you don’t have the original title. It’s available in most states and works like an insurance policy that protects future buyers.

To get one, you buy a surety bond for 1.5 to 2 times your car’s value from a bonding company. The bond usually costs about 1% to 3% of the bond amount. So for a car worth $4,000, you might pay around $80 to $120 for the bond itself.

The bond stays active for 3 to 5 years depending on your state. If nobody disputes your ownership during that time, the bond is released and you get a regular clean title. This is a good option if your car is worth enough to justify the time and cost.

3. Sell to a Junkyard or Scrap Buyer

Local junkyards and scrap metal dealers can often buy cars without titles, especially older or non-running vehicles. Many states have specific rules that let licensed recyclers purchase untitled vehicles under a certain value or age.

The downside is you’ll get scrap value only, which is based on the weight of the metal. Expect offers in the $100 to $500 range for most cars. But if you just need the car gone, this can be the fastest option.

4. Proving Ownership Without a Title

When selling without a title, you’ll need other documents to prove you own the car. Most buyers require at least 2 to 3 of these:

Valid government-issued ID matching the name on your other documents.
Vehicle registration in your name (current or expired). This is the most accepted proof of ownership after a title.
Insurance card showing your name and the vehicle info.
Bill of sale from when you bought the car.
Maintenance records with your name and the vehicle info.
Loan payoff documents if you financed the car and paid it off.
Sworn statement or affidavit explaining how you got the car and why you don’t have the title.

5. Donate the Vehicle

Some charities accept donated vehicles without titles, though each has its own rules. You may get a tax deduction, free pickup, and the car is gone without the hassle of finding a buyer.

Check directly with the charity before arranging anything. Their title requirements can change and vary by state.

Read more: Selling vs Donating the Car: What is the Difference?

6. Sell Car Parts Individually

If nothing else works, you can sell your car for parts. Individual parts like engines, transmissions, catalytic converters, and electronics don’t require title paperwork to sell.

This takes more time and effort, but can bring in more total money than selling the whole car as junk. It works best for cars with valuable components but poor overall condition.

Selling a Junk Car Without a Title

If your car is old, damaged, or doesn’t run, selling it without a title is usually easier than selling a newer car. Many junk car buyers are set up to handle untitled vehicles because most of the cars they buy end up at auction or get scrapped.

Online buyers like Peddle and Wheelzy are often the best choice for this. They give you an instant quote online, pick up the car for free, and handle all the paperwork. You just need your ID and registration.

Local junkyards are another option. Call a few in your area and ask if they buy cars without titles. Many do, especially for vehicles over 10 years old. Just be aware that local yards typically offer less than online buyers because they’re basing the price mostly on scrap metal weight.

Compare Instant Offers

0/17

What is a Bonded Title?

A bonded title is a special type of vehicle title issued when you can prove you own a car but don’t have the original title. The state issues the title, but requires you to buy a surety bond first as insurance against future ownership claims.

The surety bond is typically 1.5 to 2 times the car’s value. You don’t pay the full bond amount, though. You pay a premium of about 1% to 3%. For a car worth $4,000, the bond would be $6,000 to $8,000, and your cost would be roughly $80 to $120.

The bond stays active for 3 to 5 years. During that time, if someone comes forward with a legitimate ownership claim, the bond covers them. If nobody disputes it, the bond is released and your title converts to a regular clean title.

Bonded titles are available in most states but not all. Contact your state’s DMV to see if this option is available and what forms you’ll need.

What is Title Jumping and Why You Should Avoid It

Title jumping (also called title skipping) is when someone sells a car without putting their name on the title first. They just pass along the previous owner’s signed title to the new buyer.

This is illegal in every state. It’s used to avoid paying sales tax and registration fees, and it creates a broken chain of ownership that can cause real problems for the buyer down the road.

If someone offers to sell you a car with a title that’s not in their name, walk away. And if you’re selling, make sure the title is in your name before transferring it to a buyer.

FAQs About Selling a Car Without a Title

Is it illegal to sell a car without a title?

In most states, yes. Selling a titled vehicle without proper documentation is against the law. Penalties range from $500 to $1,000 in fines, and some states like Texas classify it as a misdemeanor.

Exceptions exist for very old vehicles in some states (see the state table above). Licensed junkyards and scrap dealers may also buy untitled vehicles under specific conditions set by state law.

Can I sell my car if I lost the title but still owe money on it?

No. If you still have a loan, the bank or finance company holds the title until the loan is paid off. You’ll need to contact your lender, arrange a payoff, and get the title released before you can sell.

Some buyers like Peddle or Wheelzy may help coordinate paying off the loan, but this is handled case by case.

Learn more: How to Sell a Financed Car

How do I sell a car if the title owner is deceased?

You’ll need a death certificate and proof of your right to sell. This usually means a will, probate documents, or court-issued letters testamentary showing you’re authorized to handle the estate.

Companies that buy cars without titles often have specific steps for handling estate vehicles. Expect a lower offer because of the extra paperwork involved.

Learn more: How to Sell a Car of a Deceased Person

Can I sell a car with only a bill of sale?

It depends on your state and the car’s age. Several states let you sell an older car with just a bill of sale and registration, including Alabama, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Georgia. Each state sets its own age cutoff, and some move it forward every year, so check the state table above for your exact rule.

For newer vehicles, most states require a proper title. Junkyards and online car buying services may accept a bill of sale along with registration and ID, but a private buyer usually won’t.

Will CarMax or Carvana buy cars without titles?

No. Both CarMax and Carvana require a valid title to buy your car. If you don’t have a title, these services won’t make an offer.

For cars without titles, you’ll need to use companies like Peddle, Wheelzy, CarBrain, or local junkyards instead.

Can I trade in a car without a title at a dealership?

Usually not. Most dealerships need a clean, properly documented title for any trade-in.

In rare cases, a dealer might accept a car without a title if they think they can get one through their own channels. But this is uncommon and you’d get a much lower trade-in value.

What happens if I buy a car without a title?

You’ll have trouble registering, insuring, and reselling the vehicle. In most states, you’ll need to get a bonded title, which means buying a surety bond and waiting 3 to 5 years for a clean title.

Some states won’t let you register a car without a title at all. That means you can’t legally drive it on public roads until you sort out the paperwork.

How do I sell a car with an electronic title?

Contact your state DMV to convert the electronic title to a paper title. Some states let you do this online. Others require an in-person visit.

The process usually involves verifying your identity, paying a small fee, and requesting a paper certificate that can be signed over to a buyer. It typically takes a few days to a few weeks.

What if my name isn’t on the title?

You can’t legally sell a vehicle unless your name is on the title. You’ll need to work with the titled owner to transfer ownership to you first.

Selling a vehicle titled to someone else can be considered fraud. If the previous owner is unavailable, you may need to go through a bonded title process or court order to establish ownership.

Can I sell a junk car without a title?

Yes, this is often the easiest type of car to sell without a title. Junkyards, scrap dealers, and online buyers like Peddle and Wheelzy regularly buy untitled junk cars.

You’ll need a valid ID and proof of ownership like a registration or insurance card. The offer will usually be based on the car’s scrap metal value, so expect less than you’d get with a title.

How can I check if my car has a title on file?

Contact your state’s DMV and give them your vehicle identification number (VIN). They can tell you if a title exists and who it’s issued to.

Some states offer online title searches. If a title exists but you don’t have it, you can apply for a replacement.

Can I get a duplicate title if I bought the car without one?

If you bought a car without receiving a title and the previous owner is unavailable, you’ll likely need a bonded title. This means buying a surety bond (usually 1.5 to 2 times the car’s value), completing special forms, and waiting through a holding period.

The bond protects anyone who might have a claim on the vehicle. After 3 to 5 years with no disputes, you get a clean title.

How much less money will I get selling a car without a title?

Expect to get a lot less than market value. A car worth $5,000 with a title might bring $2,000 to $3,500 without one. The buyer takes on extra risk and paperwork, which lowers their offer.

That’s why getting a replacement title first is almost always worth the small fee and wait. Even a low-cost replacement title could mean hundreds or thousands more in your pocket.

Can I sell a car with a lien and no title?

This is tough but sometimes possible. You’ll need to contact your lienholder for a payoff amount, then find a buyer willing to work with the situation.

The lien has to be paid off before or during the sale. Companies like Peddle and Wheelzy sometimes handle these cases, but expect a lower offer to cover the extra complexity.

What documents do I need to sell a car without a title?

At minimum, you’ll need a valid government-issued ID and vehicle registration in your name. A bill of sale and a sworn statement explaining the title situation are also helpful.

If the car was financed, you’ll also need a lien release.

What states don’t require a title to sell a car?

No state completely eliminates the title requirement, but several have exemptions for older vehicles. No state drops the title requirement completely, but several exempt older vehicles, including Alabama, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Georgia. Each sets its own age cutoff, so check the state table above for your state.

Arizona, Indiana, and Mississippi have value-based exemptions for lower-value vehicles. Check the state table at the top of this page for your specific state’s rules.

Article Update History

Fact-checked February 26, 2026

Title laws, fees, and forms for all 50 states and DC were fact-checked against official DMV websites. Recent changes to Vermont, Montana, and Maine rules are reflected in this update.

Published March 26, 2025

Originally posted and shared with our readers.

Tomas Gutauskas