Can You Scrap A Car With No Keys Or Title?

So you’ve got a car that’s reached the end of its life – maybe it’s old, maybe it’s wrecked. Either way, it’s time for this vehicle to be hauled off to the junkyard. So what’s the problem? Well, you’ve lost the keys… and the title!

But wait! Is that really a problem? Can you still junk your car even with no keys and no title? Wheelsaway answers your questions below.

Junking A Car Without Keys

Yes, you can junk your car without keys in most places. Some junkyards may not accept a vehicle without keys, but we have a whole bunch on our system that will, so you can get a quote from Wheelsaway no matter what. Check out the following section for more information.

How To Junk A Car Without Keys

Junking a car without keys could be tricky, but NOT if you sell it with Wheelsaway! All you need to do is tell us that you’re missing the keys to the vehicle when getting a quote and we’ll get you offers from buyers who can deal with that, no problem. Your buyer might need to use specialized equipment, especially if your car is locked with the brake on, but they’ll take it away and pay you all the same.

My Car Is Junk! Why Do Keys Even Matter?

It’s not so much about getting the engine running, but more about getting the doors open. This is because it can make manoeuvring the vehicle into position for hauling so much easier if the steering wheel can be moved and the brake can be taken off. If your car can roll, pickup & removal becomes a breeze.

Keys are also more important if you’re selling your car as salvage instead of junk. These salvage cars might actually be rebuilt and returned to the road in working order, so having a key ready to go is helpful.

Having the keys in your possession also kind of proves that the vehicle is actually yours. However, that’s where the title comes in… more on that below.

Junking A Car Without A Title

Now, this is where things can become a little more complicated but RELAX! It’s really common across the U.S. for drivers to not have their car’s title.

Some people can junk their vehicle without a title, but others won’t be able to. The thing is, it all depends on which state you’re in. Some states, like Minnesota, New York, Oregon, and Kentucky, allow cars to be junked with no title, no problem. Other states say ‘no way’ to junking without a title and simply won’t allow it – looking at you, Colorado, Ohio, New Mexico, Pennsylvania…

Most states, however, sit somewhere in the middle. You can junk your vehicle without a title, but it’s more difficult to do so and there are lots requirements. For example, junking a car in Florida can only be done without a title if the vehicle is more than 10 years old, is worth less than $1,000, and if you have obtained a Derelict Vehicle Certificate. Don’t meet those oddly-specific criteria? You’ll need a title!

Why Is The Title Needed To Junk A Car?

If you need to junk your car but can’t because you don’t have the title, you’re probably pretty frustrated. We get that, and we’re here to help make the junking process as stress-free as possible for you. So let’s quickly explain why the title is so important.

Ultimately, it’s down to proof of vehicle ownership. We can’t just haul away any old car without knowing for sure that the person selling it is actually the owner! Our buyers need to know that whoever they’re handing over the cash (or check) to actually has the legal right to sell that vehicle.

For this reason, even the states that do allow title-less sales will still need you to present some form of ID. Overall, some states are way less thorough regarding paperwork than others.

I Don’t Have My Car Title! How Can I Junk It Without?

Again, there are different requirements from state to state. Check out your local DMV website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Generally, doing so requires filling in a whole bunch of other forms, and as we mentioned above, it’s often just about being lucky enough to meet some obscure criteria. You can contact us here at Wheelsaway and we’ll do our best to help you out, whatever situation you’re in.

But there is a much easier way…

Why You Should Get a Replacement Title

Getting a replacement title will make the whole process of selling your car so much simpler, whatever state you’re in, and the good news is that it doesn’t even cost a lot of money or take a lot of effort. Most states will allow you to apply for a replacement (or duplicate) title online, by phone, or even by mail. You could even take a trip to your local DMV office and get a new title instantly!

The fees are usually pretty low, too. A new title can be obtained in Texas for as little as $2, while many other states will charge you around $15 for a replacement document. Pennsylvania is a real outlier, though – a new title there will set you back $72!

Having this document to hand proves that you really are the rightful owner of the vehicle and that you are legally allowed to sell it. It’s a guaranteed way to avoid fraud, which gives a buyer much more confidence when they’re thinking of handing over a large sum of cash to you. In short, it legitimizes the entire process.

It also provides more insight into the vehicle’s history, which is great for the buyer. Depending on the state requirements around titles, you might even get offered more money for your vehicle if you have the title!

Junking A Car With No Keys & No Title

It is possible to junk a car with no keys AND no title, and we will always try to find you a buyer and make this happen. However, it does make things a little more complex.

Junking your vehicle with no keys isn’t so hard, but as we’ve talked about above, doing so without a title can (and in many cases will) complicate things further. The best thing to do in this situation is to get a replacement title for your vehicle. We’ve talked above about how to do this. It’s pretty easy, cheap, and will make your life a whole lot easier when trying to sell your car as junk or salvage.

If you’re set on not replacing that title though, and you’re in a state that doesn’t require one to junk it, get a quote with Wheelsaway today. Let us know that you’re missing the keys and title, then we’ll do our thing and get you a great price, no matter what.

FAQs

Is A ‘Pink Slip’ The Same As A Title?

Yes. ‘Pink slip’ is a slang term for the ‘Certificate of Title’ for a vehicle. Basically, it’s the proof of ownership for any car and some states (see above) don’t allow you to junk your vehicle without one.

Can I Get Paid Cash For My Car?

Yes. You can request to be paid in cash when your vehicle in picked up. But, most of our buyers prefer to pay by check. This is simply for personal safety reasons – they will make multiple collections per day, so they’d need to carry thousands of dollars in their truck! Check payments remove this concern.