FAQs
Ready to junk your vehicle in Alabama? Our FAQ explains everything from junking without keys and titles to how the process works.
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- Damaged Cars
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- Broken Vehicles
- Non-starters
- Free Collection
- Fast & Easy Process
Junk Car FAQs: Alabama
If you’re considering junking a vehicle in Alabama, this FAQ breaks it down! Here, you’ll learn the rules around selling without a title or keys, how liens may affect the process, the correct steps for handling license plates, and more.
Quick Navigation
How Do I Junk My Car?
What’s The Process For Junking My Car?
How Much Can I Get for Junking My Car?
What Are Alabama Car Registration Fees?
Can I Junk a Car Without Keys?
Can You Junk a Car Without a Title in Alabama?
What Are the Steps for Registering a Car in Alabama If It’s Out of State?
How Do I Salvage a Car In Alabama?
Who Buys Junk Cars With Liens Near Me?
How Can I Scrap a Car For The Most Money?
How Do I Surrender My License Plates In Alabama?
Can I Junk a Car With Expired Registration In Alabama?
Is It Possible to Junk a Vehicle That Has a Title Loan?
Do I Need a Bill of Sale to Junk a Car?
What Happens To My Car After I Junk It?
How Do I Tow a Car To a Junkyard?
Can You Register a Car With a Salvage Title In Alabama?
Can I Junk a Car With a Lien on It?
What Is a Junk Vehicle Affidavit and How Do I Use It?
How Do I Junk My Car?
Don’t let that old car sit around—turn it into cash today! Contact Wheelsaway today for an instant quote online. We’ll pay a fair price and tow it away for free, right from your driveway at a time that works for you.
What’s The Process For Junking My Car?
We make car removal hassle-free. Provide basic information about your vehicle, and we’ll link you with a licensed junkyard in Alabama that offers a competitive quote. Approve the deal, and schedule your complimentary pickup at your convenience.
How Much Can I Get for Junking My Car?
Your payout can vary, but recent stats indicate that in 2024, the typical junk car sold for around $100 to $500. By January 2025, that range had risen to approximately $145–$682.
What Are Alabama Car Registration Fees?
In Alabama, new vehicles must be registered and titled within 20 days. To register a new vehicle, you’ll need the title and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A vehicle inspection may also be required. Fees vary depending on the type and weight of the vehicle. License plates will need to be renewed annually.
Can I Junk a Car Without Keys?
Most junkyards accept vehicles without keys, but a valid title is typically necessary for the legal transfer of ownership.
Can You Junk a Car Without a Title in Alabama?
Yes, but only in specific situations. In Alabama, vehicles that are at least 12 years old and valued at $1,000 or less can be junked without a title by submitting Form MVT 5-18 through the SCRAP section of the Motor Vehicle Title Registration & Insurance Portal. Vehicles younger than 12 years must have a title.
For a detailed walkthrough on how to junk a car without a title in Alabama, see our full guide.
What Are The Steps for Registering a Car in Alabama If It’s Out of State?
If you’re registering or licensing a car in Alabama from out of state, guidance may vary depending on whether your vehicle has a lien or whether it’s leased. Generally, you’ll always be expected to provide ID, the car title, the VIN number, the mileage certified, the registration from your previous state, and Alabama insurance.
For more information, contact the Alabama Department of Revenue.
How Do I Salvage a Car in Alabama?
Salvaging your car has never been easier with Wheelsaway. Just share a few details about your vehicle, and we’ll determine its salvage value. If it’s worth something, we’ll take care of everything – free pickup, quick payment, and a completely hassle-free process.
Who Buys Junk Cars with Liens Near Me?
Certain junkyards will buy cars even if there’s an outstanding lien, but the lien must be cleared before the transaction is completed. This usually involves paying off the lienholder, often directly from the sale proceeds, with their consent.
How Can I Scrap a Car for the Most Money?
Wheelsaway helps you get the best value for your scrap car. With free pickup across the state and competitive offers, selling your junk or salvage vehicle has never been easier or more convenient.
How Do I Surrender My License Plates in Alabama?
You’ll be asked to voluntarily surrender your license plates to your local Vehicle Licensing Office. If you receive an MLI verification notice but your vehicle is registered in another state, go to MyDMV to respond online. Upload proof of your out-of-state registration or title to complete the revocation process.
Can I Junk a Car with Expired Registration in Alabama?
Yes, you can junk a car with an expired registration in Alabama.
Is It Possible to Junk a Vehicle That Has a Title Loan?
Usually not. A title loan creates a lien, which must be cleared before a junkyard or buyer can take ownership. To junk the vehicle, you’ll need to either pay off the loan, have the junkyard pay the lender directly, or get written permission from the lender to scrap it. Attempting to junk a car with an active lien can lead to legal or financial complications.
Do I Need a Bill of Sale to Junk a Car?
In Alabama, a bill of sale can sometimes be used to prove ownership of the vehicle when you do not have a title. In other states, it’s not always necessary, but always recommended as proof of the transaction and to prevent you from any future liability.
What Happens to My Car After I Junk It?
The junking process involves removing and reselling or recycling usable parts, draining hazardous fluids according to safety standards, and crushing the vehicle body for metal recycling. Remaining non-recyclable materials are disposed of in compliance with environmental regulations.
How Do I Tow a Car to a Junkyard?
Don’t worry about towing it yourself – Wheelsaway can take care of everything. We’ll come to you, safely load your vehicle, and transport it to the junkyard, even if it’s not running or easily accessible.
Can You Register a Car with a Salvage Title in Alabama?
In Alabama, you cannot register a car with a salvage title. To register the vehicle, it must first be rebuilt, inspected and issued with a rebuilt title.
Can I Junk a Car with a Lien on It?
Not until the lien is resolved. You must pay off the lender or have the junkyard handle the payoff before selling. The DMV requires proof that the lien is cleared to transfer ownership legally.
What Is a Junk Vehicle Affidavit and How Do I Use It?
A Junk Vehicle Affidavit is an official form that permits a vehicle to be taken to a salvage yard. It serves as proof of permission when the car’s title, salvage title, or Certificate of Destruction is not available. In Alabama, a Junk Vehicle Affidavit is not used. However, if no living owner or lienholder for the vehicle exists, you’ll need to sign an Affidavit of Heirship.
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