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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How to Junk Your Car With No Title in Alabama
Reviewed by
Luke Oswald, Title Specialist
Fact-checked against Alabama Department of Revenue guidance
Last updated
If your car is 12 or more model years old and worth $1,000 or less, you can junk it without a title using Form MVT 5-18 (completed online by the buyer) and your ID. A bill of sale is recommended but not required.
Newer or higher-value cars need a title, but a replacement costs $15 plus a county agent fee and is usually issued the same day in person.
| Your car | Title needed? | What to use instead |
|---|---|---|
| 12+ model years old, worth $1,000 or less | No | Form MVT 5-18 (filed online by the buyer) plus your ID |
| 12+ model years old, worth more than $1,000 | Yes | Replacement title (Form MVT-12-1, $15 + agent fee) |
| Under 12 model years old | Yes | Replacement title (Form MVT-12-1) |
| Title not in your name | Yes | Title transfer into your name (Form MVT-12-1) |
SELL TO WHEELSAWAY
Missing your title? You can still junk your car for cash.
Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of selling your old car? Not sure what paperwork you need or how to get started? That’s what we’re here for.
We’ll confirm the paperwork you need — a duplicate title, title transfer or Alabama Form MVT 5-18 — before a buyer is booked.
- Free advice on replacing an Alabama title
- Competitive cash offers from local specialist dealers
- Free pickup across Alabama, paid on collection
Alabama Sellers Without a Title Trust Wheels Away
Step 1: Check the title status
Want to junk your car with no title? To check your title status and determine whether you need a replacement or duplicate title, you can use the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS).
Step 2: Check requirements
Check the title requirements before applying for a replacement. In Alabama:
- Cars less than 12 model years old or worth more than $1,000: A title is generally required to junk or sell the vehicle.
- Cars 12 model years old or older and worth $1,000 or less: You may not need a title to junk the vehicle.
This guide explains Alabama title requirements, what to do if your title is missing, and which options may apply to your vehicle.
Step 3: Special Situations
Notice of Motor Vehicle Acquisition for Purpose of Dismantling or Recycling into Metallic Scrap (Form MVT 5-18): Vehicles 12 model years old or older and worth $1,000 or less may be junked using this form instead of a title.
A bill of sale is recommended, but not required. Keep copies of all appropriate documentation, as this can make the process quicker and easier.
Note: This form cannot be downloaded. It must be completed electronically on the scrap portal, which can be accessed via the Motor Vehicle Title Registration & Insurance Portal.
Once the vehicle is accepted for dismantling or recycling, the buyer reports it through the SCRAP system. This helps update the vehicle record and creates a record of the transaction, so keeping your own copies is still important.
Need help? Get in touch with us today! Our team will handle the paperwork for you and help locate the best buyer for your car.
Step 4: Apply for a Car Title in Alabama
If your vehicle is less than 12 model years old or worth more than $1,000, you’ll generally need a replacement or duplicate title, or transfer the title into your name, before you can junk it.
1. Apply for a Replacement or Duplicate Title, or Transfer Title
- Use Form MVT-12-1.
- Cost: $15 + agent fee (Agent fee varies by county – check with your local DMV for more information)
- Options:
-
- In person – at the Alabama Department of Revenue. Same day processing.
- Online – via the MVTRIP portal. Can take between 10-15 days.
Step 5: Junk an abandoned car in Alabama
In Alabama, you must go through the following process to junk an abandoned car:
- The vehicle must be reported to the Alabama Department of Revenue via the unclaimed/abandoned vehicle portal. Note: you will need a MyDMV account to access this portal.
- You must use the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) to determine which state the vehicle is registered or titled in and comply with that state’s reporting processes.
- A Notice of Possession must then be sent to the lienholder or registered owner.
- Notice of Public Auction must then be submitted via the unclaimed/abandoned vehicle portal. Within 5 days of receipt of the auction notice, the lienholder or current owner will be sent a Notice of Termination, which they may contest.
- After 35 days of the Notice of Public Auction, the vehicle may be sold as abandoned.
Costs and Timelines at a Glance
| Service | Cost | Processing Time |
| Duplicate or Replacement Title, or Title Transfer (online) | $15 | 10-15 business days |
| Duplicate or New Title, or Title Transfer (in person) | $15 + agent fee (varies by county) | Same day |
| Form MVT-5-18 (to junk without a title) | Free | Several business days |
Step 6: How to junk your car: the full process
Step 1: Check your car’s title status online → National Motor Vehicle Title Information System
Step 2:
- If the car is less than 12 model years old or worth more than $1,000, you’ll generally need a replacement or duplicate title, or transfer the title into your name.
- If the car is 12 model years old or older and worth $1,000 or less, you may be able to junk it without a title using Form MVT 5-18.
Step 3: Contact us for a free junk car quote.
Step 4: Provide your ID, the vehicle’s title (if required), or other relevant paperwork.
Step 5: Accept the offer you’re happy with and complete the sale – we’ll collect your vehicle free of charge!
Step 6: Remove your license plate, then choose whether to keep, surrender, or transfer it to another vehicle. Cancel your vehicle insurance once the plate has been handled.
FAQs
Q: Do I always need a title to junk a car in Alabama?
A: Not always. If your car is less than 12 model years old or worth more than $1,000, you’ll generally need a title.
If your vehicle is 12 model years old or older and worth $1,000 or less, you may be able to junk it without a title using Form MVT 5-18.
Q: Can I junk a financed car without a title?
A: No – you cannot junk a car without the permission of the lienholder. You’ll usually need to pay the outstanding loan first.
Q: Do I need my registration to junk my car?
A: No, not always. If you can prove ownership with the vehicle’s title, this is usually enough.
Q: Can I junk a car that’s not in my name?
A: No. You’ll need to change the title so it’s in your name. Contact your local DMV or relevant authority for more information.
Q: Will junkyards accept cars with no paperwork at all?
A: Sometimes – it depends on the age of the vehicle you’re junking. Talk to your junkyard for more information.
From surrendering your license plates to junking an inherited car, get all the forms, tips and expert support you need to junk a car in AL. Need to junk a car with no title in Alabama? Discover state requirements, and how Wheels Away can support you through the process. Scrap car prices in Alabama explained – see how offers are made, why it’s good for the planet, and what parts are most valuable.
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