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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Fair Quote, Free Pickup, Fast Cash, Gone Today.
- Damaged Cars
- Mechanical Issues
- Broken Vehicles
- Non-starters
- Free Collection
- Fast & Easy Process
How to Junk Your Car With No Title in Alabama
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
Make sure you check title requirements before you apply for a replacement. In Alabama, the following will apply to you:
- Cars less than 12 years old: A title is required to junk or sell the vehicle.
- Cars 12 years old or older and worth $1000 or less: You do not need a title to junk the vehicle.
This guide explains more about Alabama’s car titling requirements, what happens if you don’t have a title, or what to do if your car is less than 12 years old.
In Alabama you can’t junk a car with no title, except in a few cases.
Step 3: Special Situations
Notice of Motor Vehicle Acquisition for Purpose of Dismantling or Recycling into Metallic Scrap (Form MVT 5-18): Vehicles 12 years old or older and worth $1000 or less can 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.
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 years old and you have no title, you’ll need to get a replacement or duplicate title, or transfer the name on the title 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.
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 5: How to junk your car
Step 1: Check your car’s title status online → National Motor Vehicle Title Information System
Step 2:
- If the car is less than 12 years old , you’ll need a replacement or duplicate title, or transfer the title (Form MVT-12-1).
- If the car is 12 years old or older and worth $1000 or less, you don’t need a title to junk it – just use 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: Give your license plates back to the DMV and make sure you cancel your car insurance.
FAQs
Q: Do I always need a title to junk a car in Alabama?
A: No. If your car is less than 12 years old, you’ll need the title. If your vehicle is 12 years old or older and worth $1000 or less, you can junk it without a title, but you’ll need to use Form MVT 5-18 to junk it.
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 vehicles 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.
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