FAQs
Need to junk your car in Colorado? Our FAQ explains the title laws, paperwork, and steps so you know exactly what to expect.
Instant Cash Offer For Your Vehicle
Fair Quote, Free Pickup, Fast Cash, Gone Today.
- Damaged Cars
- Mechanical Issues
- Broken Vehicles
- Non-starters
- Free Collection
- Fast & Easy Process
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 Colorado
Step 1: Check the title status
Ready to junk your car without a title? Before you apply for a new title, head over to the Colorado DMV website to check your car’s title. If you’ve purchased a vehicle without one, this will help you clarify some important information about your old ride. If you’ve lost yours, it’ll help you get the information you need to junk one.
Step 2: Check requirements
Some states allow you to junk a car without a title, but in others, you’ll always need one, or you’ll only be able to junk a vehicle that’s above a certain age.
In Colorado, you need a title to junk a vehicle of any age.
In this guide, we’ll tell you how you can get your hands on a replacement or duplicate title, how to transfer a title, and what process to follow if you’re trying to junk an abandoned vehicle.
Step 4: Apply for a Car Title in Colorado
If your vehicle is less than 12 years old and you have no title, you’ll need to get a replacement or duplicate title, apply for a bonded title, or transfer the name on the title before you can junk it without a title.
1. Apply for a Replacement or Duplicate Title, or Transfer a Title
Note: Form DR-2539A can also be used to transfer a title unless the vehicle is out of state. In this case, use Form DR-2698.
- Use Form DR-2539A.
- Cost: $8.20
- Options:
- In person – at any Colorado County Motor Vehicle Office. Can take between 3-14 business days.
- Online – via the Colorado DMV portal. Can take between 3-14 business days.
- Mail – Up to 30 days. Applications should be sent to:
Colorado Department of Revenue
Division of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 173350
Denver, CO
80217-3350
2. Apply for a bonded title
In Colorado, you can also apply for a bonded title if you don’t have the vehicle’s title, or the details on the original title are incorrect, and the vehicle cannot be transacted on.
The vehicle must be inspected, and a certified VIN Inspection Form (DR-2704) and Verification of Vehicle Identification Number (DR-2698) must be completed by the inspector.
You must submit Form DR-2489A, DR-2704, and DR-2698 with all applications; however, multiple forms may be required. Please refer to the guidance on Form DR-2922 to determine which forms are relevant to you.
- Have the vehicle inspected, and have the inspector submit Form DR-2704. Complete Form DR-2489A and Form DR-2698 and supply any additional documents, as per Form DR-2922, if required.
- Cost: Certified VIN inspection cost: $54, vehicle search fees $0.55-$2.25. Other fees may be required.
- Options:
Form DR-2489A – mail or in person at your local DMV office Forms DR-2704 and DR-2698 will be completed by an inspector.
Costs and Timelines at a Glance
| Service | Cost | Processing Time |
| Duplicate or Replacement Title (online) | $8.20 | 3-14 business days |
| Duplicate or Replacement title (in person) | $8.20 | 3-14 business days |
| Duplicate or Replacement title (mail) | $8.20 | Up to 30 business days |
| Bonded title | $54.55-$56.25 + additional fees (if relevant) | Up to 3 weeks |
Step 5: How to junk your car
Step 1: Check your car’s title status online → Colorado Department of Revenue.
Step 2:
- Apply for a replacement or duplicate title, or transfer the title (Form DR-2539A), or Form DR-2698 to transfer an out of state vehicle.
- Apply for a bonded title (see guidance in Form DR-2922).
Step 3: Get in touch with Wheelsaway for your free junk car quote. We buy junk cars without a title!
Step 4: Provide your ID (such as your driver’s license), the vehicle’s title (if needed), and any other required paperwork.
Step 5: Review your offers, accept the one you want, and complete the sale with us – we collect your vehicle for free!
Step 6: Return your license plates to your local DMV and cancel your car insurance.
FAQs
Q: Do I always need a title to junk a car in Colorado?
A: Yes – you need a title to junk a vehicle of any age, anywhere in Colorado. If you don’t have a title, you can apply for a replacement or duplicate title, or a bonded title.
Q: Can I junk a financed car without a title?
A: Not legally, unless the lienholder (finance company) signs off or you first get a valid title in your name. Colorado requires proof of ownership and that any liens are satisfied or released before a vehicle can be junked or retitled as salvage.
Q: Do I need my registration to junk my car?
A: No – registration itself is not usually required to junk a car in Colorado, but proof of ownership (the title) is.
Q: Can I junk a car that’s not in my name?
A: No. You’ll need to prove ownership of a vehicle before you can junk it. Contact your local DMV for more information.
Q: Will junkyards accept cars with no paperwork at all?
A: Sometimes – it depends on the individual junkyard and the age of the vehicle.
Ready to Get Cash for Your Junk Car?
Get a free, instant quote in minutes!
✔ Top-dollar offers for your junk car
✔ Free same-day pickup & towing
✔ No paperwork hassle—we handle everything!
Junk Car Prices
Junk car prices in Colorado explained – learn what affects the offer, why scrapping helps the environment, and the top valuable parts.
Missing Car Title
Need to junk your car in Colorado but don’t have a title? Learn what alternatives exist and how to complete the process.
How To Scrap A Car
Many people struggle with the question, ‘How to junk a car?’ Don’t worry—you don’t need to be an expert to make the process simple, profitable, and stress-free.