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How to Junk Your Car With no Title in Florida

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Step 1: Check the title status

Check the car title status for your car. Here you can find an electronic version of the title before confirming whether you require a duplicate, or brand new title. 


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Step 2: Check requirements

Junking a car in Florida but don’t have the title? Before you begin replacing the title, make sure you need one.  

  • Cars less than 10 years old: A title is required before you can junk or sell them to a salvage yard.
  • Cars 10 years or older: A title is not required to junk the vehicle in Florida.

The following guide explains Florida’s requirements, what to do if you’re missing your title, and your car is less than 10 years old.


Florida law makes a clear distinction on needing a title based on the vehicles age, but there are some other special circumstances where a title isn’t needed

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Step 3: Special Situations

  • Derelict Vehicle Certificate (Form HSMV 82137): Vehicles 10 years old or newer and worth less than $1,000 may be junked with this form instead of a title.
  • Certificate of Destruction (Form HSMV 82363): Salvage yards can sometimes handle cars with this certificate once you transfer ownership.

If you fall into either of these groups, call us today. We can confirm your documents and arrange a specialist buyer for your car for you free of charge.


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Step 4: Apply for a Car Title in Florida

If your car is under 10 years old and you’ve lost, or never had a title, you’ll need to request a new or duplicate one before junking it.

1. Apply for a Duplicate Title

  • Use Form HSMV 82042.
  • Cost: $75.25.
  • Options:
    • By mail – 2 to 4 weeks processing.
    • Online via MyDMV portal – about 6 business days plus mailing time.

In person at your county tax collector’s office – add $10 for “Fast Title” and get it the same day.

2. Apply for a New Title (if the vehicle was never titled in your name)

  • Use Form HSMV 82040.
  • Cost: $75.25.
  • Same processing times as above

Costs and Timelines at a Glance

Service Cost Processing Time
Duplicate or New Title $75.25 2–4 weeks (mail)
Fast Title Service (in-person) +$10 Same day
Online Portal Application $75.25 ~6 business days + mail

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Step 5: How to junk your car

Step 1: Check your car’s title status online → FLHSMV Title Check

Step 2:

  • If the car is 10 years or newer, apply for a duplicate or new title (Form 82042 or 82040).
  • If the car is older than 10 years, you can junk it without a title.

Step 3: Get a free junk car quote here

Step 4: Provide your valid ID, the title (if required), or other paperwork such as a derelict certificate.

Step 5: Complete the sale — our collection is always free.

Step 6: Return your license plates to the DMV and cancel your car insurance.


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FAQs

Q: Do I always need a title to junk a car in Florida?
A
: No. Only cars less than 10 years old require a title. Older cars can be junked without one.

Q: Can I junk a financed car without a title?
A:
No. Any lien on the car must be paid off and released first.

Q: Do I need my registration to junk my car?
A:
Not always. If your car is 10+ years old, a junkyard may still ask for registration or proof of ownership.

Q: Can I junk a car that’s not in my name?
A:
Only if you have a properly signed-over title or legal proof of ownership.

Q: Will junkyards accept cars with no paperwork at all?
A:
Sometimes, if the vehicle is 10+ years old. For newer cars, paperwork is required.


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