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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 Florida
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.
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
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.
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
Step 5: Junk an abandoned vehicle
According to 2025 Florida Statutes, you must report abandoned vehicles to local law enforcement, who will then proceed in the following way:
- Once reported, law enforcement will contact the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to find the name and address of the owner (or any person who has filed a lien on the vehicle).
- If it’s easy to move, the vehicle is taken into custody. If it’s not, it’s left temporarily.
- If the owner is successfully located, the owner will be notified and given the opportunity to dispute the case.
- If the owner is not located or does not respond to the notice, the car is towed and put into storage. The owner can still claim the vehicle back, but must pay the appropriate fees.
- Law enforcement publishes a final public notice. If the owner does not respond, the authorities dispose of the car via an auction sale or junking or scrapping.
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 |
Step 6: 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.
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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