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Junk Car FAQs: Louisiana

Have questions about junking a car in Louisiana? You’ve come to the right spot! This FAQ answers all the key questions about junk cars – whether you can sell a vehicle without a title or keys, how liens impact the process, and the proper way to handle your license plates. Whether you’re looking to scrap an old car, register an out-of-state vehicle, or surrender your plates correctly, you’ll find straightforward answers here.


Cash in on your old car today! Get an online quote from Wheelsaway – we’ll provide a fair price and take care of the pickup at no cost. Just tell us when and where to collect your vehicle.

Getting rid of your car is easy – we take care of it all! Simply provide a few details online or by phone, and we’ll match you with a trusted local Louisiana junkyard offering a competitive price. Accept the offer, and you’re ready to schedule your free pickup.

In 2024, the average junk car was worth between $100 and $500, and by January 2025, values had risen to a range of $145–$682.

FAQ Louisiana graphic

In Louisiana, you’ll need to pay an initial registration fee, title fee and other potential registration fees when you first register the car in the state. You’ll then need to renew the registration every 2 years. Renewal costs vary depending on the vehicles weight and type. You will also have to pay additional parish fees based on the vehicles registered parish. 

For more information on fees and timelines, visit the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.

Most licensed junkyards will accept cars without keys, but you’ll still need the title, as it’s typically required for the buyer to take legal ownership of the vehicle.

Yes — but only in specific circumstances. In Louisiana, nearly all junkyards and buyers need a valid title to complete a vehicle transfer. If your title is lost, the safest option is to obtain a duplicate from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) by submitting Form DPSMV-1799.

For a detailed guide on junking a car without a title in Louisiana, head over to our blog.

junk car faq louisiana

Registering a car in Louisiana from another state? You first need Louisiana auto insurance and a VIN inspection. Then gather your out-of-state title, proof of ID, proof of insurance, and the required registration forms. 

Visit your local OMV office to submit these documents, pay the applicable sales tax and registration fees, and receive your Louisiana license plate and registration! Some parishes may also require you to surrender your old plates.

Wheelsaway takes the stress out of salvaging your car. Simply provide a few key details about your vehicle, and we’ll assess whether it’s fit for salvage. If it holds value, we’ll handle the salvage process for you—offering the same hassle-free service, including free pickup and instant payment by cash or check.

Some junkyards will buy vehicles with existing liens, but the lien must be cleared before the sale is finalized. This usually involves paying off the lienholder, often using the sale proceeds, as long as the lienholder agrees.

Maximize the value of your scrap car with Wheelsaway! Get competitive offers and take advantage of free pickup anywhere in the state. Whether your car is junk or salvage, we make selling it fast, easy, and stress-free.

Surrendering your license plates in Louisiana is simple. Visit the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website, complete the ‘cancel your vehicle license plate’ form, and submit. As for the physical plates, you don’t have to return them to the office, just make sure they’re destroyed to prevent unauthorized reuse.

Yes you can, but you’ll probably be expected to prove ownership with other documentation, such as the car title.

You can only proceed once the lien (the title loan) is resolved. A clean title can’t be transferred to a junkyard or buyer while the lender still holds a lien. In practical terms, this means you must either pay off the lender yourself or arrange for the buyer or junkyard to settle the lien directly before the car can be junked and ownership officially transferred.

Do I Need a Bill of Sale to Junk a Car?

According to the State of Louisiana, a bill of sale can be used as evidence of the disposal of a vehicle; however, it’s not compulsory. Other documents, such as the vehicle’s title and a signed statement from the owner, can also be used.

What Happens to My Car After I Junk It?

When a car reaches the end of its life, functional components are salvaged for resale or recycling, dangerous fluids are extracted safely, and the remaining metal is recycled. Non-recyclable items are handled correctly, ensuring the vehicle is broken down and reused rather than dumped.

How Do I Tow a Car to a Junkyard?

The easiest option is to hire a service like Wheelsaway, which can tow your car for you. No matter its condition or location, we have the equipment to safely remove it and take it to the junkyard.

Can You Register a Car with a Salvage Title in Louisiana?

No. A vehicle with a salvage title must be rebuilt, pass inspection, and receive a rebuilt title before it can be registered in the state of Louisiana.

No – the vehicle must be free of any liens before it can be junked.

A Junk Vehicle Affidavit is a legal document that allows a vehicle to be transported to a salvage yard. It provides proof of authorization when the vehicle’s title, salvage title, or Certificate of Destruction is missing. These affidavits are not required in every state. In Louisiana, a Crushed Vehicle Affidavit is used instead.


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junk car faq louisiana

FAQs

Junking a car in Louisiana is easier when you know the rules. Our FAQ covers titles, salvage certificates, and more!

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Junk Car Prices

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