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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How to Junk Your Car With No Title in Louisiana
Reviewed by
Luke Oswald, Title Specialist
Fact-checked against Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles guidance
Last updated
If your car is no longer drivable and is mainly being sold for parts or scrap, you may be able to junk it without a title using an Auto Hulk Affidavit (Form DPSMV 1801). The buyer confirms whether your vehicle qualifies.
Roadworthy cars need a title, but a duplicate costs $68.50 plus an $8 handling fee and takes 7–10 business days in person, or the next day for an extra $10.
| Your car | Title needed? | What to use instead |
|---|---|---|
| No longer drivable, being sold for parts or scrap | Usually not | Auto Hulk Affidavit (Form DPSMV 1801), if the buyer accepts it |
| Still roadworthy, title lost or missing | Yes | Duplicate title (Form DPSMV 1799, $68.50 + $8 handling fee) |
| Title not in your name | Yes | Title transfer into your name (Form DPSMV 1697, $76.50 + taxes) |
| Abandoned car on your property | Can’t be junked without a title | Report it to local law enforcement, who will remove it |
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Missing your title? You can still junk your car for cash.
Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of selling your old car? Not sure what paperwork you need or how to get started? That’s what we’re here for.
We’ll confirm the paperwork you need — a duplicate title, title transfer or Louisiana Auto Hulk Affidavit (Form DPSMV 1801) — before a buyer is booked.
- Free advice on replacing a Louisiana title
- Competitive cash offers from local specialist dealers
- Free pickup across Louisiana, paid on collection
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Step 1: Check the title status
Want to junk your car for cash with no title? Check your title status online to determine whether you need a replacement or duplicate title, or if you need to transfer the title.
Step 2: Check requirements
Before applying for a duplicate title, check which option may apply to your vehicle.
- If your vehicle is still roadworthy: You will generally need the title to complete the sale.
- If the car is no longer drivable and is mainly being sold for parts or scrap, it may qualify for an Auto Hulk Affidavit (Form DPSMV 1801) instead of a title. A licensed dismantler or scrap processor will need to confirm whether the form can be used for your vehicle.
Step 3: Special Situations
If your vehicle is no longer drivable and is mainly being sold for parts or scrap, an Auto Hulk Affidavit (Form DPSMV 1801) may be accepted instead of the title.
The buyer will need to confirm whether the form can be used for your vehicle and what paperwork is needed.
Step 4: Apply for a Car Title in Louisiana
If your vehicle is still roadworthy and you don’t have a title, you’ll need to request a replacement or duplicate one, or transfer the title into your name before junking it.
1. Apply for a Replacement or Duplicate Title
- Use Form DPSMV 1799.
- Cost: $68.50 + $8 Office of Motor Vehicles handling fee (add up to $18 if using a Public Tag Agent)
- Options:
- By mail – up to 30 days.
- In person – at the Office of Motor Vehicles. 7-10 business days.
Next-day processing is available for duplicate titles for a $10 fee.
- By mail – up to 30 days.
2. Transfer a Title (if the vehicle was never titled in your name)
If you bought the car but never transferred the title into your name, apply for a new title using the Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1799). Bring the title signed over to you by the previous owner, a bill of sale, and your photo ID. Louisiana requires both the signed title and the bill of sale to be notarized. The fee is $68.50 plus an $8 handling fee ($76.50), plus any sales tax due. Processing times are similar to a duplicate title.
- Use Form DPSMV 1697.
- Cost: $68.50 title fee + $8 handling fee ($76.50), plus any sales tax due
- Same processing times as above
Step 5: Junk an abandoned vehicle
According to Louisiana law, you cannot junk an abandoned vehicle without a title, but you can report it to local law enforcement who will dispose of it for you.
- Report the vehicle to Louisiana law enforcement.
- Once it’s confirmed as abandoned, law enforcement will attempt to make contact with the owner and place an official notice on the vehicle.
- If the car isn’t removed within the timeframe specified on the notice (usually 24 hours), the vehicle will be removed.
Costs and Timelines at a Glance
| Service | Cost | Processing Time |
| Duplicate or Replacement Title | $68.50 + $8 handling fee | Up to 30 days (mail) |
| In person application | $68.50 + $8 handling fee | 7-10 business days |
| Transfer title | $76.50 ($68.50 + $8 handling fee), plus sales tax | Processing time may vary |
Junking Your Car in Louisiana, Step by Step
Step 1: Check your car’s title status online → Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Step 2: Check which paperwork applies to your vehicle.
- If your vehicle is still roadworthy, you will generally need a valid title. If yours is missing or needs to be transferred, you may need to apply for a duplicate or complete a title transfer.
- If your vehicle is no longer drivable and is mainly being sold for parts or scrap, you may be able to use an Auto Hulk Affidavit (Form DPSMV 1801) instead of the title.
Step 3: Get a free junk car quote from Wheels Away
Step 4: Provide your ID, the vehicle’s title (if required), or other paperwork.
Step 5: Accept an offer and complete the sale – we’ll collect your vehicle for free.
Step 6: Cancel or surrender your Louisiana license plate with the OMV before ending your vehicle insurance. For step-by-step guidance, visit our Louisiana License Plate Surrender Guide.
FAQs
Q: Do I always need a title to junk a car in Louisiana?
A: If the vehicle is no longer drivable and its main value is for parts or scrap, an Auto Hulk Affidavit (DPSMV 1801) may be accepted instead. The buyer will need to confirm whether the affidavit can be used for your vehicle.
Q: Can I junk a financed car without a title?
A: No – you can’t junk a car without the lienholder’s permission. Typically, the outstanding loan will need to be paid off first.
Q: Do I need my registration to junk my car?
A: No. As long as you can prove ownership with the vehicle title, you don’t need the registration.
Q: Can I junk a car that’s not in my name?
A: No. You’ll need to transfer the title to your name to prove ownership.
Q: Will junkyards accept cars with no paperwork at all?
A: Rarely. You’ll usually need either the title or, if the car is no longer drivable and is mainly being sold for parts or scrap, an Auto Hulk Affidavit (DPSMV 1801).
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Junking a car in Louisiana? Find the forms, steps, and guidance you need – all in one place, organized by situation. No title? No problem. Learn how to junk a car in Louisiana legally and still walk away with cash for your vehicle with Wheels Away. Find Louisiana plate surrender guidance, including where to return your plate, how cancellation works, and what to know before ending insurance. Get insights into junk car pricing in Louisiana with Wheels Away! Explore benefits of recycling, and the most valuable pieces inside your old vehicle.
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