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
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 your vehicle is no longer drivable and is mainly being sold for parts or scrap: You may have another option.
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 to the junker’s 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)
- Use Form DPSMV 1697.
- Cost: $76.50 + taxes.
- 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 | $68.50 + applicable fees | Processing time may vary |
Step 6: How to junk your car
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 Wheelsaway
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: Sometimes, depending on the vehicle’s age.
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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 Wheelsaway. 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 Wheelsaway! Explore benefits of recycling, and the most valuable pieces inside your old vehicle.
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