Junk Car FAQs: Texas

What Are Texas Car Registration Fees?

When you register a car in Texas, you’re essentially telling the state that the vehicle belongs to you, and you promise to maintain it, and pay your taxes and insurance.

In the state of Texas, you’ll need to renew your registration annually. There are different fees for different vehicle classifications (e.g. pickup trucks pay a $54 base registration fee, while mopeds and motorcycles pay $30).

You will also need to pay a ‘local fee’ which varies by county, the Inspection Replacement Fee, and a processing and handling fee.

Visit the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website for a more detailed breakdown of registration fees.

Can I Junk a Car Without Keys?

Most licensed junkyards will junk cars without keys, but you’ll need to make sure you have the title, which is what most buyers need to see to take legal ownership of the vehicle.

Can You Junk a Car Without a Title in Texas?

No, a valid title is required to junk a vehicle of any age in Texas. You can check your vehicle’s title status for free on the NMVTIS website. If you need a replacement or duplicate title, submit Form VTR-34 to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

For a detailed guide on junking a car without a title in Texas, read our full article here.

How Do I Salvage a Car in Texas?

Wheelsaway makes salvaging your car simple. Just share a few basic details about your vehicle, and we’ll determine if it’s suitable for salvage. If your car still has value, we’ll arrange for it to be salvaged rather than junked – using the same hassle-free process: free pickup and immediate payment by cash or check.

Who Buys Junk Cars with Liens Near Me?

Some junkyards may purchase vehicles that have liens, but the lien must be settled before the sale can be completed. This typically means paying off the lienholder, often using the proceeds from the sale – provided the lienholder approves.

How Can I Scrap a Car for the Most Money?

Let Wheelsaway help you get the most cash for your scrap car! Receive top offers for your vehicle and enjoy free pickup anywhere in the state. Whether your car is junk or salvage, We make getting cash fast and easy.

How Do I Surrender My License Plates in Texas?

To surrender your license plates in Texas, simply remove your plates and return them to the county tax assessor-collector’s office and inform the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). You’ll also need to complete the Texas Motor Vehicle Transfer Notification (Form VTR-346).

Can I Junk a Car with Expired Registration in Texas?

Yes – having an expired registration does not by itself stop you from junking a car in Texas. What matters for legally selling/scrapping the vehicle is proof of ownership (the title) and following TxDMV reporting/plate-surrender rules.

Is It Possible to Junk a Vehicle That Has a Title Loan?

Only after the lien (the title loan) is dealt with. You can’t transfer a clean title to a junkyard or another buyer while a lender still has a lien on the car. In practice, that means you must either pay off or otherwise satisfy the lender (or arrange for the buyer/junkyard to pay the lender directly) before the car can be junked and ownership transferred.

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

In Texas, you’ll need to complete a bill of sale to junk your car. Form VTR-203, Bill of Sale for a Junk Motor Vehicle, can be downloaded from the Texas DMV website.

What Happens to My Car After I Junk It?

When a car is sent to a junkyard, usable components are extracted for resale or recycling, dangerous fluids are safely removed, and the remaining metal is recycled. Materials that cannot be recycled are handled responsibly, preventing waste and promoting reuse.

How Do I Tow a Car to a Junkyard?

Using a professional service such as Wheelsaway makes it simple. We can handle vehicles in any condition or position and ensure they are delivered to the junkyard safely.

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

No, you’ll need to fix the vehicle so it meets inspection standards, and then register it with a rebuilt title.

Can I Junk a Car with a Lien on It?

No – you cannot legally scrap a car in Texas if there’s an active lien on it unless the debt is paid off or the lender provides a lien release.

What Is a Junk Vehicle Affidavit and How Do I Use It?

A Junk Vehicle Affidavit is an official document that permits a vehicle to be taken to a salvage yard. It serves as proof of authorization when the vehicle’s title, salvage title, or Certificate of Destruction is unavailable. They are not used in each state. In Texas, you will need to supply various other forms and procedures. Check with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles for more information.

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