FAQs
Our Virginia junk car FAQ explains how titles, liens and salvage rules work—so you don’t run into surprises.
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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 Virginia
Step 1: Check the title status
Looking to junk your car for cash in Virginia, but don’t have a car title? Not sure if the car even has a valid title? Your first step should be to head over to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System and use a registered provider to check its title status.
Step 2: Check requirements
Title requirements vary by state. In Virginia, you can’t junk cars without a title. That means you’ll have to follow one of the processes outlined below to get a replacement or substitute title, or even an Affidavit in Lieu of Title.
Junking an abandoned vehicle? You’ll need to contact the Virginia DMV for more information.
Step 3: Apply for a Car Title in Virginia
Since you won’t be able to junk your car without a title, we recommend applying for a replacement or substitute title from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
1. Apply for a Replacement or Substitute Title
You should apply for this if your old title was lost, damaged or destroyed.
- Use Form VSA 67.
- Cost: $15
- Options:
-
- In person – at your closest Customer Service Center. This can take up to 5 business days.
- Online – via the Virginia DMV’s dedicated portal. This can take up to 5. business days to process, and the title will be mailed out to you.
2. Apply for an Affidavit in Lieu of Title
In circumstances where you never had the original title in your possession, such as if the title was never transferred properly to you, you should use this form.
- Use Form VSA 12 (you will also need to submit Form VSA 17A or Form VSA 17B. Please follow the instructions on the reverse of VSA 12.
- Cost: Title fee – $15, License fee: $17, and additional fees for electronic filing may be requested.
- Options:
- In person – at your closest Customer Service Center. This can take between 2-6 weeks.
3. Submit a non-repairable certificate (if required)
If you’re junking a vehicle that’s damaged beyond repair, you should declare it non-repairable by submitting an Application for Non-Repairable Certificate (VSA 57). You’ll need to relinquish the vehicle title with your application. You can then use the non-repairable certificate in place of the title to junk your car.
- Use Form VSA 57.
- Cost: No fee
- Options:
- In person – at your closest Customer Service Center. Processing time unspecified.
4. Transfer title
To transfer the title to the junker, you’ll need to complete Form VSA 17A – Certificate of Title and Registration.
- Use Form 17A.
- Cost: $15
- Options:
- In person – at your closest Customer Service Center. This can take up to 5 business days.
- Mail – you can mail your application to the address below. This can take up to 2 weeks.
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Post Office Box 27412
Richmond, Virginia
23269-0001
Costs and Timelines at a Glance
| Service | Cost | Processing Time |
| Replacement or Substitute Title (in person or online) | $15 | 5 business days |
| Affidavit in Lieu of Title (in person) | $15 (additional $17 fee + filing fees may apply depending on your circumstances) | 2-6 weeks |
| Transfer title (in person) | $15 | 5 business days |
| Transfer title (mail) | $15 | Up to 2 weeks |
| Non-repairable certificate | Free | Unspecified |
Step 5: How to junk your car
Step 1: Check the title of your vehicle online → National Motor Vehicle Title Information System
Step 2:
- Apply for a replacement or substitute title using Form VSA 67 or an Affidavit in Lieu of Title using Form VSA 17B.
Step 3: Contact Wheelsaway for your free quote.
Step 4: Provide proof of ownership with your ID, the vehicle’s title (if required), or other relevant paperwork, such as a Non-Repairable Certificate. If you’re unsure, ask our team for help!
Step 5: Accept the best offer and complete the sale with us- we’ll collect your old vehicle from you for free!
Step 6: Hand your license plates back to the Virginia DMV and cancel your car insurance.
FAQs
Q: Do I always need a title to junk a car in Virginia?
A: You need a title to junk a vehicle of any age in Virginia. If you don’t have a title, you can apply for a replacement or substitute using Form VSA 67 or an Affidavit in Lieu of Title using Form VSA 17B.
Q: Can I junk a financed car without a title?
A: No – you can’t junk a car without the lienholder’s consent. In most cases, you’ll need to pay off the remaining loan balance first.
Q: Do I need my registration to junk my car?
A: In Virginia, you don’t need a current registration to junk a car, but you must provide proof of ownership. This is usually the title or an affidavit in lieu of title.
Q: Can I junk a car that’s not in my name?
A: No – you’ll need to transfer the title into your name first. Contact your local DMV for details on how to do this.
Q: Will junkyards accept cars with no paperwork at all?
A: It depends – the requirement can vary based on the age of the vehicle. Check with your junkyard for specific details.
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