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You need to notify the DMV if you junk your car, even if you haven’t driven the vehicle in years. You can do this online, over the phone, or via email, depending on where you live.
If you junk your car and don’t disclose this information to the authorities, you could run into problems, from fines to endless back-and-forth messages.
In some states, if the car isn’t registered, you don’t have to notify the DMV when you sell it to a junkyard. That’s because, as far as the DMV is concerned, the car doesn’t exist.
Still, you should check your state’s laws before selling your vehicle.
When Are You Required to Notify the DMV That You’ve Sold Your Car?
You’re generally required to notify the DMV of any changes regarding your car when it’s:
You should notify the DMV of the car’s status as soon as possible. For many states, this is five business days. Some offer longer or shorter periods.
It’s worth mentioning that you cannot abandon the car under any circumstances. In that instance, you could face criminal charges.
Failing to notify the DMV could put you in hot water, even if years have elapsed since the sale. You want to do everything possible to avoid having a criminal record, no matter how minor.
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What Do You Need to Junk Your Car?
To junk your car properly, you need:
The car’s title. This document shows that you legally own the car and have the right to sell it. If the car was abandoned and you don’t have the title, you may have to contact the DMV and have the car put in your name.
A liability waiver. A liability waiver releases the seller from any issues with the car after the sale concludes. You can generally find this form online.
Bill of sale. This is basically a fancy receipt. It shows that you received payment for the car and transferred it to someone else.
The license plate. You need the car’s license plate because that ensures that the car was registered at one point in time. It also allows the new owner to get the car transferred in their name.
How Do I Notify the DMV That I’ve Sold My Car?
Notifying the DMV that you’ve sold your car depends on where you live.
Take California. You can notify the DMV through the DMV Virtual Office.
Here, you make an appointment and speak with a clerk about your situation. They can walk you through the necessary steps and supply the correct forms.
Some states require that you come in person. Check with your state’s protocols before moving ahead with the sale. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Can You Junk a Car Without a Title in California?
You don’t need the car’s title when selling it for parts in California.
Still, you need some proof of ownership when notifying the DMV of your intent to sell. This prevents people from going around and selling cars that don’t belong to them. You can learn more about this process when you consult a representative from the state’s DMV.
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