Selling your car should be a victory, not a paperwork nightmare. Whether you’re selling a pristine commuter or getting cash for a non-running junker, the title is the most important document in the deal. A single smudge or a missing middle initial can lead to weeks of delays at the DMV.
To ensure your sale goes off without a hitch, follow these five pro tips for handling your vehicle title.
1. Match Your Signature Exactly
Check how your name is printed on the front of the title. If it includes your full middle name or a suffix (like “Jr.”), you must sign and print your name exactly as it appears.
Pro Tip: Some states are incredibly strict—if the title says “Jonathan,” don’t sign “Jon.”
2. Aim for One-Take Accuracy
Think of your title as a legal contract. Any cross-outs, scribbles, or write-overs can void the document. Even if you are selling a non-functioning junk car, the DMV requires a clean paper trail to transfer ownership. If you make a mistake, you may have to apply for a duplicate title, which costs time and money.
3. Step Away from the White-Out
It might be tempting to fix a typo with correction fluid, but never use White-Out on a title. In the eyes of the DMV, this looks like an attempt to alter a legal document (fraud). A whited-out title is almost always rejected instantly, forcing you to start the replacement process from scratch.
4. Clear Your Liens Early
If you ever had a loan on the vehicle, check if a lienholder is listed on the title. If they haven’t signed off on the document itself:
You must obtain a Lien Release letter from the bank.
The letter must include the VIN, Year, Make, and Model.
Check your local laws: Some states require this letter to be notarized.
5. Never Leave the Purchaser Section Blank
It might seem helpful to let the next person fill in their info, but leaving the “Purchaser” section blank is a huge risk. This is known as open titling, and it can leave you liable for tickets or accidents if the car isn’t registered correctly by the new owner. Always fill in the purchaser’s name immediately to ensure the hand-off is official.
Don’t guess your buyer’s info! At You Call We Haul, our buyers will provide you with all the information you need to correctly fill out the Purchaser information on your title.
Still need help? Let the title experts at You Call We Haul assist you! Call 866-771-5865.
Selling a Junk Car?
How to Transfer Indiana Title
How do I transfer the title of my vehicle in Indiana (IN)?
- The state of Indiana DOES require a Certificate of Title in order to transfer ownership of your vehicle.
- In order to complete your the sale of your Indiana vehicle, you must transfer your title by entering the name of the buyer/purchaser in the buyer/purchaser field. Please PRINT and SIGN your name in the seller/owner field EXACTLY as it appears at the top of the title.
- License plates must be removed at time of pickup. They may be kept, transferred, or destroyed.
- For detailed instructions on how to properly fill out and transfer your Indiana title, see the title samples below.
Helpful State Links
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Sell a Junk Car Without a Title
Help for when you can’t find your vehicle title.
In many states, you’ll need a title in order to sell your vehicle. In some cases, there are exemptions, so please see below for more information. This should provide you some title help if you have lost your title.
Can I Sell My Junk Car With No Title?
Almost every car ever manufactured will eventually become an end of life vehicle. Cars reach end of life through long use and high mileage, or through accidents and significant damage. There are many different websites that will try to buy your car if you need to sell your used vehicle. At You Call We Haul, we connect sellers with the world’s largest and best system of buyers. Buyers that can purchase used cars without the titles receive hundreds of requests each month. Every state has its own rules for acquiring a junk car without a title, but You Call We Haul buys old cars from all over the country.
A title can easily get lost or stolen, especially as the car changes hands over time. When it comes time to sell their vehicles, it is common for owners to not be able to locate it. If having a title was the only way to sell a car, there would be a lot of vehicles that would just sit around indefinitely. No one wants that to happen because as cars get older, they can pollute the environment. For this reason, many states offer other ways to sell vehicles without a title. You just may need to provide extra documentation or fill out additional forms.
Does You Call We Haul Purchase Junk Cars Without Titles?
Yes, we do purchase a lot of cars without a title, but it typically depends on the state, how old the car is, what other forms of documentation the seller can provide, or what other paperwork is required before we can offer you cash for your junk car.
In all states, some type of legal documentation is required before purchasing a used vehicle. There are some situations where you can demonstrate that you are the owner of a car without having the title for it.
Salvage yards in some states are allowed to purchase cars without a title, as long as that car is being used for parts or being recycled. The owner may be able to show other types of proof of ownership to scrap their vehicle. When You Call We Haul buys the car for parts or disposal, the car may not be sold back to consumers as a used vehicle. Once you sell your vehicle for parts or scrap metal, you will receive proper documentation to provide to your local DMV if required.
Lost Your Title?
Don't lose hope!
Can I Sell a Vehicle Without a Title in Alabama?
A title is not required to sell your junk car in Alabama if your vehicle is 35+ years old. In most all other cases a title is required. We can help you to procure a title if you’re looking to sell your car.
Will I Need My Title to Sell My Junk Car in Arizona?
Yes, a title is required for all vehicles sold in Arizona. It must also be notarized.
Is a Title Needed to Sell My Car in California?
If the vehicle was last titled in the state of California, a Reg 227 form can typically be used in lieu of a title.
Can I Sell My Vehicle in Connecticut Without the Title?
In the state of Connecticut, a title is not required to sell your junk car if your vehicle is 20+ years old.
Is a Title Required to Sell a Car in Florida?
Yes, a valid vehicle title (paper or electronic) is required to legally sell a car in Florida.
Do I Need to Have a Title to Sell a Car in Georgia?
You may sell a car in Georgia without a title if your vehicle’s year is 1985 or older. For 1986 and newer vehicles, you will need a title.
I Don't Have a Title in Indiana. Will You Call We Haul Buy My Junk Car?
In the state of Indiana, a title is required in order to buy your car.
Do I Need a Title to Sell My Car in Louisiana?
Louisiana requires a title on all vehicles in order to complete the sale.
Can I Sell a Car Without a Title in Maine?
If your vehicle is over 25 years old, a title is not required in the state of Maine.
Do I Need a Title to Sell My Car in Massachusetts?
If your vehicle’s year is 1980 or older, a title is not required in the state of Massachusetts.
Is a Title Needed to Sell a Vehicle in Michigan?
A title is typically required for the sale of a vehicle in Michigan, no matter what year it was manufactured.
Can a Vehicle Be Sold Without a Title in Missouri?
The state of Missouri will require a title in order to complete the sale of a vehicle.
Can I Sell a Car, Truck or SUV Without a Title in Mississippi?
Mississippi does not allow sellers to sell their junk car without a title.
Does Montana Require a Title to Sell a Car?
A notarized title is typically required by the state of Montana UNLESS all of the following criteria are met: 1) The vehicle was last titled in Montana, 2) The vehicle is currently registered, AND 3) The vehicle is being sold to a Montana resident/business. In that case, some additional paperwork can be filled out and utilized in lieu of the title.
Is a Title Needed to Sell My Car in Nevada?
In Nevada, a title is required UNLESS all of the following are true: 1) The vehicle was last titled in Nevada, 2) The vehicle year is 2010 or older, AND 3) There are no liens. If all 3 criteria are met, a sale can typically be completed with alternate documentation, including but not limited to, a Bill of Sale.
Can I Sell My Vehicle Without a Title in New Hampshire?
A title is not required to sell your junk car in New Hampshire if the vehicle’s year is 1999 and older.
Do I Need a Title in New York to Sell My Junk Car?
The state of New York does not require a title to sell your junk car if the vehicle’s year is 1972 or older.
Does North Carolina Require Titles for Junk Car Sales?
Like many of the states You Call We Haul operates in, North Carolina requires sellers to have a title in order to complete the sale of their vehicle. It must also be notarized.
Does You Call We Haul Buy Cars in Ohio Without a Title?
The state of Ohio requires a title for all vehicle sales, regardless of what year the vehicle was manufactured.
Do I Need My Title to Sell My Car in Oklahoma?
A title is typically required for all vehicle sales in Oklahoma. It must also be notarized.
Can I Sell My Car in Rhode Island Without a Title?
No, you must have a title to sell your car in Rhode Island – no matter the age of the vehicle.
Do You Need a Title to Sell a Car in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires a title in order to complete the sale of a vehicle.
Will You Call We Haul Buy My Car in Tennessee if I Don't Have The Title?
The state of Tennessee does require a title in order for us to purchase vehicles.
Can I Sell My Car in Texas Without The Title?
No, all vehicles sold in the state of Texas require the owner to provide a title in order to complete the transaction.
Does Vermont Require a Title to Sell a Car?
If your vehicle is a 2009 or older, a title is not required in the state of Vermont.
Can I Sell My Car in Virginia Without a Title?
No, the state of Virginia requires a title on all vehicle sales.
Do I Need to Have a Title to Sell My Junk Car in Washington?
The state of Washington does not require a title as long as the vehicle was last titled in Washington. In this case, an Affidavit in Lieu of Title can typically be used.
Is a Title Required to Sell My Junk Car in Wisconsin?
Yes, a title is typically needed to sell a vehicle in Wisconsin.
Don't See Your State Listed Above?
See Below for State Specific Information or to View an Example of Your Title.
Signing Over a Vehicle Title
- You should sign your title with the name that is printed on the front. Meaning, if your full name, middle initial, and last name is listed, you should sign and print as a seller in the same manner.
- Use blue or black ink only.
- Take your time when transferring your title.
- Mistakes happen. If you make an error, don’t correct it yourself, reach out to our team for title help!
Are you looking to sign or transfer your title but made a mistake? If that is the case, do not try to fix it yourself.
Your car title is an official legal document and must be corrected through the right channels.
Bring your title to the DMV to start to receive a corrected car title. There is still a chance that the title is accepted if you explain the situation. If you try to cross out your mistake or use whiteout, they will not accept it. If rejected, they will have you fill out a form and pay a fee. After this happens, you will either receive a brand new corrected title that day or receive it soon after. If the mistake was made by the previous owner, contact them and have them fill in the new vehicle title correctly.
Common Mistakes
- Car title was signed, but not transferred
- It’s an out-of-state title
- Odometer reading is incorrect
- Title is signed wrong or signed in the wrong place
- The date of sale is inaccurate
Importance in a Correct Title
Making sure your title is flawless is important as a car owner when trying to sell your car. Having a correct title can can not only speed up the selling process, but it also avoids legal headaches throughout the process.
Sell Your Car Using You Call We Haul
Are you looking to sell your car damaged or used car? You Call We Haul provides an online platform that connects you with buyers nationwide who place live bids on your vehicle. Once you accept an offer, a partnered towing agent will reach out to schedule a pick-up time that convenient for you. Towing is free and you will be paid in cash at pick-up.
Click here to get cash for your junk car or give us a call at (866) 771-5865!
Are you trying to transfer your car title in Florida but don’t know the steps? We’ll help you with any title questions and how to transfer a title in the state of Florida.
Getting Started with a Florida Car Title Transfer
When selling your car, you must transfer your title to the person you are selling to, prior to the sale. If the title was lost, the seller must complete form HSMV 82101 in order to obtain a duplicate title.
Once complete, you must submit the duplicate title fee to a Motor Vehicle Service Center. If your title is electronic, you and the buyer must go to a Motor Vehicle Service Center to complete a secure title reassignment as well as disclose the odorometer reading. At this meeting, you and the buyer must be present and provide photo identification.
What if my Vehicle Doesn’t Have a Florida Title? (But I live in Florida…)
If your vehicle was not titled in Florida, you must complete a Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification form. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be found in the bottom left windshield on the front of the car.
Sell Your Car Through You Call We Haul
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to get rid of your car for cash, You Call We Haul is the best way to do it. You Call We Haul gets you the best bid for your old or unwanted car. We help you sell your car by bidding it through our website. We ensure that we don’t just take the first offer, but give you the choice of all the choices available. Our nationwide network of buyers will place live bids on your car!
Sell your car for cash by going online or calling us at 866-771-5865!
How to Transfer Maine Title
How do I transfer title of my vehicle in Maine (ME)?
- The state of Maine does NOT require a Certificate of Title in order to transfer ownership on vehicles over 25 years old. In this case, the most recent registration and a Bill of Sale to the buyer/purchaser is sufficient.
- In order to complete the sale of your Maine vehicle, you must transfer your title by entering the name of the buyer/purchaser in the buyer/purchaser field. Please PRINT and SIGN your name in the seller/owner field EXACTLY as it appears at the top of the title.
- License plates must be removed at time of pickup. They may be kept, recycled or surrendered to the DMV.
- For detailed instructions on how to properly fill out and transfer your Maine title, see the title samples below.
Helpful State Links
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Learn more about Maine
Maine Secretary of State
Best Car Donation Programs in Maine
If you’re looking to get rid of your junk car and help others, considering donating your car to charity. Here are some of the best car donation programs in Maine:
- Support Maine’s NPR station: Maine Public’s Vehicle Donation Program
- Save lives in crisis around the world: Cars for CARE
- Connect people with pets and change animal’s lives: PetSmart Charities
- Keep Maine’s children healthy, safe, and drug-free: D.A.R.E. Vehicle Donation Form
Don’t see your charity listed? Click here to view more nonprofits that would benefit from your car donation!