Some junk car buyers will buy cars with no title but a bill of sale, depending on state laws and the buyer’s policies. However, not all buyers accept this arrangement, and those who do typically pay less.
Whether a bill of sale is sufficient depends on:
State regulations: Some states allow vehicle sales with a bill of sale plus registration or other proof of ownership for junk or low-value cars. Other states require a title for any vehicle transaction regardless of value or condition.
Vehicle age and value: Certain states exempt older vehicles (typically 15+ years) or cars below a specific dollar value from title requirements. A bill of sale may be acceptable in these cases.
Buyer policy: Each junkyard, scrap yard, or junk car buying company sets its own rules. Some accept bills of sale with additional documentation. Others require titles regardless of state law to minimize their legal risk.
If you have a bill of sale but no title, you will need to provide:
- The signed bill of sale with vehicle details (VIN, year, make, model)
- Your valid photo ID
- Vehicle registration (if available)
- Any other ownership documents you have
Contact cash for junk cars buyers in your area to ask about their no-title policies before scheduling a sale. Expect lower offers compared to selling with a clean title.