Title and Ownership Policy
To sell a junk car in Georgia, you need to be able to demonstrate ownership of the vehicle. This page explains what title types we accept, what to do if you don't have a title, how the transfer works at pickup, and how to handle unusual ownership situations.
Last reviewed: June 2025 | Applies to: Georgia only | Legal reference: O.C.G.A. § 40-3-4
Quick Answer: Do You Need a Title?
For most vehicles, yes. However, Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 40-3-4) allows vehicles 12 or more model years old with no active lien to be sold using a valid government ID and a bill of sale — no title required. In 2025, this covers all vehicles from model year 2013 and earlier. We bring the bill of sale to pickup.
Title Types We Accept
Ideal. Standard transaction. You sign the back of the title and fill out odometer disclosure at pickup.
Accepted with no offer adjustment. Salvage designation does not affect junk car purchases.
Accepted. Same process as a clean title.
We cannot purchase a vehicle with an active lien unless the lien is satisfied first. Contact your lender for a payoff amount. If the vehicle is worth less than the payoff, we can discuss options.
Accepted for most states. The process mirrors a Georgia title. Contact us if the out-of-state title has unusual endorsements.
A duplicate title can be obtained from the Georgia DOR for $8. Alternatively, for qualifying older vehicles, a bill of sale may suffice. See the no-title section below.
Accepted for vehicles 12 model years old or older with no active lien, per O.C.G.A. § 40-3-4. In 2025, this covers model year 2013 and earlier. We bring the bill of sale form to pickup.
More complex — process depends on whether probate has been opened. Call us before scheduling. We have handled this situation many times and can advise on the fastest path.
Selling Without a Title — Georgia Law
Under O.C.G.A. § 40-3-4, a motor vehicle that is 12 or more model years old and has no active lien may be transferred without a certificate of title using a bill of sale and valid identification. The seller must be the rightful owner of the vehicle.
This is not legal advice. For complex ownership situations, consult an attorney or the Georgia DOR. Source: O.C.G.A. § 40-3-4.
How the Title Transfer Works at Pickup
Find the original title. If lost, order a duplicate from the Georgia DOR ($8 fee, 3–5 business days). Alternatively, if the vehicle qualifies under the no-title law, contact us to prepare a bill of sale.
The VIN on the title must match the VIN on the dashboard (visible through the windshield) and the door jamb sticker. Any discrepancy needs to be resolved before the transaction.
If you financed the vehicle, confirm the lien has been released and released is noted on the title (or obtain a lien release letter from your lender).
On the back of a Georgia title, sign on the Seller signature line. Do not sign on the buyer line. Do not write any buyer name — leave that blank for us to complete.
Federal law requires an odometer disclosure for all vehicle sales. Fill in the current mileage. If the odometer is broken, mark 'not actual' and note the reason.
Driver's license, state ID, or passport. The name on your ID should match the name on the title. If they don't match (e.g., legal name change), contact us before pickup.
Special Ownership Situations
Estate / deceased owner vehicle
If the title is in a deceased person's name, the process depends on whether probate has been opened. With Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, the executor can sign the title. For smaller estates, an Affidavit of Heirship may suffice for older vehicles. Call us before scheduling — we will help identify the fastest legal path.
Divorce / joint ownership
If both names appear on the title with 'OR' between them, either party can sign. If it reads 'AND,' both parties must sign. If one party is unavailable or uncooperative, contact us to discuss alternatives.
Business-owned vehicles
If the vehicle is owned by an LLC, corporation, or other business entity, an authorized officer or agent of the business must sign the title in the entity's name. A copy of the authorization (operating agreement, resolution) may be requested.
Vehicle with VIN discrepancy
If the VIN on the title does not match the VIN on the vehicle, a Georgia DMV inspection and VIN correction is required before we can complete the purchase. Contact us — we can advise on the process.
Have a Specific Situation? Call First.
Complex ownership situations are resolved fastest with a quick phone call. We have handled estate vehicles, multi-party titles, out-of-state titles, and vehicles without titles hundreds of times.
(678) 490-7989 — Mon–Sun, 8 AM – 8 PM