Lost your car title? Here is the complete guide to selling your junk car in Wisconsin without the original paperwork. Legal steps and requirements.
The “No Title” Problem
You want to sell your old beater, but you can’t find the title. Maybe it was lost in a move, maybe the dog ate it, or maybe you bought it years ago and never transferred it (which is a different issue!).
At {businessInfo.name}, this is the #1 hurdle our customers face. Here is the definitive guide to handling it in Wisconsin.
The Golden Rule: Proof of Ownership
To sell a vehicle, you must prove you own it. The title is the best proof. Without it, you need substantial alternate proof. We cannot buy a car if you cannot prove you have the legal right to sell it.
Scenario A: The Vehicle is 10+ Years Old (The “Junk” Rule)
In Wisconsin, there is flexibility for older vehicles being sold to a licensed salvage buyer (like us).
If your car is 10 model years or older: We may be able to buy it without the physical title if:
- You are the registered owner. The name on your Driver’s License matches the DMV registration records.
- You have the Resurrection. A current or expired registration card helps immensely.
- You sign a Bill of Sale. This is a legal affidavit stating you are the owner and the title is lost.
Note: If the DMV system shows a lien (a loan) on the car, we cannot buy it until that lien is released, even if the car is 20 years old.
Scenario B: The Vehicle is Newer than 10 Years
If your car is newer (e.g., a 2018 model in 2026), you generally MUST have the title. The state requires a title chain for newer vehicles to prevent theft and fraud.
Solution: Get a Replacement Title You can apply for a duplicate title through the Wisconsin DMV.
- Form: MV2119 (Replacement Title Application)
- Cost: Approx $20
- Time: 7-10 days by mail, or instant if you visit a DMV service center.
Scenario C: The Owner is Deceased (Estate Sales)
If you are selling a car that belonged to a relative who passed away, you cannot just sign the title as them. That is forgery.
What you need:
- Executor Paperwork: Documents showing you are the Personal Representative of the estate.
- Transfer by Affidavit: If the estate is small (<$50k), Wisconsin has a simplified form (MV3100) to transfer the vehicle to an heir.
Scenario D: You Bought It But Never Titled It (“Title Jumping”)
If you bought a car, got the title signed over to you, but never went to the DMV to put it in your name… and now you want to junk it. This is technically “Title Jumping” and is illegal. To sell it to us legal, you technically need to title it in your name first. However, sometimes we can contact the original owner on the title if they are available to sign a Bill of Sale directly to us. This is rare and complicated.
Buying Without Title: What We Need From You
If you call us to sell a no-title car, please have:
- VIN Number: So we can check for liens and theft status.
- Driver’s License Number: For the affidavit.
- License Plate Number: Helps us look up registration.
Summary
- Older than 10 years? Usually okay with ID + Registration.
- Newer than 10 years? Go to the DMV and get a duplicate.
- Have a Lien? You need a lien release letter from the bank.
- Not in your name? You cannot sell it.
Don’t let a piece of paper stop you from getting cash. Call {businessInfo.name} and we can run the VIN to see what options you have.