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Scrap America

Wisconsin Title & Paperwork Center

Lost title? Lien holder? Deceased owner? We simplify the legal side of selling your junk car.

Check Your Eligibility 📞 (414) 441-4448

The Golden Rule: No Ownership, No Sale

The most common misconception in the junk car industry is that "junk" means "no rules." In reality, selling a vehicle for scrap is a highly regulated transfer of ownership. Scrap America strictly adheres to Wisconsin DOT regulations to protect you, the seller, from liability.

Does your car have a Title?

This is the first question we ask. The answer determines which legal process we utilize.

Scenario 1: You Have the Title

This is the standard and easiest route. If you have the original, legible Certificate of Title in your hand, and it is issued in your name, the process is simple.

How to Sign a Wisconsin Title

Mistakes on titles are common and can invalidate the document. Follow these steps exactly:

  1. Flip the title over to the back.
  2. Locate the section labeled "Assignment of Vehicle Title by Owner".
  3. Print your name exactly as it appears on the front.
  4. Sign your name on the line labeled "Seller Signature(s)".
  5. If there are two owners listed with an "AND" (e.g., "John Smith AND Jane Smith"), BOTH must sign.
  6. Fill in the Odometer Reading (only if the car is 2011 or newer).
  7. DO NOT use white-out or scribble. If you mess up, leave it and call us.

Scenario 2: Selling WITHOUT a Title

We understand that people don't keep paperwork for 15-year-old beaters. Wisconsin law provides a specific pathway for this, known as listing the vehicle as "Junk Only."

Eligibility for "No Title" Sale

  • Vehicle must be 10 model years or older.
  • You must be the registered owner on file with the DMV.
  • There must be NO active liens on the vehicle.

If you meet these criteria, you can complete a Bill of Sale with our driver. You will need to provide a valid Driver's License that matches the registration records. We then electronically verify ownership and flag the VIN as "Junked" with the state, meaning it can never be titled or driven again.

Scenario 3: Liens & Loans

A lien is a legal claim on ownership by a lender (bank). If you borrowed money to buy the car, there is likely a lien.

  • ❌
    Active Lien: We cannot buy the car. It technically belongs to the bank.
  • ✅
    Paid Off (With Letter): If you paid it off but the title still shows a lien, you need a Lien Release Letter from the bank. We can accept this along with the title.

Scenario 4: Estate & Deceased Owners

Dealing with a loved one's estate is difficult. Selling their old vehicle shouldn't add to the stress.

You cannot simply sign the deceased person's name. That is forgery. Instead, you must act as the "Personal Representative."

Required Documents:

  • Certified Copy of Death Certificate.
  • Executor/Personal Representative Papers from the court.
  • OR Form MV3100 (Transfer by Affidavit): Use this if the total estate value is under $50,000 and there is no court administration. This is the most common method for old vehicles.

License Plates: Keep Them!

In Wisconsin, license plates belong to the person, not the car. When we tow your vehicle away, take the plates off.

Why?

  1. Liability: If someone steals the plates and runs tolls, you get the bill.
  2. Reuse: You can transfer them to your next car and save ~$100 on registration fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell my car if I lost the title? +

In Wisconsin, if your vehicle is 10 model years or older, you can often sell it to a licensed salvage buyer (like us) without the title, provided you are the registered owner and can sign a Bill of Sale. For newer cars, you must obtain a duplicate title from the DMV.

Where do I sign the Wisconsin title? +

You must sign on the back of the title in the section labeled 'Seller's Signature'. Do not sign the 'Buyer' section, and do not cross anything out, as this voids the document.

Start I take my license plates off? +

Yes. In Wisconsin, the license plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle. You should remove them to either transfer to another car or cancel your registration to stop future fees.

My car has a lien on it. Can I junk it? +

Only if the lien is released. You must pay off the loan and get a 'Lien Release' document from the bank. If the lien is still active in the DMV database, we cannot purchase the vehicle.

What if the owner of the car passed away? +

You will need to be the Executor or Personal Representative of the estate. You must provide a 'Transfer by Affidavit' form (MV3100) or Executor papers along with your ID to legally sell the vehicle.

Do I need to notify the DMV that I sold the car? +

Yes, it is highly recommended. You can file a 'Seller Notification' online with the Wisconsin DOT. This protects you from liability if the car is somehow driven or abandoned later.

Can I sell a car with an out-of-state title? +

Yes, as long as the title is in your name and properly signed. We accept titles from all 50 states.

What is a 'Junk Bill of Sale'? +

It is a legal document where you attest to ownership of the vehicle and release your interest to the salvage yard. It is used primarily when the original title is missing for vehicles over 10 years old.

I bought a car but never transferred the title. Can I junk it? +

Technically, no. This is called 'Title Jumping'. You must be the legal owner on the title (or DMV record) to sell it. You would need to title it in your name first.

Is there a transfer fee when selling to a junk yard? +

No. The salvage yard (buyer) handles the transfer fees on their end. You do not pay anything to the DMV to sell the car.