Selling An Unregistered Vehicle? Here’s What You Need To Know

Selling a car for cash can be a simple process if you have all of your vehicle’s appropriate paperwork. It’s not impossible to sell your car without the proper documentation, but you will have to take some extra steps when selling a car with an expired registration or with no registration at all.  

Why Do I Need Registration to Sell My Car?

A vehicle’s registration helps prove that your car is registered in a certain state and is legal to drive. It’s also what helps you get a license plate for a car that you’ll be driving. A vehicle registration helps your state’s Department of Motor Vehicle keep track of information about the car like who owns it, owner’s address, plate number, title number, and VIN. Having your vehicle’s registration can help prove legal ownership, which is required before selling a car.

Can I Sell a Car with AN Expired Registration?

The laws for selling an unregistered car vary state by state, but you’ll need to prove that the sale is lawful no matter where you are. You’ll need a clear title to show that no one else owns the vehicle and that you’re free to sell it. Keep in mind that if there’s a loan on the car, you don’t own it — the bank does. If you have the car’s title, but no registration, you might be able to apply for a temporary or specialty registration, such as for a non-operational vehicle. 

Remember, at the time of sale your car might not be registered, but only a registered vehicle can legally be driven on the street. Still unsure about selling an unregistered vehicle? Verify the process with your local DMV.

Does Pull-A-Part Buy Cars Without Registration?

We’re always happy to buy cars for cash, but you will need to prove that you’re the owner of the vehicle. If you’re trying to junk a car with an expired registration at Pull-A-Part, a title is the best alternate document to show proof of ownership. Depending on the state you’re in, a bill of sale can also show proof. An insurance card with only the seller’s name listed can also work as proof of ownership. If your car is older than 2008, you may not need a title depending on your state’s requirements. If your vehicle is newer than 2008, then you will need a title. Once you have proof of ownership, we can legally buy your junk car and send you home with a handful of cash. 

Still not sure if you can sell your car with expired registration? Give us a call or fill out our online quote form to see how much your car is worth at Pull-A-Part.