📋 Florida Paperwork Guide
What Paperwork Do I Need to Junk a Car in Florida?
Just three things: your ID, your keys, and your title (or registration). The buyer handles everything else.
The Quick Checklist
Bring these to pickup:
- ✓Valid Florida driver's license (matching registration)Required
- ✓Vehicle keys (all sets if possible)Required
- ?Certificate of Title in your name (if you have one)Required in some situations — see below
- ?Current vehicle registration showing you as ownerRequired in some situations — see below
- ?Lien Release Letter (if lien was paid off but still on title)Required in some situations — see below
- ?Letters of Administration + death certificate (inherited vehicle)Required in some situations — see below
- ?Small Estate Affidavit (estate under $75K)Required in some situations — see below
When Each Document is Required
Standard Sale (most common)
If you have the title in your name, that's all you need beyond your ID and keys. The buyer fills out the Bill of Sale, you sign it, and the buyer files the title transfer with the DHSMV.
No Title — 10+ Model Years Old
Florida law allows selling without a title if the vehicle is 10 model years or older. You must be the registered owner on file with the DHSMV, and there must be no active liens. Bring your current registration showing you as the owner plus your valid Florida ID.
No Title — Under 10 Model Years Old
You'll need to apply for a duplicate title first via DHSMV Form HSMV 82101. Submit online at GoRenew.com, by mail, or in person. The fee is around $75 and processing takes 2-3 weeks. Once received, sign it and we can complete the sale.
Inherited or Estate Vehicle
You must be the Personal Representative. Bring: certified death certificate, Letters of Administration from probate court, and your ID. If the estate qualifies as "small" (under $75,000 total value in Florida), a Small Estate Affidavit can substitute for full probate.
Active Lien
If the title still shows an active lien, we cannot buy the vehicle — the bank legally owns it. If you've paid off the loan, get a Lien Release Letter from your lender. Florida lenders are required to send this within 30 days of payoff. Many also file it electronically with the DHSMV.
What the Buyer Handles
As a licensed Florida salvage buyer, we handle all of this for you at pickup:
- 📄 Bill of Sale (we provide the form)
- 📄 Title reassignment (you sign the back, we handle the rest)
- 📄 Notice of Sale / title transfer filed with DHSMV
- 📄 Odometer disclosure (if applicable)
- 📄 Lien release (if you're bringing a lien release letter)
Your signature on the Bill of Sale is the only thing we need from you. We do everything else.
License Plates: Don't Forget!
In Florida, license plates belong to you, the owner, not the vehicle. Before the truck leaves with your car:
- 🔧 Remove the plates from the car
- 🔁 Transfer them to your next vehicle (saves registration fees)
- 📬 Or surrender them at a DHSMV office or by mail
If you leave plates on, you'll keep getting billed for renewals on a car you no longer own.
Not sure if you're ready?
Call us at (813) 851-3838. Tell us your situation — we'll tell you exactly what to bring.
Get My QuoteRelated Resources
Looking for more detail? These related resources cover the most common follow-up questions from Tampa Bay sellers: