Florida Title & Paperwork Guide

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. We strictly adhere to Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) title 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 Florida Title

1. Flip the title over to the back. 2. Locate the section labeled **"Assignment of Title by Seller."** 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", **BOTH** must sign. 6. Fill in the odometer reading (required for vehicles under 10 model years). 7. Fill in the **sale price** and **sale date**. 8. **DO NOT** use white-out. 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. Florida law provides a specific pathway for this under DHSMV rules.

Florida "10+ Year" Exemption

• Vehicle must be **10 model years or older** (2015 or older for cars sold in 2026).
• You must be the **registered owner** on file with the DHSMV.
• There must be **NO active liens** on the vehicle.
• Vehicle must have a **valid Florida registration** in your name at the time of sale.

If you meet these criteria, we can purchase with a **Bill of Sale** (HSMV form or our standard form), your valid Florida driver's license, and proof of registration.

Florida Duplicate Title

If your vehicle is **under 10 model years old** and the title is lost, you'll need to order a duplicate from the DHSMV before we can purchase. Form **HSMV 82101** (Application for Duplicate/Lien Release) can be filed online through GoRenew.com, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office. Cost is around $75 and processing is 2–3 weeks.

Scenario 3: Liens & Loans

A lien is a legal claim on ownership by a lender.

• **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 accept this along with the title.

Scenario 4: Estate & Deceased Owners

You cannot sign a deceased person's name. Instead, you must act as the "Personal Representative."

Required Documents

• **Certified Copy of Death Certificate.**
• **Letters of Administration** from the probate court.
• **Small Estate Affidavit** if the total estate value is under $75,000 (Florida limit).

License Plates: Keep Them or Surrender Them!

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

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 on registration fees. 3. **Surrender:** If you don't need them, surrender them at a DHSMV office or by mail to stop future billing.

Florida-Specific Tips

• **Out-of-state titles are accepted.** If your vehicle was titled in another state, we can still purchase it as long as the title is properly signed.
• **Insurance total-loss vehicles** may carry a salvage title. We buy these — we just need to verify the brand.
• **Form HSMV 82101** is your best friend. It's the DHSMV form for duplicate title, lien release, and several other ownership changes.