Selling a Junk Car Without a Title in Michigan — What You Need to Know

Selling a Junk Car Without a Title in Michigan — What You Need to Know One of the most common questions we get at Detroit Junk Car Buyers is: "I don't have the title — can I still sell my car?" The good news is that in Michigan, the answer is often yes. Here's exactly how it works. Michigan's Title Law for Junk Cars Michigan law — specifically MCL 257.233 — allows vehicles that are 15 years old or older to be transferred without a title in certain circumstances. This means if your car is a 2010 model year or older (as of 2026), you may be able to sell it without the original title. For vehicles under 15 years old, a title is generally required. However, there are still options — read on. What You Need Instead of a Title For vehicles 15+ years old, Michigan junk car buyers typically accept: •Valid Michigan driver's license (proves your identity) •Vehicle registration (proves you have a connection to the vehicle) •Bill of sale (a simple written statement that you are selling the vehicle) Some buyers may also accept a notarized affidavit of ownership, which is a sworn statement that you own the vehicle. This can be obtained at any notary public for a small fee. What If My Car Is Under 15 Years Old and I Lost the Title? You have two options: Option 1 — Apply for a duplicate title. The Michigan Secretary of State can issue a duplicate title for a fee of $15. You can do this online at michigan.gov/sos or at any Secretary of State branch. Processing typically takes 7–10 business days, though expedited options may be available. Option 2 — Call us anyway. Detroit Junk Car Buyers works with customers in title situations regularly. Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to work with you on a solution. Call (313) 326-5444 and explain your situation — we'll tell you honestly what we can do. Common Title Situations We Handle Every Day "The car was my late parent's and I never transferred the title." This is very common. In Michigan, you may be able to transfer ownership through the estate process, or in some cases, an affidavit of heirship. Call us and we'll walk you through the options. "I bought the car from a private seller and never got a title." This is trickier. You'll want to contact the Michigan Secretary of State to understand your options for establishing ownership. In some cases, a bonded title process is available. "The title has a lien on it from an old loan I paid off." Contact your lender to get a lien release letter. Once the lien is released, the title is clear and the sale can proceed normally. "I have the title but it's in someone else's name." The title needs to be signed over to you first before you can sell the vehicle. This is a straightforward process at the Secretary of State. The Bottom Line Don't let a missing title stop you from getting cash for your junk car. In most cases, especially for older vehicles, we can work with what you have. Detroit Junk Car Buyers has handled thousands of no-title sales across Metro Detroit — it's one of our specialties. Call us at (313) 326-5444 or fill out our online form for a free quote. We'll let you know exactly what documentation you need for your specific situation. [Get Your Free Quote →]