Florida Junk Car Title — How to Properly Junk a Vehicle
Junking a car in Florida requires using a licensed facility and properly transferring or surrendering the title. Selling to an unlicensed buyer leaves the title in your name — making you liable for future violations. Here is what you need to know.
Can Junk Without Title (with ID + affidavit)
Florida law allows licensed salvage dealers and scrap metal dealers to accept vehicles without titles from the registered owner — provided the owner signs a sworn statement (HSMV 82994 or dealer-specific form) and presents valid ID.
FL salvage dealers are required to maintain records and report to FLHSMV. Unlicensed scrap buyers cannot legally accept without title.
Junk Title Name
Certificate of Destruction (COD) or Salvage Title — Junk/Scrap
Florida uses Certificate of Destruction for total-loss vehicles that insurers designate as non-rebuildable. A COD is permanently retired; a Salvage title may or may not be rebuildable.
Processing Time
Same day (dealer handles) to 2–4 weeks (HSMV mail-in)
Licensed salvage dealers process same-day. Direct HSMV mail-in COD applications take 2–4 weeks.
Certificate of Destruction
Available
FL HSMV issues a COD when a vehicle is dismantled, destroyed, or crushed. Once a...
Without-Title Pathway
Licensed FL salvage dealers with sworn owner affidavit
Required Documents
- 1FL vehicle title (if available) — or sworn affidavit of ownership
- 2Driver's license
- 3HSMV 82994 (if applicable)
- 4Proof of insurance (if insurer-involved total loss)
If the insurer has already taken the vehicle as a total loss, they handle COD processing. For non-insurer junk transactions, the owner signs over to the licensed salvage dealer directly.
Who Can Accept Your Junk Car
FL licensed salvage dealers (DMV/HSMV licensed)
Florida salvage dealers must be licensed by FLHSMV. They are required to scan and upload all received titles or CODs within a specific time window after acquisition.
Florida Note
Florida's $75.25+ fee applies to COD applications — but in most total-loss and junk transactions, the insurer or licensed dealer absorbs this cost. Confirm who pays before signing over the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I junk a car without a title in Florida?
Yes — Florida law allows licensed salvage dealers and scrap metal dealers to accept vehicles without titles from the registered owner — provided the owner signs a sworn statement (HSMV 82994 or dealer-specific form) and presents valid ID. FL salvage dealers are required to maintain records and report to FLHSMV. Unlicensed scrap buyers cannot legally accept without title.
What is a Certificate of Destruction in Florida?
Florida issues Certificates of Destruction. FL HSMV issues a COD when a vehicle is dismantled, destroyed, or crushed. Once a COD is issued, the vehicle cannot be re-titled in Florida or any other state.
Who can accept my junk car in Florida?
FL licensed salvage dealers (DMV/HSMV licensed). Florida salvage dealers must be licensed by FLHSMV. They are required to scan and upload all received titles or CODs within a specific time window after acquisition.
What documents do I need to junk a car in Florida?
To junk a car in Florida: FL vehicle title (if available) — or sworn affidavit of ownership, Driver's license, HSMV 82994 (if applicable), Proof of insurance (if insurer-involved total loss). If the insurer has already taken the vehicle as a total loss, they handle COD processing. For non-insurer junk transactions, the owner signs over to the licensed salvage dealer directly.