Texas Junk Car Title — How to Properly Junk a Vehicle
Junking a car in Texas 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)
Texas salvage dealers and scrap metal dealers can accept vehicles without titles when the owner provides a valid TX driver's license, signs a VTR-62 (Texas Motor Vehicle Title Check Affidavit), and the vehicle value is under $5,000.
TxDMV rules allow licensed salvage dealers to process without a title for vehicles under $5,000 value. The dealer files a VTR-62 affidavit. For vehicles over $5,000, a title is required.
Junk Title Name
Junk Title or Motor Vehicle Salvage Title (Junk)
Texas issues a "Junk Title" when a vehicle is permanently retired from road use. This is different from a standard Salvage title — a Junk title cannot be rebuilt or re-titled.
Processing Time
Same day to 1 week
Licensed TX salvage dealers typically process same-day. County tax office title filing takes 1–5 business days.
Certificate of Destruction
Available
Texas Certificate of Destruction is issued for total-loss vehicles that an insur...
Without-Title Pathway
Licensed TX salvage dealers — value limit applies ($5,000)
Required Documents
- 1Texas vehicle title (if available) — signed over to dealer/crusher
- 2Driver's license (TX or out-of-state)
- 3VTR-62 affidavit (if no title)
- 4Vehicle must be present at the salvage dealer for inspection
Texas junk titles are processed at the county tax assessor-collector office. Salvage dealers often handle the paperwork on your behalf.
Who Can Accept Your Junk Car
TX licensed salvage dealers and metal recyclers — licensed by TxDMV
Texas requires salvage dealers and metal recyclers to maintain records of all vehicle purchases including VIN, owner ID, and payment amounts. Unlicensed buyers may not legally purchase vehicles for scrap.
Texas Note
Texas junk car buyers (scrap yards) are required by law to pay by check — not cash — for vehicles over a certain dollar value. This protects both parties and creates a paper trail for the transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I junk a car without a title in Texas?
Yes — Texas salvage dealers and scrap metal dealers can accept vehicles without titles when the owner provides a valid TX driver's license, signs a VTR-62 (Texas Motor Vehicle Title Check Affidavit), and the vehicle value is under $5,000. TxDMV rules allow licensed salvage dealers to process without a title for vehicles under $5,000 value. The dealer files a VTR-62 affidavit. For vehicles over $5,000, a title is required.
What is a Certificate of Destruction in Texas?
Texas issues Certificates of Destruction. Texas Certificate of Destruction is issued for total-loss vehicles that an insurer designates as non-rebuildable. Like California, a TX COD permanently retires the vehicle from road use.
Who can accept my junk car in Texas?
TX licensed salvage dealers and metal recyclers — licensed by TxDMV. Texas requires salvage dealers and metal recyclers to maintain records of all vehicle purchases including VIN, owner ID, and payment amounts. Unlicensed buyers may not legally purchase vehicles for scrap.
What documents do I need to junk a car in Texas?
To junk a car in Texas: Texas vehicle title (if available) — signed over to dealer/crusher, Driver's license (TX or out-of-state), VTR-62 affidavit (if no title), Vehicle must be present at the salvage dealer for inspection. Texas junk titles are processed at the county tax assessor-collector office. Salvage dealers often handle the paperwork on your behalf.