What Paperwork Do You Need to Sell a Junk Car in Florida?
Selling a junk car in Florida requires specific documentation. Learn exactly what paperwork you need to complete a legal sale and get your cash fast.
December 11, 20256 min readTwinB Car Removal
You've found a buyer for your junk car and agreed on a price. Now comes the part that trips up many sellers: the paperwork. Florida has specific documentation requirements for vehicle sales, and understanding them beforehand makes the process quick and painless.
Here's everything you need to know about the paperwork required to sell a junk car in Florida.
The Essential Document: Your Car Title
The vehicle title is the most important document in any car sale. In Florida, the title serves as legal proof of ownership and is required to transfer the vehicle to a new owner.
What to Do With Your Title
When selling your junk car, you'll need to complete the following sections on the back of your Florida title:
Seller information: Print your name exactly as it appears on the front
Buyer information: The purchasing company's legal name
Sale price: The agreed-upon amount
Odometer reading: Current mileage (or exempt if over 10 years old)
Date of sale: When the transaction occurs
Your signature: Must match the name on the title
If there are multiple owners listed on the title, all parties typically need to sign. Check whether the title shows "and" or "or" between names, as this affects signature requirements.
Wondering how much your junk car is worth in Jacksonville? Learn the key factors that determine your vehicle's scrap value and how to get the best cash offer.
Liens: Any outstanding loans must be paid off or the lienholder must provide a release
Name discrepancies: Your current ID must match the name on the title
Damage: Heavily damaged titles may need to be replaced before sale
Out-of-state titles: Generally accepted, but some buyers prefer Florida titles
Secondary Documentation You May Need
Beyond the title, several other documents can facilitate your junk car sale.
Valid Photo Identification
Buyers will verify your identity matches the title. Acceptable forms include:
Florida driver's license
Florida state ID card
Valid U.S. passport
Military ID
Your ID must be current and not expired at the time of sale.
Vehicle Registration
While not always required, having your current registration helps in several ways:
Confirms the vehicle information matches the title
Provides additional proof of ownership
Necessary if selling without a title
Shows the car isn't currently reported stolen
Keep your registration handy even if the buyer doesn't specifically request it.
Bill of Sale
Florida doesn't legally require a bill of sale for private vehicle transactions, but smart sellers always use one. A proper bill of sale documents:
Vehicle details (year, make, model, VIN)
Sale price and date
Buyer and seller names and addresses
Signatures from both parties
Statement that the vehicle is sold "as-is"
Both you and the buyer should keep copies. This protects you if any disputes arise after the sale.
Lien Release
If your vehicle ever had financing, you may need documentation showing the loan was paid off. Even if the lien is satisfied, it might still appear on the title. A lien release from your previous lender clears this up.
Special Situations Requiring Additional Paperwork
Certain circumstances call for extra documentation.
Selling an Inherited Vehicle
If you inherited the junk car, you'll need:
Death certificate of the previous owner
Letters of administration or probate documents
Court order authorizing the sale (in some cases)
Selling a Vehicle for Someone Else
Acting on behalf of another person requires:
Power of attorney document
The owner's title signed appropriately
Your valid ID and the owner's ID copy
Selling Without a Title
As covered in our previous post, no-title sales require:
Current vehicle registration
Valid photo ID
Additional verification from the buyer
Possibly a duplicate title application
What the Buyer Should Provide
Legitimate junk car buyers have their own paperwork responsibilities. Expect them to provide:
Receipt of sale: Documenting the transaction and amount paid
Business card or company information: For your records
Release of liability notice: Some buyers handle this filing for you
Tow truck documentation: If applicable for transport
Never complete a sale without receiving written confirmation of the transaction.
Filing Your Notice of Sale
After selling your junk car, Florida requires you to file a Notice of Sale with the FLHSMV. This step protects you from liability for anything that happens with the vehicle after you sell it.
How to File
You can submit your Notice of Sale:
Online: Through the FLHSMV website (fastest option)
By mail: Send the seller's portion of the title to the FLHSMV
In person: At your local tax collector's office
File within 30 days of the sale to ensure proper documentation.
Preparing Your Paperwork Checklist
Before your buyer arrives, gather these items:
Vehicle title (signed and ready to transfer)
Valid photo ID
Current vehicle registration
Bill of sale (two copies)
Lien release (if applicable)
Keys (all sets you have)
Any maintenance records (optional but helpful)
Having everything organized speeds up the transaction and shows the buyer you're serious and prepared.
Common Paperwork Mistakes to Avoid
Sellers often make these errors that delay or complicate their sale:
Signing in the wrong place on the title
Using nicknames instead of legal names
Forgetting to remove personal plates before the sale
Not obtaining a receipt from the buyer
Skipping the Notice of Sale filing
Leaving personal information in the vehicle's documents
Take your time with the paperwork. A few extra minutes of attention prevents headaches later.
The Easiest Path Forward
Reputable junk car buyers in Florida handle vehicle purchases daily. They know exactly what paperwork is needed and often guide sellers through the process step by step. Many even bring pre-printed bills of sale and handle the Notice of Sale filing on your behalf.
When you work with an experienced buyer, selling your junk car becomes remarkably simple. Have your title and ID ready, and they'll take care of the rest while putting cash in your hand.
Don't let paperwork anxiety keep you from selling that old vehicle. With the right preparation, you can complete the entire transaction in under an hour.
