Selling a Junk Car in Miami? The Paperwork You Need (Title, Plates & Notice of Sale)

Selling a junk car is easy when the paperwork is ready

Selling a junk car for cash in Kendall or anywhere in Miami-Dade can take very little of your time. You call, we make you an offer, and we come to you and tow the car away for free. The part that slows most people down is not the car itself but the paperwork. When the right documents are ready before pickup, the whole thing usually wraps up in one short visit.

At E.T. Towing, we buy junk, old, wrecked and non-running cars across Kendall, The Hammocks, Pinecrest, Cutler Bay, Homestead and greater Miami-Dade. Compramos carros, and we're happy to walk you through the process in English or Spanish. Here is the checklist we recommend to every seller.

Bring the Title (and What If You Don't Have It)

The simplest sale is one where you have the Florida certificate of title in your name. At pickup, you sign the title over as the seller in the transfer section, and we take it from there. Make sure the name on the title matches your ID and that you sign exactly where the seller is supposed to sign.

If the title lists a lien (for example, a bank or lender that financed the car), that lien needs to be released before the vehicle can be sold. If you paid the loan off, the lender can usually provide a lien release or a clear title. If you're not sure whether a lien is still active, check before you schedule the pickup.

Lost the title? It happens more often than you'd think. Read our guide on selling a junk car without a title, then call us so we can talk through your options. Every situation is different, and we'll tell you honestly what will and won't work for your car.

A Valid Photo ID

The person whose name is on the title should be there at pickup with a valid photo ID, such as a Florida driver license or state ID. That's how we confirm the person signing the title is the actual owner.

If the owner can't be there, for example because they are out of town, in the hospital, or the car belonged to a family member, call us ahead of time. We'll explain what is needed so nobody is surprised on pickup day.

Take Your License Plate Off

In Florida, license plates stay with the owner, not the car. Before we tow the vehicle, remove the plate. If the screws are rusted or you don't have the tools, just tell us and we can help take it off when we arrive.

After the sale, you can surrender the plate or transfer it to another vehicle through your local tax collector office in Miami-Dade. Keeping the plate and handling it properly helps make sure the old car is no longer connected to your registration.

File a Notice of Sale

Florida lets sellers report the sale to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) using form HSMV 82050, Notice of Sale and/or Bill of Sale. Filing it records that the vehicle has left your hands, so you're not tied to it after it is towed away.

We'll give you the details you need to fill out the form, such as our business information and the date of sale. Keep a copy for your records.

One more tip: once the plates have been surrendered or transferred, call your insurance company to cancel or update the policy on that car. There's no reason to keep paying to insure a vehicle you no longer own.

Clean Out the Car

Before pickup, take a few minutes to go through the whole vehicle. Check:

• Glovebox and console: registration papers, insurance cards, receipts and anything with your personal information.
• Toll transponder: remove your SunPass or other transponder so tolls don't keep posting to your account.
• Garage door openers and gate remotes clipped to the visor.
• Trunk, under the seats and seat pockets: chargers, sunglasses, tools, kids' items and documents.

Once the car leaves, getting items back is difficult, so it's worth a careful look.

How Pickup Works with E.T. Towing

Our process is simple and built around your schedule:

• Call us: Reach us 24/7 at (305) 310-6148.
• Describe the car: Year, make, model, condition, and whether you have the title.
• Get a cash offer: We give you a straightforward offer based on your vehicle.
• Schedule pickup: We come to you anywhere in Kendall, The Hammocks, Pinecrest, Cutler Bay, Homestead and greater Miami-Dade, at home, at work or wherever the car is parked.
• Free removal: We tow the car with our wheel-lift tow truck and dollies. That setup works even for cars with flat tires, no keys, wheels that won't roll, or heavy damage.

When the paperwork is ready, pickup is usually quick: we check the ID, you sign the title, you get paid, and we hook up the car. Curious how offers are figured? Read how much your junk car is worth in Miami, or visit our junk car buying page.

FAQ

Can I sell a junk car without a title in Florida?

Sometimes, depending on the situation. A title in your name is the simplest way to sell. If the title is lost, read our no-title guide and call us at (305) 310-6148 so we can talk through your options for your specific car.

Do I need to be there at pickup?

Ideally, yes. The person named on the title should be there with a valid photo ID to sign the title over. If that's not possible, call us ahead of time and we'll explain what is needed.

Do I keep my license plate?

Yes. In Florida, plates stay with the owner, not the car. Remove the plate before we tow the vehicle (we can help), then surrender or transfer it through your local tax collector office.

Do you charge for towing the junk car?

No. Removal is free. When we buy your junk car, we tow it away with our wheel-lift truck at no cost to you.

Ready to sell? Call E.T. Towing 24/7 at (305) 310-6148.