No, you cannot sell a junk car that isn't in your name. Selling someone else's property is illegal. For it to be legal, the vehicle would have to be transferred to you or you would need authorization from the owner.
Situations and solutions:
- If you bought the car but never had the title transferred, then you have to go to your local DMV and do a title transfer
- For an inherited vehicle, you have to get probate documents and then transfer the title
- If you have your spouse's car, you would either need their signature or a power of attorney
- To get rid of an abandoned vehicle on your property, you would need to follow the state's abandoned vehicle process
- For a friend or family member's car, you need written authorization or a power of attorney
Requirements for a power of attorney:
- Documents have to specifically authorize the vehicle sale
- Must be signed by the titled owner
- Could possibly need notarization depending on the state
- Some states have specific DMV forms
If the titled owner died, executors can sell vehicles with proper court documentation. For low value vehicles, some states do have estate procedures. To be safe, make sure you check with an attorney or DMV. Misrepresenting ownership in any way can result in criminal charges.
