Junk car buyers purchase abandoned vehicles only after you’ve obtained legal ownership through your state’s abandoned vehicle process. Finding a car on your property doesn’t make it yours. You must follow specific legal steps to claim the title before any buyer can purchase it from you.
Why you can’t just sell an abandoned car:
- Someone else legally owns it (even if they left it)
- Selling property you don’t own is illegal
- The titled owner could claim theft
- Buyers can’t legally process a vehicle without ownership proof
General steps to claim an abandoned vehicle:
- Document the vehicle (photos, VIN, license plate if present)
- Contact local police to report it abandoned
- File paperwork with your state DMV
- Attempt to notify the registered owner (certified mail)
- Wait the required period (varies by state, often 30 to 90 days)
- Apply for title in your name
The process exists to protect property rights. The original owner gets a chance to reclaim their vehicle before you can take ownership. This prevents theft under the guise of “abandoned” vehicles.
Once you have the title in your name, selling to a junk car buyer works like any other sale. You’ll have full documentation and can get normal market offers.
Learn the detailed steps for how to get an abandoned vehicle title in your state.
