How to sell a junk car in Florida: paperwork and what to expect

Facts checked against Florida DHSMV sources on 2026-10-14

Selling a car that no longer runs, or that is not worth repairing, is mostly a paperwork job. Florida's rules are set by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). This page summarizes what FLHSMV publishes for sellers and links to the source, so you can check anything before you sign.

1. Sign over the title

FLHSMV's guidance for sellers says the seller must complete the Transfer of Title by Seller section on the front of the title certificate, filling in the buyer's name and address, the odometer reading, the selling price and the date of sale. Both the buyer and the seller must acknowledge the odometer disclosure on title transactions. Print clearly and do not use correction fluid; a damaged or altered title can cause problems for the buyer.

The buyer then has 30 calendar days to transfer the title to avoid a late transfer penalty fee. Keeping a photo of the signed title protects you if questions come up later.

2. File a Notice of Sale (HSMV 82050)

FLHSMV states that Florida law requires sellers to file form HSMV 82050, the Notice of Sale and/or Bill of Sale. Filing it removes your registration from the vehicle and helps limit your civil liability if the vehicle is used after the sale. FLHSMV directs sellers to file it at a motor vehicle service center; the form itself says to submit it to your local tax collector office. Each county's offices are listed on our Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach pages.

3. Keep your license plate

When a motor vehicle is sold, FLHSMV says the seller must remove the license plate. In Florida the plate belongs to you, not the car, so you can move it to a new or replacement vehicle. FLHSMV also says the plate must be surrendered to a service center if you move out of state or cancel the insurance tied to it. Remember to call your insurer about the sold car once the sale is complete.

If the title is lost

A replacement title is applied for with form HSMV 82101, the application for a duplicate or lost-in-transit title. If there is an outstanding lien on record, FLHSMV procedures say only the lienholder can apply for the duplicate. Ask your county tax collector's office about current fees and processing.

If there is a loan or lien on the car

A title transfer needs the lien satisfied first. FLHSMV procedures accept a lien satisfaction completed on the title, form HSMV 82260 (Lien Satisfaction), or a letter on the lienholder's letterhead releasing the lien. If the title is electronic, contact the lienholder to find out how the lien is released.

Selling an old car without a title

Florida has a separate route for some old, low-value vehicles. Form HSMV 82137 (the Application for a Derelict Motor Vehicle Certificate, revision 07/13 on flhsmv.gov) is used when the owner or seller is delivering or selling a derelict motor vehicle to a salvage motor vehicle dealer holding a Florida dealer license, or to a registered secondary metals recycler and the title, salvage title or certificate of destruction is not available. As printed on that form:

The motor vehicle must be worth less than one thousand dollars and be at least ten model years old, counting the model year as year one.
The owner or seller completes the first section and attaches a legible copy of a driver license or ID card.
If the seller is not the owner of record, the dealer or recycler must take a right thumb print.
The dealer or recycler notifies FLHSMV within twenty-four hours (excluding weekends and holidays) and holds the vehicle for three business days, or ten calendar days when there is a lien less than three years old, before dismantling or destruction.
The vehicle can never be titled again and must be dismantled or scrapped.

Because that form revision dates from 2013, confirm the current thresholds with your tax collector's office or flhsmv.gov before relying on them. Vehicles that do not qualify go through the normal title process, or a salvage title or certificate of destruction (form HSMV 82363).

What to expect when you call

To give you an offer, a buyer will normally ask for the year, make and model, the VIN, whether you have the title in your name, whether the car runs or has missing parts, and where it is parked. Having the title, your ID and the keys ready, and removing your personal items and toll transponder, makes the pickup simpler. Do not hand over a title until the price and the payment are agreed.

Sources

This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules and forms can change; flhsmv.gov and your county tax collector have the current versions.