How to Junk a Car in Arizona
Junking a car in Arizona is simple when you follow the correct process. Since 2016, Junk Car Medics has helped thousands of Arizona vehicle owners get rid of old, unwanted vehicles in a legal and hassle-free way. We ensure compliance with Arizona MVD rules and make the process fast. Get an instant offer now or continue reading to learn everything you need to know.
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What Counts as a Junk Car in Arizona?
The Arizona MVD classifies a junk car as one that is damaged, stripped, or sold to a dismantler for parts or scrap. These vehicles cannot return to the road. Learn more about what qualifies as a junk car in our What Is a Junk Car? guide.
Step-by-Step Process to Junk a Car in Arizona
- Get Your Offer: Share the make, model, year, and condition of your vehicle to get a guaranteed 7-day offer.
- Schedule Free Pickup: We arrange for a licensed towing company to remove the vehicle at no charge.
- Sign the Title: Sign the Arizona Certificate of Title (front, in the “Seller” section). If the title is lost, apply for a duplicate with Form 96-0236.
- Get Paid on the Spot: Payment is provided at the time of pickup. Towing is free.
- Complete a Sold Notice: Submit a sold notice with the Arizona MVD at azmvdnow.gov to officially release liability.
- Cancel Your Insurance: Contact your insurer to cancel coverage once the sale is final.
What You Need to Junk a Car in Arizona
Arizona law requires certain documentation to junk a car legally. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) enforce these requirements:
- Vehicle Title: Must be in your name and signed. If lost, request a duplicate using Form 96-0236 (Title and Registration Application).
- Valid ID: Arizona driver’s license or other valid photo identification.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles under 10 years old per federal law. Complete this on the title or Form 48-7104.
- Sold Notice: Required by Arizona law to be filed within 10 days of the vehicle sale or transfer.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Junking a Car in Arizona?
Arizona law requires a title in your name before you can junk a car. If you lost the title, request a replacement through the Arizona MVD (Form 96-0236). There can be no active lien on the title.
Before dismantling a vehicle, the VIN plate must be removed. It must be destroyed or turned in to the Arizona MVD along with the ownership paperwork.
Can You Junk a Car Without a Title in Arizona?
No. Arizona requires the title to legally transfer or junk a vehicle. If it's lost, request a duplicate from ADOT using Form 96-0236. A bill of sale or registration is not enough.
Do I Need to Notify the DMV?
Yes. You must complete a Sold Notice with the Arizona MVD and remove your license plates. If the vehicle is destroyed, remove the VIN plate and send it with your paperwork. This stops future issues like registration fees or title misuse.
Licensed dismantlers in Arizona are required to file a salvage acquisition record with the MVD and must document how each vehicle was obtained.
Is Registration Required to Junk a Car in Arizona?
No. If your registration is expired, you can still junk your vehicle as long as you have the title.
A customer in Phoenix had an old Honda Civic sitting in their driveway for years. It had no plates and expired registration. We paid them $375, towed it for free, and helped guide them through submitting the sold notice online.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Junking a Car in Arizona
- Not submitting a sold notice: This can lead to unwanted tickets or legal issues if the car remains in your name.
- Signing the wrong section of the title: Ensure you sign as the seller on the front of the title.
- Forgetting to remove personal belongings: Always clear out the vehicle before pickup.
- Using unlicensed buyers: Work only with licensed Arizona auto buyers and dismantlers.
Helpful Resources
- Arizona MVD / ADOT: Title forms, sold notice, and title replacement info: azdot.gov / azmvdnow.gov
- Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ): Vehicle disposal and emissions-related rules: azdeq.gov
- Arizona Auto Recyclers Association: Find licensed recyclers and dismantlers in Arizona.
Junk a Car in Arizona
Junk Car Medics serves vehicle owners across Arizona, including Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Scottsdale, and surrounding cities. Whether your car is running or not, we help you junk it legally and for the most cash.
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