How to Junk a Car in Louisiana
Junking a car in Louisiana is simple when you follow the proper process. Since 2016, Junk Car Medics has helped thousands of Louisiana vehicle owners legally junk their cars for cash. We ensure the process is quick, transparent, and follows Louisiana OMV (Office of Motor Vehicles) regulations. Get an instant offer now or keep reading to learn everything you need to know.
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What Counts as a Junk Car in Louisiana?
Louisiana defines a junk car as any vehicle that is no longer roadworthy or is sold to a dismantler or scrap yard. This includes vehicles declared a total loss. To learn more about what qualifies as a junk car, read our What Is a Junk Car? guide.
Step-by-Step Process to Junk a Car in Louisiana
- Get Your Offer: Enter your car's year, make, model, and condition to receive a guaranteed 7-day offer.
- Schedule Free Pickup: Choose a time that works for you. We dispatch a licensed carrier to tow the vehicle for free.
- Sign the Title: Complete the back of the Louisiana Certificate of Title. If the title is lost, apply for a duplicate using Form DPSMV 1799.
- Get Paid on the Spot: Receive cash or check payment at the time of pickup.
- Remove the Plates: Take off the license plates before pickup. You can return them to the OMV or destroy them.
- Submit Notice of Vehicle Transfer: Complete and submit Form DPSMV 1697 or notify the OMV online to release liability.
- Cancel Insurance: Once the sale is final, contact your insurer to stop coverage on the vehicle.
What You Need to Junk a Car in Louisiana
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) requires proof of ownership and proper documentation to legally junk a vehicle. Below is what you'll need:
- Vehicle Title: A properly signed Louisiana Certificate of Title is required. If the original is missing, submit Form DPSMV 1799 to apply for a duplicate.
- Valid ID: Louisiana driver’s license or state-issued photo ID is needed to prove identity.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles under 10 years old, as per federal law. Include on the title or a separate Odometer Disclosure Statement.
- Form DPSMV 1697: Use this form to report the transfer and release of ownership to avoid future liability.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Junking a Car in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the vehicle title must be in your name to junk your car. If you do not have the title, you must request a duplicate from the Louisiana OMV using Form DPSMV 1799. The title must be free of any active lien.
If the vehicle will be crushed or dismantled, you must remove the VIN plate. You must destroy the plate or return it to the Office of Motor Vehicles with all ownership documents.
Can You Junk a Car Without a Title in Louisiana?
No. A valid Louisiana title is required to junk a car. If the title is lost, you must request a duplicate through Form DPSMV 1799. Other documents like a bill of sale or registration are not sufficient.
Is Registration Required to Junk a Car in Louisiana?
No. As long as you have a valid title in your name, current registration is not required.
Do I Need to Notify the OMV?
Yes. You must notify the OMV of the transfer of ownership. Remove the plates and cancel your registration. If the car is being dismantled, you must remove the VIN plate and return it or destroy it with the other documents.
Licensed dismantlers in Louisiana must submit a report of vehicle acquisition and destruction to the state.
A customer in Baton Rouge recently junked their 2007 Chevy Malibu with us. The vehicle wasn’t running, and they had lost the title. We helped them get a duplicate, paid $395 cash, and picked it up the next day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Junking a Car in Louisiana
- Not removing license plates: Always remove and return or destroy the plates before pickup.
- Skipping the transfer notice: Failure to submit Form DPSMV 1697 can result in liability for future incidents involving the vehicle.
- Using unlicensed buyers: Only sell to licensed salvage yards or junk car buyers in Louisiana.
- Incomplete title info: Ensure all fields are filled out, especially signatures and buyer info.
Helpful Resources
- Louisiana OMV: Access vehicle title and transfer forms like DPSMV 1799 and 1697: expresslane.org
- Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ): Manages vehicle disposal and salvage yard oversight: deq.louisiana.gov
- Louisiana Automotive Dismantlers & Recyclers Association: Find licensed dismantlers in Louisiana.
Junk a Car in Louisiana
We offer junk car removal services throughout Louisiana, including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles, and surrounding areas. Whether you're in the city or a rural parish, we’ll help you junk your car the right way.
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