How to Junk a Car in Tennessee
Junking a car in Tennessee is straightforward when you know the process. Since 2016, Junk Car Medics has helped thousands of Tennessee residents legally junk their cars for cash. We make the process quick, safe, and fully compliant with Tennessee DMV and salvage 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 Tennessee?
The state defines a junk car as a vehicle that is not drivable, not worth fixing, or sold for scrap. This includes cars declared totaled by insurance companies. For a full description, see our What Is a Junk Car? guide.
Step-by-Step Process to Junk a Car in Tennessee
- Get Your Offer: Share your vehicle’s year, make, model, and condition to get a guaranteed 7-day offer.
- Schedule Free Pickup: Arrange pickup at a convenient time. Towing is free with Junk Car Medics.
- Sign the Title: Sign the Tennessee Certificate of Title on the back, under the “Assignment of Title by Registered Owner.” Fill in buyer information, mileage, and date of sale.
- Get Paid on the Spot: We pay you when we pick up the vehicle and tow it away for free.
- Complete the Notification of Sale: Remove the plate and fill out the tear-off section of the title or use Form RV-F1317001 to report the sale.
- Cancel Insurance: Once the sale is complete, contact your insurance company to cancel coverage.
What You Need to Junk a Car in Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Revenue (DOR) requires proof of ownership and proper documentation to legally dispose of a junk vehicle. Below are the required items to complete the process.
- Certificate of Title: Required to transfer ownership. If lost, request a duplicate using Form RV-F1315201.
- Photo ID: A valid Tennessee driver’s license or state-issued ID.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles less than 10 years old under federal law. Enter mileage on the title or attach Form RV-F1317001.
- Plate Removal: License plates must be removed before the vehicle is picked up.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Junking a Car in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the title must be in your name to junk a car. If lost, request a duplicate title from the Department of Revenue using Form RV-F1315201. Any lien must be released before transfer.
You must remove the VIN plate before disposal. The plate must be returned to the state or destroyed. Include it with all documents submitted to the Department of Revenue or buyer.
Can You Junk a Car Without a Title in Tennessee?
No. You must have a valid Tennessee title in your name to junk a car. If the title is missing, you can apply for a duplicate using Form RV-F1315201.
Is Registration Required to Junk a Car in Tennessee?
No. As long as you have the title, registration does not need to be current to junk the car.
Do I Need to Notify the DMV?
Yes. You must complete a Seller’s Report of Sale, remove your plates, and cancel your registration. If the vehicle is being destroyed, remove the VIN plate and include it with the paperwork.
Licensed dismantlers in Tennessee must document every junk vehicle they buy and report it to the Department of Revenue.
A customer in Nashville recently sold us their 2007 Dodge Caravan that had been parked for months. We paid $500 cash, handled the paperwork, and picked it up within hours.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Junking a Car in Tennessee
- Not removing license plates: These should be removed and kept or returned to the county clerk.
- Incorrect title completion: Ensure all sections are filled out completely, including the mileage and buyer information.
- Failing to file the Notification of Sale: This can result in liability if the vehicle is resold or involved in an incident.
- Selling to unlicensed buyers: Work only with licensed recyclers like Junk Car Medics.
Helpful Resources
- Tennessee DOR Title & Registration Division: Access forms RV-F1315201 and RV-F1317001: tn.gov/revenue
- Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC): Oversees dismantler and recycler environmental compliance: tn.gov/environment
- Tennessee Auto Dismantlers Association: Search for licensed dismantlers and recycling partners in the state.
Junk a Car in Tennessee
We provide professional junk car removal services across Tennessee including Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, and more. Whether you're in a metro area or a small town, we help you junk your car legally and easily.
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