Selling a Junk Car in Michigan: A Practical Checklist

Selling a junk car is usually simpler than selling a running car privately. There's no listing to write and no test drives to arrange. A little preparation still goes a long way. This checklist covers what Michigan sellers should take care of before, during, and after the sale.

Before you request an offer

• Find your title. It should be in your name. If there's a lien on the vehicle, contact your lender about releasing it.
• Write down the year, make, model, and approximate mileage. The VIN is printed on the driver's side of the dashboard and on the title.
• Be honest about condition: whether it starts, whether it rolls, missing parts, flood or fire damage, and body damage.
• Note where the car is parked: driveway, garage, street, or lot.

Accurate details matter. An offer is only as good as the information behind it, and describing the car honestly up front helps avoid a price change on pickup day.

If your title is missing

A lost title is common with cars that have been sitting for years. The Michigan Secretary of State can issue a duplicate title to the registered owner. If you've inherited a vehicle or the owner has passed away, the Secretary of State has separate procedures for transferring ownership. Call the buyer before scheduling so you know what documents they'll accept.

Before pickup day

• Clean out the glovebox, trunk, under the seats, and any storage compartments.
• Remove garage door openers, toll tags, and any aftermarket electronics you want to keep.
• Take off your license plate. In Michigan, plates belong to the owner, not the car.
• Make sure the path to the vehicle is clear so the tow truck can reach it.

At pickup

Have your photo ID and title ready. Sign the title only where the buyer indicates, and make sure the sale price and date are recorded correctly. Keep a copy or photo of the signed title and any receipt for your records.

After the sale

• Contact your insurance company to cancel or adjust coverage now that the vehicle is gone.
• Keep your sale paperwork in case you're ever asked about the vehicle.
• Decide what to do with your plate: transfer it to another vehicle or handle it through the Secretary of State.

If you're in Detroit, Dearborn Heights, Dearborn, Livonia, Redford Township, or Garden City and you're ready to sell, Detroit Junk Car Recycling can walk you through each of these steps.