Lost Your Car Title?
Here's How to Sell Your Car in Washington
You can still sell today. All it takes is your valid ID plus one instant DMV document—a notarized Release of Interest (can be free) or an Affidavit in Lieu of Title ($18)—and we handle the rest.
Yes, You CAN Sell Your Car Without a Title in Washington
All you need is your valid ID plus one instant DMV document: a notarized Release of Interest (can be free from the DMV) or an Affidavit in Lieu of Title ($18 from the DMV). Both are issued on the spot—no waiting weeks. Licensed dealers like Eastside Junk Cars handle the rest of the paperwork so you can sell legally and get cash.
On This Page
What is an Affidavit in Lieu of Title?
An Affidavit in Lieu of Title is a sworn DMV document that stands in for your title when it's lost, destroyed, or unavailable. It costs $18 at the DMV and is issued instantly—you walk out with it the same visit. It's signed under penalty of perjury, which means you're legally certifying that the information is true.
What's Included in the Affidavit:
- Your personal information — Full legal name, address, driver's license number
- Vehicle details — VIN, year, make, model, color, license plate
- Statement of ownership — Declaration that you are the legal owner
- Reason title is unavailable — Lost, destroyed, never received, etc.
- Your signature — Signed under penalty of perjury
When to Use an Affidavit in Lieu of Title:
- • You lost your title and can't find it
- • The title was destroyed (fire, flood, etc.)
- • You never received the title after purchase
- • The title is damaged beyond recognition
What is a Release of Interest?
A Release of Interest is a notarized DMV document where an owner formally gives up their ownership claim to a vehicle. It can be free from the DMV and is issued instantly. It's the go-to option when the title is missing or when there are multiple people with ownership rights to the vehicle.
When You Need a Release of Interest:
Divorce Situations
Your ex-spouse's name is on the title but you're keeping the car. They sign a release giving up their ownership claim.
Joint Ownership
Title has multiple names (AND or OR) and one party wants to sell. The other party signs a release.
Never Transferred Title
You bought the car but never transferred the title. The previous owner signs a release.
Family Transfers
A family member gave you the car but paperwork wasn't completed. They sign a release.
How to Sell Your Car Without a Title
Call Us
Explain your situation. We'll tell you which document you need.
Get Your Quote
We give you a fair cash offer based on your vehicle's value.
Complete Docs
Grab your instant DMV document—Release of Interest (can be free) or Affidavit in Lieu of Title ($18).
We Pick Up
Same-day pickup available once documentation is ready.
Get Cash
We pay you cash on the spot. Done!
How Much Cash Can I Get for a Junk Car Without a Title?
The same as a car WITH a title: $100 to $15,000, depending on year, make, model, and condition. Missing paperwork does not lower your payout—your car's value comes from its parts and metal, not the document.
Searching for "$500 cash for junk cars without title"? That's a realistic payout for many complete mid-2000s+ sedans and SUVs in our area. Here's what typically drives the number:
Older, incomplete, or heavily damaged vehicles (scrap value)
Complete cars, trucks & SUVs with resellable parts—most common range
Newer, running, or in-demand vehicles (Toyota, Honda, trucks)
Call (425) 246-4561 with your year, make, model, and condition—you'll have a real number in about 60 seconds.
Junk Car Removal Without a Title — Same-Day, Free Towing
Need the car gone, not just sold? Our no-title junk car removal works exactly like our standard service: free towing, same-day pickup available, and cash in your hand when we load the vehicle.
- Free towing anywhere we serve — Seattle, the Eastside, and all of King County. You never pay a removal fee.
- Same-day pickup — call before 2 PM and your documentation is ready, and we can usually remove the car within hours.
- Simple paperwork — the no-title process adds 10–15 minutes at pickup. You need your ID and the DMV document; we handle the rest.
- Any condition — not running, wrecked, no keys, flat tires, sitting for years. Our flatbeds and winches handle it.
Want the full paperwork walkthrough first? Read our Washington junk car title guide for every DOL form, fee, and timeline.
Common Situations We Help With
"I Lost My Title"
This is the most common situation. Stop by the DMV for a notarized Release of Interest (can be free) or an Affidavit in Lieu of Title ($18)—both are issued instantly, the same visit.
Documentation needed: Valid ID + instant DMV document (Release of Interest or Affidavit in Lieu of Title)
"I Inherited a Car"
When someone passes away, their vehicles become part of their estate. You can sell using probate documents, small estate affidavit (estates under $100K), death certificate with proof of relationship, or letters testamentary.
Documentation needed: Probate docs OR Small estate affidavit OR Death certificate + proof of relationship
"Going Through Divorce"
If your ex-spouse's name is on the title, you'll need them to sign a release of interest, or you can use your divorce decree if it awards you the vehicle.
Documentation needed: Release of interest from ex-spouse OR Divorce decree awarding vehicle
"I Bought It But Never Transferred the Title"
This happens more than you'd think. You bought the car, drove it, but never did the paperwork. You'll need a Release of Interest from the previous owner, or an Affidavit in Lieu of Title with your bill of sale.
Documentation needed: Release of Interest from previous owner OR Affidavit in Lieu of Title + original bill of sale
"The Car is 15+ Years Old"
Same simple process—and older cars are our specialty. Your valid ID plus an instant DMV document is all it takes, whatever the age of the vehicle.
Documentation needed: Valid ID + instant DMV document (Release of Interest or Affidavit in Lieu of Title)
"There's a Lien on the Title"
If you still owe money on the vehicle or an old loan shows on the title, you'll need a lien release from the lender. In some cases, we can pay off the lien directly if there's enough equity.
Documentation needed: Lien release from lender OR payoff coordination
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to sell a car without a title in Washington?
Yes! With your valid ID plus a notarized Release of Interest or an Affidavit in Lieu of Title, selling through a licensed dealer is 100% legal. The key is working with a licensed buyer who files the correct paperwork with the WA DOL.
Will I get less money because I don't have the title?
No! We pay fair market value based on your vehicle's condition, not your paperwork situation. The documentation process is straightforward and doesn't affect your payout. Your car's value is determined by year, make, model, and condition—not whether you have the original title.
How long does the documentation process take?
Minutes, not weeks. Both the Release of Interest and the Affidavit in Lieu of Title are issued instantly at the DMV—you walk out with the document the same visit. At pickup, the no-title paperwork adds about 10-15 minutes, and same-day pickup is available.
How much does the paperwork cost?
A notarized Release of Interest can be free from the DMV, and an Affidavit in Lieu of Title costs $18. Both are issued on the spot. There are no other costs—our towing, pickup, and paperwork handling are always free.
What ID do I need to sell my car without a title?
You'll need a valid Washington State driver's license or state ID. If you have vehicle registration, insurance cards, or any previous DMV paperwork, bring those too—they help verify ownership but aren't always required.
Sell Your Car Without Title By City
Why Trust Us With Your Documentation?
Licensed, bonded, and insured Washington State auto dealer
5-Star Reviews
Cars Purchased
Serving Washington
Ready to Sell Your Car?
Call now and we'll explain exactly which documentation you need. Same-day pickup available once paperwork is complete.
Call (425) 246-4561 NowAvailable Sunday-Thursday 9AM-6PM, Friday 9AM-5PM