A damaged blue sedan in front of a pile of crushed junk cars at a Colorado salvage yard with bold text overlay.

Colorado Junk Car Titles: What You Need to Know

Colorado junk car titles are a crucial part of the process when selling, scrapping, or donating a vehicle that’s no longer roadworthy. Whether you’re cleaning up your property or trying to get cash for an old car, understanding how junk titles work in Colorado helps avoid legal issues and ensures a smooth transaction.

If you’re planning to junk a car in Colorado, you’ll need to understand what qualifies as a junk vehicle, how to transfer ownership legally, and what to do if you’ve lost the title.

What Is a Junk Car Title?

A junk car title, often referred to as a salvage title, is a legal document issued by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It designates a vehicle that has been declared a total loss by an insurance company or is otherwise not roadworthy.

Common Reasons for a Junk Title

  • Vehicle was damaged in an accident and repair costs exceed its value
  • Flood, fire, or hail damage
  • Stripped or missing major components
  • Vehicle has been abandoned or left unused for years

Once a car is issued a junk title in Colorado, it cannot legally be driven unless it is rebuilt and re-inspected.

How to Junk a Car in Colorado

Junking a car in Colorado involves several legal steps. It’s not as simple as just handing over the keys—state laws must be followed to transfer ownership correctly.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Locate the Title
    You must have the title in your name to legally junk or sell a vehicle, even if it’s non-operational.
  2. Check for Liens
    Any outstanding loans must be cleared. The title must show that the lien has been released.
  3. Fill Out the Title
    • Sign the title as the seller
    • Fill in the buyer’s name (if selling to a junkyard or private buyer)
    • Note the odometer reading (if required)
  4. Bill of Sale (Optional but Recommended)
    While not always required, a bill of sale provides legal documentation of the transaction.
  5. Remove Plates and Cancel Registration
    Colorado law requires you to remove the license plates and cancel the vehicle’s registration.
  6. Submit Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability
    This form notifies the DMV that you are no longer responsible for the car.

What If You Lost Your Car Title?

An old silver sedan parked on a patchy, dirt-filled yard with faded paint and rusted wheels.

If you’ve lost your title, you’ll need to apply for a duplicate title before you can junk your car.

How to Get a Duplicate Title in Colorado

  • Complete Form DR 2539A – Duplicate Title Request and Receipt
  • Provide proof of identity (driver’s license or ID)
  • Pay the applicable fee (usually around $8.20)
  • Submit the form at your local DMV office or by mail

Once you receive the duplicate, you can proceed with junking the car legally.

Selling to a Junkyard in Colorado

Many people sell their junk cars to licensed junkyards or salvage yards. These businesses typically handle most of the paperwork for you, but you’re still responsible for providing a clean title.

Tips for Selling to a Junkyard

  • Get Multiple Quotes – Prices can vary significantly
  • Check Licensing – Use only state-licensed salvage yards
  • Verify Their Title Requirements – Some may accept vehicles without titles under special circumstances, but most require one
  • Remove Personal Belongings – Double-check for personal items before the tow truck arrives

Colorado Law on Abandoned or Unclaimed Vehicles

If a vehicle has been sitting on your property or was left behind by a tenant, you can’t just claim it and junk it. Colorado has strict regulations about abandoned vehicles.

Legal Path for Abandoned Vehicles

  • Contact local law enforcement to report the abandoned vehicle
  • Apply for a bonded title if ownership can’t be verified
  • Wait for required holding periods and public notice
  • Complete a title application through the DMV

Failing to follow this process could result in fines or legal disputes.

Important Colorado DMV Forms for Junk Car Titles

Understanding the key forms involved in the junking process will make things much easier.

Common Forms You Might Need

  • DR 2539A – Duplicate Title Request
  • DR 2173 – Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale
  • DR 2445 – Statement of Fact (used in various situations)
  • DR 2462 – Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability

You can find all of these on the official Colorado DMV website or at your nearest DMV office.

Can You Junk a Car Without a Title in Colorado?

A rusty white pickup truck being loaded onto a red flatbed tow truck in a residential area.

It’s very difficult to legally junk a car without a title in Colorado. Most junkyards will not accept untitled vehicles due to strict state regulations.

However, some exceptions exist:

  • The vehicle is older than a certain year and falls under an exemption
  • You can prove ownership through registration and a signed affidavit
  • The junkyard has a licensed process to handle such cases (rare)

Still, your best option is to obtain a duplicate title to avoid legal complications.

Rebuilding a Junk Vehicle in Colorado

If you plan to rebuild a junk car, you must follow Colorado’s process for salvage vehicle inspections.

Key Steps to Rebuilding

  • Repair the vehicle to meet safety standards
  • Collect receipts for all major parts
  • Schedule a Certified VIN Inspection
  • Apply for a Rebuilt from Salvage Title

Once the process is complete, the car can be legally registered and driven. However, its salvage history will always remain on the title.

How to Donate a Junk Car in Colorado

Donating your junk car is another way to get rid of it while supporting a good cause.

Steps for Donation

  • Choose a licensed, IRS-approved charity
  • Transfer the title properly
  • Ask the charity if they’ll tow the car for free
  • Get a donation receipt for tax purposes

Some charities will accept vehicles even if they don’t run, as long as you can provide the title.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Junking a Car

Avoiding common pitfalls can save you from future headaches.

  • Not removing license plates – You could be liable for tolls or traffic tickets
  • Failing to file the Notice of Transfer – You remain responsible for the vehicle
  • Giving away a car without a title transfer – Risk of fraud or fines
  • Not getting a receipt from the junkyard – No proof the vehicle was sold

Getting rid of a junk car in Colorado isn’t just about clearing space—it’s a legal process that requires proper paperwork, title handling, and knowledge of local regulations. By understanding how Colorado junk car titles work and following the right steps, you can confidently sell, scrap, or donate your unwanted vehicle without complications.