Getting rid of a junk car in Maryland -- what do to when you don't have the title?

Good Day Everyone,



It's been quite a while since I posted on this forum. Decided to break the silence with a question. Our friend's husband died suddenly and we're helping the widow with the estate. Among other things, she has a '94 Volvo 940 sitting in her backyard. Was not driven for 5+ years. The car was registered only to the late husband, and she can't find the title, although she does have a long expired registration card. She wants to get rid of the car. If she can get a few bucks for it she will certainly be happy, but more importantly, she needs to make sure she gets rid of it properly, so that, for example, the car does not get sold to someone without the title and then used in a crime or something like that, and she does not need to spend lots of time running around dealing with red tape, lawyers and so on.

She's near Baltimore. I called one yard and they told me they would not accept this car without the title. So the question is: what's "the right way" for her to get rid of the car? Can she get any money for it? The car has all its parts I think -- at least it's not missing the engine or the transmission and is not all rusted out -- but I think it has a lot of miles on it.

Any info will be much appreciated!

Im not a expert by any means but I would think if you took the expired registration a copy of his death certificate and her photo ID I would think they would redo title or call AAA to see what they could do. I know here in PA AAA are certified DOT to do those type of transactions

The best way in the situation legally and financially is to get the title.

To get the most money, take (tow) it a recycling center, call around for prices. Keep the battery, wheels, and catalytic converter (I will buy it).

Tow truck guys and car parts places usually pay very little. And if you don’t have the title, they may pay next to nothing.

Thanks everyone!

Originally Posted by JohnC4X4

I would have the late husband fill out the online paper work above and have him sign the title in the proper place when it arrives in the mail

That's a creative way to approach the problem. Had to reread this twice to make sure I was reading it right. :-)

I will pass all this info to her!

Isnt the late husband in the ground to me late means dead. How would he do any of that

The cable and electric at my sisters house is still in Dad's name. He passed more then 10 years ago. He just added HBO to the package last week

In a state like PA they notarize the sigs on title when there is a sale >> So of course he would not be able to sign it
In states like MA and NJ the person just signs
NO ONE at the DMV/RMV is going to look at that sig and say "Wait a minute! Thats not Joe Bobs sig >> I know Joe Bobs sig and that ain't it"

I'm not too sure how it works in Maryland, but couldn't she just fill out a salvage title form if she's looking to keep it?

Originally Posted by mikeinreco

When I used to dabble in junk cars NO TITLE was Required for a car that old

Depends on location
Looks like Maryland requires them

Update: basically followed your advice, no notary needed, the car just got picked up the other day, and she got some money for it. Win-win-win! Thanks again!

Glad it all worked out

How much did she get for the car?

Originally Posted by ilyaz

Update: basically followed your advice, no notary needed, the car just got picked up the other day, and she got some money for it. Win-win-win! Thanks again!

Originally Posted by APA

How much did she get for the car?

$100

She was a little sad when the tow truck driver told her the car would be junked -- all those memories of her late husband... I told her it would have been nice if the car got rebuilt and someone could use it, and that the driver had said what he said to prevent her from asking for more money. Which is probably not true, and I am not sure that consoled her much, but what's done is done. Life goes on.