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Selling a Scrap Car Without Title in South Africa - Steps & Paperwork

Overview: Selling a scrap car without title in South Africa

Selling a scrap car without title in South Africa can be done, but it requires clear documentation, some additional steps and an understanding of local rules. Whether your vehicle is non-running, accident-damaged, or written off, buyers and vehicle-collectors will look for proof of ownership, identification, and evidence the vehicle is not subject to finance or outstanding fines. This guide explains practical, South Africa-specific steps and realistic timelines so you can convert a scrap vehicle into cash or arrange collection with minimal hassle.

Quick note

If you lost the original registration book or vehicle licence, don’t panic: provincial licensing authorities and licensed vehicle buyers can work with alternative documents and verified ID. Expect extra checks and a slightly longer process.

What counts as proof when you don’t have the title

Valid South African ID or company registration documents.
Police case number if documents were lost or stolen (recommended).
Old registration papers, service records, roadworthy certificates (if available).
Written authorities or signed letters from co-owners where applicable.

Common scenarios and how they affect selling a scrap car

Each situation changes what buyers require: a privately owned car with missing papers is generally straightforward if ID and a signed affidavit are available. A vehicle under finance or recorded as stolen needs resolution with the finance house or police before a clean transfer can occur.

When to sell vs repair (practical South Africa guidance)

Deciding whether to repair a damaged vehicle or sell it as scrap depends on repair cost, the market value pre-damage, and how quickly you need cash or space. For many older or heavily damaged cars, selling as scrap avoids ongoing storage, towing costs and repair delays.

Scenario	Typical repair cost (estimate)	Value retained after repair
Older compact car, structural damage	R15,000-R60,000 (parts + labour)	Often less than 50% of pre-accident market value
Non-running engine failure (mid-life car)	R10,000-R45,000	Depends on model - sometimes viable
Written-off or flood-damaged vehicle	Often uneconomic to repair	Usually sold as salvage/scrap

Estimates above are illustrative and vary by region and vehicle. For many owners in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, salvage demand and parts markets influence whether repair makes sense. If repair costs approach or exceed likely resale value, selling as scrap is frequently the more practical option.

If you want a streamlined selling path for a non-running car in South Africa, see our Sell Non-Running Car page for details on how vehicle condition affects offers: Sell Non-Running Car.

Damage types vs typical impact on offers

Damage type	Typical offer impact
Structural/frame damage	High negative impact - often sold for parts/salvage
Engine seized or non-running	Moderate to high impact - depends on model and parts value
Cosmetic damage only	Lower impact - repair may be economical
Flood or fire damage	High negative impact - usually sold to salvage market

For additional context on damaged-vehicle sales and how valuations are made, read our Sell Damaged Cars guidance: Sell Damaged Cars.

How the process works when you don’t have a title

A trusted buyer will usually follow these steps: verify your identity, check for outstanding finance or theft records, request supporting documents (affidavit, ID, proof of sale) and complete a written sale agreement. If you cannot provide the original registration document, most buyers will accept sworn affidavits and evidence of ownership such as old receipts or municipal records.

Step-by-step checklist

Gather ID, proof of address and any vehicle paperwork you have.
Obtain a police affidavit if documents were lost or stolen (recommended).
Request a letter from your bank if the vehicle had finance and it was settled.
Use a written sale agreement that records the buyer, sale price and condition.
Confirm deregistration or transfer steps with the buyer and provincial licensing office.

If you prefer a simple online route that handles collection and paperwork, our homepage outlines the submission and collection flow: Sell Your Damaged Car homepage. For background on how we manage paperwork and collections, see our How it works page: About / How it works.

Legal & paperwork specifics in South Africa

Provincial licensing authorities handle vehicle registration and deregistration in South Africa. Without the original licence disk or registration certificate, officials typically accept a sworn affidavit plus ID and a completed application form. If a vehicle is still under finance, transfer cannot proceed until the finance institution issues a clearance. Always disclose any finance agreements to avoid legal issues.

Practical examples

Example: an owner in Durban who lost the vehicle papers can obtain a police affidavit, produce ID, complete a transfer form, and appoint the buyer to collect the vehicle. The buyer then lodges the paperwork with the local licensing office for deregistration or salvage record update. Timelines vary by province but expect 7-21 business days for administrative steps in many cases.

Tips to maximise your offer when selling without a title

Provide clear photos from multiple angles and close-ups of damage and VIN/chassis numbers.
Prepare a police affidavit for lost/stolen documents - buyers prefer this for verification.
Be transparent about finance, previous accident history and condition to avoid delays.
Keep communication records and use a signed sale agreement to protect both parties.

What happens after collection

After the buyer collects the scrap vehicle, they usually complete the paperwork, pay any outstanding amounts agreed in the sale agreement and arrange deregistration or salvage marking with the provincial licensing authority. If you used an intermediary service that offers free towing and admin handling, they will coordinate these steps and provide confirmation once transfer or deregistration is lodged.

Keep copies of all documents, the sale agreement and proof of payment. If the vehicle had finance, obtain written confirmation from the finance house that the account is settled.

Final considerations

Selling a scrap car without title in South Africa is commonly done, especially when owners provide identity, affidavits and honest condition reports. Expect extra verification and administrative steps, but with the right documentation you can complete a legal sale and avoid unnecessary delays.

Sources

Notes: all monetary figures and timelines in this article are estimates based on typical South African market conditions and administrative processing times. For personalised guidance specific to your vehicle, check provincial licensing requirements and consult a reputable local buyer or vehicle-collection service.

Selling a Scrap Car Without Title in South Africa - What You Need to Know

Proof Without Title

Expect Extra Checks

Document Everything

Overview: Selling a scrap car without title in South Africa

Quick note

What counts as proof when you don’t have the title

Common scenarios and how they affect selling a scrap car

When to sell vs repair (practical South Africa guidance)

Damage types vs typical impact on offers

How the process works when you don’t have a title

Step-by-step checklist

Legal & paperwork specifics in South Africa

Practical examples

Tips to maximise your offer when selling without a title

What happens after collection

Final considerations

Sources

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My car still has a finance bond or outstanding loan - can you buy it?

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How do you handle transfer of ownership and deregistration for non-running or written-off vehicles?

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Are there tax or VAT obligations I should be aware of when selling my damaged car?

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