Cash for Junk Cars in Grand Rapids, MI: $100-$5,000

What do I need to sell my junk car in Grand Rapids?

A Junk car owner needs the following things to sell their Junk car in Grand Rapids. First, get a reputable junk car buyer on Craigslist or any other online platform and get a quote from them for your junk car. Have a state ID and the car title and if not get a duplicate title at any Secretary of State’s office in Grand Rapids. Transfer the car title to the junk car buyer and then fill in the necessary paperwork according to Michigan state laws to certify ownership and get paid cash for your scrap car.

How does Grand Rapids define a junk vehicle?

Ordinance No. 30 of the Town of Grand Rapids defines junk cars as wrecked or disabled vehicles that are in a physical or mechanical condition that makes them incapable of self-propulsion or being operated in their current condition on public highways. Junk cars are known as decrepit cars, scrap cars, junkers, and jalopies. These cars are usually 15 years old unless wrecked. Cars that are totaled, abandoned, wrecked, old, or have serious mechanical problems are considered scrap cars in Grand Rapids. Junk cars are usually inoperable. These are cars that may be old or neglected.

What are the laws around junking a car in Grand Rapids?

1. Ordinance No. 30: An Ordinance Regulating Junk Vehicles to promote the Health, Safety, Aesthetics, Comfort, Prosperity and General Welfare of the town of Grand Rapids regulates matters regarding junk vehicles.
   • It defines junk vehicles and provides for permits and states that the Town Board shall take into account factors such as location concerningr residences and public view when issuing a permit for storage of junk cars.
   • The enforcement of the Ordinance will be done by the police.

2. Ordinance No. 269, The Grand Rapids Township Inoperable Motor Vehicle Ordinance, which is an ordinance responsible for regulating outdoor storage of inoperable motor vehicles in the township of Grand Rapids and providing for the issuance of permits and penalties for the violation thereof provides for the following in summary;
   • It provides for Storage of Inoperable Motor Vehicles where it states that it is unlawful for any person, store, corporation, or firm to store any parts of a motor vehicle on land located in the Township of Grand Rapids unless it is permitted under the Zoning Ordinance provisions or it is stored in a wholly enclosed and roofed garage or building.

What is the penalty for breaking the Grand Rapid laws regarding Scrap Metal Vehicles?

Ordinance No. 30 which regulates junk vehicles to promote health, safety, aesthetics, comfort, prosperity, and general welfare of the town of Grand Rapids, 30.5,  provides that any person, corporation, firm, or partnership failing to comply with the provisions of this ordinance, upon conviction shall be subjected to forfeiture according to Ordinance 39 together with prosecution costs. It states that each day shall be treated as a separate violation.

Section 6 of Ordinance No. 269, Grand Rapids Township Inoperable Motor Vehicle Ordinance provides that any person who violates any provision of this Ordinance is responsible for a municipal civil infraction and will be liable for a civil fine of not less than $50.00 plus costs and other sanctions for each violation.

Section 6 (b) Provides that Repeat offenses will be subject to increased fines and lays out the specifics.

Can I get cash for junk cars with no title in Grand Rapids?

No. One can not sell their junk car with no title in Grand Rapids. If a junk car owner has lost their title they can apply for a duplicate one at any Secretary of State office in Grand Rapids and have it with you in as little as 14 days.

Read more on selling cars with no titles.

How to get a replacement title in Grand Rapids?

Listed below are the seven steps on how to get a replacement title in Grand Rapids.

1. Duplicate Title Application Form
2. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
3. Current Registration Decal Number
4. Proof of Ownership
5. Current registration papers
6. Valid ID or driver’s license
7. A replacement fee of $15

After one has ensured they have all the relevant documents if replacement is being done online, one has to follow these steps.

1. Visit the Michigan state website, Michigan.gov/SOS
2. Click on online services
3. Go to the Vehicle Transactions Section.
4. If you do not already have a Secretary of State account, create one but if you already do log in.
5. On your account click on the vehicle title duplicate section and then follow the online prompts.
6. Pay the $15 application fee.
7. Wait for 14 days to receive your duplicate car title.

If the replacement is being done in person, one is to follow the steps below.

1. Walk into any Secretary of State office in Grand Rapids.
2. Fill in your details on the application form.
3. Present the identification documents mentioned above.
4. Pay the $15 fee for the application.
5. Wait for your duplicate title to arrive in 14 days.

Is it a requirement to notify the DMV when you junk a car in Grand Rapids?

Yes, the Department of Motor Vehicles in Grand Rapids has to know when one decides to sell, junk, donate, or trade a junk car because it has to keep a record of the transfer of ownership of all cars in the state of Michigan. One has to have a genuine title transfer so that the DMV can change the junked vehicle’s registration.

Can I store junk cars on my property in Grand Rapids?

The city of Michigan state law applies in Grand Rapids. Michigan State Law states that one must cover a junk car from public view, one can hide junk cars in Grand Rapids by hiding them on abandoned grounds that are remote and not in public view. One can dismantle the car and store it in parts. You have to store your scrap car in an enclosed structure to shield it from public view in Grand Rapids. Inoperable motor vehicles in Grand Rapids cannot be stored in the yard, street, or driveway. They must be stored in a fully enclosed structure away from the public.

Can I sell my car for parts in Grand Rapids?

Yes. An Individual can sell their car parts in Grand Rapids if they know how to remove them. Once you remove and clean these parts you can sell them separately to car part dealers and make more money.

These following steps will guide one on how to sell your car parts in Grand Rapids.

1. Find car part dealers near you and take offers for your car parts. There is no need to spend huge amounts of time removing valuable car parts if you do not have a ready buyer.
2. Detach the car parts from the car and clean them.
3. Compare the different offers from the car part dealers you had contacted.
4. Get paid in cash for selling your car for parts.
5. Once you’re done selling all the valuable car parts, junk the remaining shell.

More about where to sell car parts for cash near you.

Is it possible to junk a car with a lien in Grand Rapids?

No, it is not possible to junk a car with a lien in Grand Rapids. A vehicle must be paid off for the title to be in your name. If one still owes money on it, the financial institution owns your car. You must pay off the remaining balance before you can junk a car for cash in Grand Rapids.