Disposing of an abandoned vehicle in Texas

Possession is not the same as ownership

A vehicle left behind by a tenant or another driver needs a different route from selling your own car. TxDMV accepts applications for a Certificate of Authority from eligible owners, transferees and people with an abandoned vehicle in their possession or on their property.

Use the demolisher application

Form VTR-71-2 applies to authority to dispose of a vehicle to a demolisher. It is a destruction route, not a general title for resale or driving. Read the application requirements for the ownership evidence you have.

Allow the department’s notice process

Where ownership evidence is missing, TxDMV must notify identifiable owners and lienholders, or post notice when a record cannot be located. They have 20 days to claim the vehicle; an unclaimed vehicle can receive the certificate on day 21 after notice.

Keep a street report separate

Use the local police or city reporting route for a vehicle on a public street. Do not arrange a private sale of someone else’s car. Once lawful disposal authority is established, explain the document to the purchasing partner before collection.

Official sources.

TxDMV abandoned vehicle procedure

Sources reviewed September 10, 2026. Use the current instructions for your vehicle and transaction.

Continue with your Texas sale.

Texas vehicle transfer notification after sellingReport your sale and retain the confirmation separately from the title transfer.Replacing a missing Texas vehicle titleCheck the recorded owners and any lien before applying for a certified copy.Selling a Texas vehicle with a lienArrange the lender’s release before completing your vehicle sale.Selling a Texas car through an authorized representativeUse the correct authorization for the vehicle and transaction.Selling an inherited Texas vehicleEstablish the estate’s transfer route before arranging a sale.Texas recycling without a title: the limited exemptionA recycler exemption is not a general permission to sell any car without ownership documents.Texas salvage and nonrepairable vehicle documentsIdentify the title classification before agreeing to a sale or road use.Texas license plates and vehicle collection after a saleDecide how the vehicle will leave before handing over the keys.Texas vehicle sale: mileage and odometer disclosurePrepare an accurate mileage statement even when the vehicle no longer runs.Selling a flood-damaged car in TexasResolve the insurance claim and ownership position before arranging a separate sale.Texas inspections, emissions and selling a non-running carSeparate registration requirements from arranging a tow for your unwanted vehicle.Correcting Texas title details before sellingResolve an owner-name error or mismatched vehicle record before signing the sale.Texas junk-car sale paperwork checklistGather the documents that match your ownership situation before collection.Texas junk-car pickup and sale recordsMake the collection straightforward and keep a clear record of the handover.