Auto dismantler
A licensed business that takes vehicles apart for parts and scrap, subject to state ownership and reporting rules.
An auto dismantler is a business licensed to take vehicles apart, sell the parts and dispose of the remains. “Dismantler” is the legal term in several states; others say wrecker or used auto parts recycler. Licensing helps keep stolen cars and parts out of the market.
Selling to a licensed dismantler protects you, because licensed businesses must document how they acquired your car and report it to the state.
California says it is illegal to act as a vehicle dismantler without an established place of business, meeting specific requirements, and a valid DMV business license or temporary permit.1 Texas requires licensed used auto parts recyclers buying a car without a title to file a report within 24 hours, and limits this to vehicles at least 13 years old that have not been registered for at least 7 years.2
References
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California DMV, “Fast Facts 1: DMV Complaints, DMV Investigations Division”, https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2020/04/ffinv1.pdf ↩
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Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, “Used Auto Parts Recyclers (UAPRs)”, https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/uapr ↩
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