Selling or junking a car in Wyoming

How do I sign over a car title in Wyoming?

The seller endorses an assignment and warranty of title on the certificate with a statement of all liens, signed and dated before a notary. Notarization is required (W.S. 31-2-104(a)). The title is delivered to the buyer when the vehicle is delivered, and the buyer applies at the county clerk. A seller of a branded-title vehicle must give a Branded Title Disclosure Statement (MV-602).

Can I sell or junk a car without a title in Wyoming?

A buyer who can't get an assigned title may still get one through an affidavit of vehicle ownership, sworn before an officer, plus an indemnity bond (W.S. 31-2-105(b)). For vehicles worth under $2,500, a title may be issued without a bond on an affidavit of ownership, a notarized bill of sale, a dealer's value statement, a VIN inspection, or other proof the county clerk requires (31-2-105(c)). An owner who loses the title may get a duplicate from the issuing county clerk.

How do I get a duplicate title in Wyoming?

Apply to the county clerk that issued the original title and file an affidavit describing the loss (W.S. 31-2-105(a)). The fee is $15.00 for an original or duplicate certificate of title (W.S. 31-3-102(a)(vii)). The duplicate is marked as a duplicate.

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in Wyoming?

When ownership transfers, the registration expires and the original owner must immediately remove the license plates. Within 60 days of acquiring another suitable vehicle, the owner may apply to transfer the registration number to it (W.S. 31-2-214(a)).

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in Wyoming?

When a WY-titled vehicle is destroyed, dismantled, changed so it is no longer a vehicle, or sold as salvage, the owner must surrender the title to the department and get a receipt (W.S. 31-11-110). Total-loss vehicles get a 'Salvage' branded title through the county clerk, except WY-titled vehicles over eight years old, commercial vehicles and trailers. Licensed towing and recovery carriers may obtain a 'junk' certificate of title for junk vehicles under W.S. 31-2-111.

What can I do about an abandoned vehicle on my property in Wyoming?

A vehicle left on private property for more than 30 consecutive days without consent is abandoned. The property owner requests a title and lien search from WYDOT. The owner then gives written notice of sale to the owner and lienholders by certified mail at least 10 days before the sale and to the county sheriff, and publishes notice for two consecutive weeks. The vehicle may then be sold at public auction. Allowable expenses (storage $20/day) are capped at $1,000, and the sheriff issues a certificate of sale ($7.50).

Official sources

1. WYDOT - Abandoned Vehicles
2. WYDOT - Salvage Vehicles
3. Wyoming Statutes Title 31 (31-2-104, 31-2-105, 31-2-111, 31-2-214, 31-3-102, 31-11-110)

This guide summarizes public rules and is not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) Motor Vehicle Services; titles through county clerks, plates through county treasurers before you sell.