The short answer
Pennsylvania's rules for scrapping a car are in Vehicle Code section 1163, as amended by Act 91 of 2016. If you have the title, it's simple. If you don't, there's still a legal path for a salvage vehicle sitting on your property.
With a title
- Sign (assign) the title or certificate of salvage over to the scrap metal processor.
- For a sale to a scrap processor, the title is exempt from notarization.
- The processor sends the title to PennDOT, and the car is designated nonrepairable. It can never be rebuilt or retitled.
Lost, destroyed or faulty title
Section 1163(d) lets a vehicle owner transfer a salvage vehicle with a faulty, lost or destroyed title that's on the owner's property to a scrap metal processor, for storage or scrapping, as long as the processor follows the law's requirements. You, as the person handing the car over, verify the report to PennDOT that it's a salvage vehicle. PennDOT's form for this situation is the MV-4RP, Indemnity Agreement for Faulty/Lost/Destroyed Title.
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Common questions
Do I need a notary to junk a car in Pennsylvania?
Not when you sell to a scrap metal processor. The title assignment to a scrap processor is exempt from notarization.
Can I scrap a car without a title in Pennsylvania?
If it's a salvage vehicle with a lost, destroyed or faulty title on your property, yes: you can transfer it to a scrap metal processor, which follows PennDOT's process, and you verify the salvage report.
Checked against official sources on October 29, 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the agency or business before you act.