Vancouver, BC · Guide

Can I Scrap a Car Without Registration?

It may be possible to scrap a car without the registration in hand, but it is not automatic. Jay has to be able to confirm that the person releasing the vehicle has the authority to release it.

Call before you book the pickup. A missing document sorted out in advance is a minor detail; discovered on pickup day it becomes a wasted trip for both of you.

Call or text Jay · 604-889-4470

What usually helps

  • Valid photo identification in the registered owner's name
  • A replacement registration obtained through an Autoplan broker
  • Documents showing how the vehicle came to you, such as estate paperwork
  • Any old insurance papers, bill of sale or service records you still have

Situations that need a conversation first

A vehicle left behind by a former tenant, a car registered to a relative who has died, a vehicle bought years ago that was never transferred, or a car sitting on a property you have just purchased all need to be discussed before a pickup is booked.

What Jay will not do

He will not promise that every vehicle can be accepted without proof of ownership, and he does not give legal advice. For ICBC procedures and replacement documents, confirm current requirements with an Autoplan broker.

A real Vancouver example

A Hastings-Sunrise customer had lost the registration for a van left by a relative. Jay explained what he would need to see before he could take it, and the pickup went ahead once that was sorted.

Written by Jay, owner-operator of Jay's Junk Car Towing Inc., from thousands of vehicle removals in Vancouver since 2003.

Questions people ask about this

Can I scrap a car with lost registration?

It may still be possible. Jay must confirm that the person releasing the vehicle has the authority to do so, so call before the pickup is booked. A replacement registration may be available through an Autoplan broker, and they can confirm the current requirements for your situation.

What documents do I need?

Have valid photo identification and the vehicle registration when available. Remove the licence plates before the vehicle leaves. Contact Jay before pickup when registration is missing or ownership is unusual.

Do I need to remove my licence plates?

Yes. Customers should remove their licence plates before the vehicle leaves and contact an Autoplan broker about cancelling or changing the insurance.

In short

Missing paperwork is common and often solvable, but it has to be solved before the truck is booked.

Explain the situation to Jay at 604-889-4470 and he will tell you what he needs to see.

Read next

Not sure what to do with the vehicle? Just ask.

Jay answers his own phone. Tell him what you have and where it sits, and he'll tell you straight whether removing it makes sense.

Call Jay · 604-889-4470
Call or text Jay · 604-889-4470