If you've got an older, battered car sitting atop your driveway or cluttering up your garage, it’s likely that you’ve thought about selling it. And face it — it feels great to clear out space and make some money in the process. But before you can sell your ride, there’s one thing you must possess first — the documents.
Here at Cashing Carz, we get asked this question on average daily — “What paperwork do I need to junk my car?” Well, the good news is it’s not as complicated as it may sound. For your convenience, we’ve broken it down step by step.
Why Paperwork Is Important When Selling a Junk Car
Even if your car is not going to start or is inoperable, it’s still yours. That means you need to have the right paperwork in order to sell or junk it lawfully. Having proper papers protects you from future hassles, penalties, and liabilities should your junk car end up where it shouldn’t.
Important Documents You’ll Typically Need
While the exact paperwork can vary slightly depending on your state, here’s what you’ll most likely need when junking your car:
Vehicle Title (Certificate of Title)
This is the most important document. The title proves that you’re the legal owner of the car and have the right to sell it. Most junk car buyers, including Cashing Carz, require a valid title to complete the sale.
Pro tip — if you’ve lost your title, don’t panic. You can usually get a copy title at your local DMV.
Bill of Sale
While not strictly required, it is a good idea to have a bill of sale when junking your car. The form tracks the sale transaction, including the make, model, VIN, sale price, and sale date. It also establishes that you are no longer in possession of the car.
At Cashing Carz, we guide our sellers through an effortless bill of sale template so that things go down without a hitch.
Valid Identification
You will be asked to provide a valid government photo identification, such as a state ID or driver’s license, to verify that you are the actual owner of the vehicle. This is for your and the buyer’s protection and helps prevent fraud.
Release of Liability
This is another important document you’ll have to complete once you junk your car. A release of liability notifies your state’s DMV that the car is no longer under your ownership. This protects you from tickets, towing fees, or other issues that can happen if your junk car ends up abandoned somewhere.
What If You Don’t Have the Title
Most individuals think that it is impossible to junk a car with no title, but it is just different in different states and the type of buyer you contact. There are buyers who would accept cars without a title if you have other supporting documents, like a registration and a photo ID.
We treat sellers as individuals at Cashing Carz. If you don’t have your title, call us. We’ll walk you through what you can do and help you decide on the best way to proceed.
Other Helpful Documents to Have
- Vehicle Registration
- Not always required, but it confirms ownership.
Lien Release
If there was ever a loan on the car, make sure it’s fully paid off, and get a lien release document from your lender.
Maintenance Records (Optional)
These aren’t usually necessary when junking a car, but they can be helpful if parts are being salvaged.
Final Steps After Junking Your Car
Once you’ve sold your junk car to Cashing Carz, don’t forget to:
- Remove your license plates
- Cancel your insurance policy
- Notify the DMV of the sale or junking
- File your release of liability form either online or by mail, depending on your state
These final steps ensure you’re legally cleared of any future issues tied to that car.
Ready to Junk Your Car? Cashing Carz Makes It Simple
Here at Cashing Carz, we believe junking a car has to be hassle-free, convenient, and quick. If your car has been sitting in the garage for years or just broke down on you recently, we’ll do the paperwork, haul it away, and give you cash in your hand.
Have questions regarding your documents or where to begin the process? Contact us anytime. Our company is here to ensure you receive an equitable, simple, and speedy deal.
