The best way to junk a car is to gather your title and ID, remove personal belongings and plates, get quotes from 2-3 buyers (online buyers typically pay most), accept the best offer, sign over the title at pickup, get paid in cash, and notify your DMV. The entire process takes 1-2 days with most buyers.
Junking a car doesn't have to be complicated. Whether your vehicle is totaled, broken down, or just too old to be worth fixing, you can turn it into cash with minimal effort if you know the right steps.
This guide walks you through the entire process of how to junk a car from start to finish: what paperwork you need, how to get the best price, what happens at pickup, and what to do after the sale.
Quick Checklist: Junking Your Car
Here's everything you need to do, at a glance. We'll go into detail on each step below.
Before Getting Quotes
- ☐ Locate vehicle title (or plan for selling without one)
- ☐ Find your registration and valid photo ID
- ☐ Remove all personal belongings from the car
- ☐ Remove license plates
- ☐ Note the vehicle's condition (runs/doesn't run, damage, missing parts)
- ☐ Take photos of the vehicle
Getting the Best Price
- ☐ Get quotes from at least 2-3 different buyers
- ☐ Ask if towing is included (reputable buyers offer free removal)
- ☐ Get the offer in writing before scheduling pickup
- ☐ Verify the buyer is licensed and has reviews
At Pickup
- ☐ Confirm the price matches your written quote
- ☐ Sign over the title (all fields filled in, never sign blank documents)
- ☐ Get paid in cash before the car is loaded
- ☐ Keep copies of all paperwork
After the Sale
- ☐ File release of liability with your DMV
- ☐ Cancel your car insurance
- ☐ Return plates to DMV (if required in your state)
Steps to Junk Your Car
Step 1: Gather Your Paperwork
Before you contact any buyers, get your documents together. Having everything ready speeds up the process and shows buyers you're a serious seller.
What You'll Need
Vehicle Title : This is the most important document. The title proves you own the car and have the right to sell it.
If you've lost your title, you have two options: get a duplicate from your state DMV (typically $15-$75 and takes 1-3 weeks), or sell to a licensed junk car buyer who can purchase vehicles without titles in most states. See our complete guide on how to sell a junk car without a title.
Vehicle Registration : Current or recent registration helps verify ownership, especially if you're junking a car without a title.
Valid Photo ID : Driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. The name should match the name on your title.
Keys : Not always required, but having keys can increase your offer slightly.
For a complete breakdown, see our junk car selling requirements guide.
Step 2: Prepare Your Vehicle
A little preparation goes a long way. These steps take 30 minutes to an hour but can save you headaches later.
Remove Personal Belongings
- Glove compartment : registration, insurance cards, manuals
- Center console and door pockets : loose items, charging cables
- Under seats : you'd be surprised what ends up there
- Trunk and cargo area : tools, emergency kit, spare tire
- Sun visors : garage door openers, toll transponders
Remove License Plates
In most states, plates stay with you, not the vehicle. Remove them before pickup and return them to your DMV if required.
Document the Condition
Take photos and note what works and what doesn't. Being accurate about condition means no surprises at pickup.
Step 3: Get Multiple Quotes
This is where many car junkers leave money on the table. Prices for the same junk car can vary by hundreds of dollars.
Contact at Least 2-3 Buyers
Different buyers have different needs and pricing models. Getting multiple quotes takes 30 minutes and can easily be worth an extra $100-$300.
Get Offers in Writing
A verbal quote means nothing. The written offer should include the price, confirmation that towing is free, and ideally a statement that the price won't change if the vehicle matches your description.
Learn more about who pays the most cash for junk cars.
Step 4: Choose a Buyer and Schedule Pickup
What to Consider Beyond Price
- Is towing really free? Confirm in writing; no deductions.
- How will you be paid? Cash at pickup is standard and safest.
- Is the buyer reputable? Look for reviews and proper licensing.
- How convenient is scheduling? Good buyers work around your schedule.
Step 5: Complete the Sale
When the Driver Arrives
The driver will verify your identity and check that the vehicle matches your description. If you were accurate, this takes just a couple of minutes.
Sign the Paperwork
Important: Never sign blank documents. Every field should be completed before your signature goes on the paper.
Get Paid
With legitimate buyers, you receive cash on the spot—before the car is loaded. If a buyer wants to pay after taking the car, that's a red flag.
Step 6: Handle Post-Sale Tasks
Notify Your DMV
File a "Release of Liability" or "Notice of Sale" with your state DMV. This officially records that you no longer own the vehicle.
Cancel Your Insurance
Contact your insurance company to remove the vehicle from your policy.
Return License Plates
Requirements vary by state. Some require you to return plates to the DMV.
Where to Junk Your Car
Online Junk Car Buyers : Companies like Clunqr specialize in buying junk cars. Instant quotes, free pickup, cash on the spot. Typically the fastest and most convenient option.
Local Junkyards : Traditional option for scrap metal and parts. Prices tend to be lower than online buyers.
Private Sale : Can yield higher prices for cars with valuable parts, but takes more time and effort.
Donation : Tax deduction instead of cash. Consult an advisor to see if it makes sense for you.
Ready to Junk Your Car?
Get an instant offer from Clunqr. Free towing, cash on the spot, and pickup on your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
With online buyers, you can often complete the entire process in 1-2 days. Same-day pickup is available in many areas.
Not always. In most states, licensed junk car buyers can purchase vehicles without titles using alternative documentation. See our guide on selling without a title.
Most junk cars sell for $200-$800, with some worth $1,000 or more. Value depends on year, make, model, condition, and current scrap prices.
Yes. Junk car buyers pick up non-running vehicles every day using flatbed tow trucks. Free towing means free regardless of condition.
With reputable buyers, no. Free towing is standard. Get confirmation in writing that there are no deductions.