Yes, you should get a receipt when you junk your car. Reputable junk car buyers, junkyards, and scrap yards provide a receipt or bill of sale documenting the transaction.
Your receipt should include:
- Date of sale
- Vehicle information (year, make, model, VIN)
- Sale price or payment amount
- Buyer’s business name and contact information
- Seller’s name and signature
- Buyer’s signature or representative name
A receipt protects you in several ways. It proves you sold the vehicle on a specific date, which matters if any tickets, violations, or legal issues arise later. It documents the sale price for your records. It also serves as proof of transaction if payment disputes occur.
If the buyer does not offer a receipt, ask for one before completing the sale. You can also create your own bill of sale using templates available from your state DMV website. Both parties should sign and keep a copy.
Save your receipt along with copies of the signed title, release of liability, and any other sale documents. Keep these records for at least three to five years in case questions about the vehicle arise later. Legitimate junk car purchasing services always provide proper documentation at pickup.