Yes. Reputable junk car buyers provide a receipt or bill of sale documenting the transaction. This paperwork shows the sale date, vehicle information, sale price, and both parties’ details. Keep this receipt as proof you no longer own the vehicle. You may need it for DMV notification, insurance cancellation, or liability protection.
What your receipt should include:
- Date of sale
- Vehicle year, make, model, and VIN
- Sale price or amount paid
- Buyer’s business name and contact information
- Seller’s name and signature
- Odometer reading (required in some states)
- Statement that vehicle is sold as-is
Why receipts matter:
- Proves you sold the car on a specific date
- Protects you if the car gets tickets or violations after sale
- Required by some DMVs when filing release of liability
- Documents the transaction for your records
- May be needed if questions arise about the sale
If a buyer doesn’t offer a receipt, ask for one. Any legitimate business will provide documentation. Refusal to give a receipt is a red flag that the buyer may not be operating properly.
Take photos of all paperwork before the tow truck leaves. Keep digital and physical copies. Store them with your other vehicle records for at least a few years.
After receiving your receipt, complete the remaining post-sale steps. Learn how to notify the DMV that you no longer own the vehicle.
