What Paperwork Is Required to Sell a Junk Car in Illinois?

What Paperwork Is Required to Sell a Junk Car in Illinois?
Required Documents to Sell a Junk Car in Illinois Without Delays
Selling a junk car in Illinois starts with one thing: paperwork. Before the tow truck arrives, missing even a single document can cause delays — or cancel the sale altogether. Junk vehicles are regularly turned away across the state due to unsigned titles, unresolved liens, or incomplete ownership records.
To sell a junk car properly, Illinois requires specific legal documentation. With the right paperwork ready, you can avoid last-minute issues and get paid fast — and A+ Junk N Tow is here to guide you through every step.
Now that you know what’s at stake, let’s start with the one document you’ll almost always need.
The Core Document You’ll Need: The Vehicle Title
The vehicle title proves you’re the legal owner and are authorized to transfer it. For all junk vehicles in Illinois, a title is the default proof of ownership and the first requirement to sell a junk car legally.
What matters most:
It Must Be In Your Name.
Illinois law prohibits selling vehicles that don’t list you as the titled owner. Even if the car belonged to a family member, without your name on the title, it’s not a legal sale.
It Must Be Signed In The Correct Spot.
Many owners make the mistake of signing in the buyer’s area or omitting a signature entirely. This invalidates the transfer and requires a duplicate title.
A Salvage Or Rebuilt Title Is Generally Accepted.
As long as the title is valid and properly completed, A+ Junk N Tow accepts most branded titles.
Clear Any Liens Before Transferring Ownership.
A lien must be fully released before the vehicle can be sold. Loans taken out on the car, even from years prior, remain active on the title record until officially cleared. To complete the transfer, present a lien release letter from the lender or a title stamped “paid” by the financial institution.
Illinois has strict enforcement on junk car title transfer IL regulations. Titles with erasures, cross-outs, or incomplete data can’t be processed, so double-check everything before pickup.
Don’t Have the Title? Here’s What You Can Use Instead
Roughly 1 in 6 junk cars in Illinois are owned by individuals who no longer possess their title. That doesn’t cancel the possibility of a sale — it simply means other forms of ownership verification must be used to sell junk car legally IL.
Here’s What Qualifies As Acceptable Documentation:
- A signed bill of sale and government-issued photo ID
Creates a clear transaction record and confirms the seller’s identity. - The vehicle’s most recent registration card
Confirms ownership and matches the vehicle identification number (VIN). Registration dated within the past year holds greater evidentiary strength. - A lien release letter following a paid-off auto loan
Confirms that the financial institution no longer holds a claim on the vehicle and authorizes the seller to transfer ownership. - Proof of insurance listing the vehicle’s VIN
Serves as a secondary identifier when other paperwork is missing or outdated.
Each case is reviewed individually. A+ Junk N Tow evaluates all available documentation to determine whether a vehicle qualifies under Illinois guidelines. In many cases, our team is able to help sellers sell junk car without title using these alternative proofs.
Other Helpful Documents (Especially for High-Value Junk Cars)
Even if your car isn’t roadworthy, certain documents can increase its value and help you sell a junk car faster.
Odometer Disclosure Statement
For vehicles less than 10 years old, this document is required to legally transfer ownership. It confirms mileage and helps prevent fraud.
Maintenance History
A detailed record of oil changes, brake replacements, or other repairs can improve your offer — especially for lightly damaged or newer junk cars.
Repair Receipts For Recent Work Or Part Replacements
These documents help justify your pricing when seeking to sell my junk car for cash, especially if valuable parts like the alternator, transmission, or tires are relatively new.
Illinois junk buyers like A+ Junk N Tow base payouts on condition, weight, and part salvageability. Having detailed records helps us see the true value behind what others might consider “just scrap.”

Uncertain about required paperwork?
From duplicate titles to proof of ownership, we ensure everything is handled correctly so you receive cash without unnecessary delays.
Contact us today and let A+ Junk N Tow make the process stress-free.
How to Get a Duplicate Title in Illinois (If Yours Is Lost)?
The Illinois Secretary of State makes it possible to request a duplicate title — and the process is more straightforward than many think.
Here’s What You Need:
Complete Form VSD 190
This is the Application for Vehicle Transaction(s), available at any DMV branch or online.
Pay the duplicate title fee
The current fee is $50. Payment must be in the form of a check, money order, or certified funds. Cash is not accepted for mail-in forms.
Submit by mail or in person
The mailing address is listed on the form. Processing typically takes 7–10 business days, though delays can occur during peak DMV periods.
If you’re unsure how to fill out the form, A+ Junk N Tow offers help — especially for sellers who’ve never dealt with Illinois junk car requirements before. The sooner the form is submitted, the sooner we can arrange your sale and payout.
How A+ Junk N Tow Handles Paperwork for You?
We guide you through every step of the process so nothing is overlooked. Our team checks each document before pickup — including the details required to sign over junk car title correctly. No jargon, no confusion, just clear instructions that prevent mistakes.
Here’s What You Can Expect When Working With Us:
Correct title handling
Guidance on how to complete and sign the title to avoid rejection.
Support for no-title cases
Many cars qualify through alternative ownership proofs, allowing us to complete sales legally.
Assistance with duplicate titles
We help complete VSD 190 forms accurately, preventing errors that often cause DMV delays.
Proven reputation
Hundreds of Illinois sellers trust us for fair offers, fast payouts, and reliable service.
This balanced approach means you can complete your sale confidently, without last-minute paperwork problems.
“I had a very positive experience selling my junk car in Naperville thanks to the assistance of Jose. His expertise, professionalism, and fair business practices made the entire process incredibly smooth. I am extremely satisfied with the outcome!” — Iris Mccoy
“I just had the pleasure of selling Jose in Bolingbrook my junk automobile. His professionalism, honesty, and excellent service exceeded my expectations. Anyone looking for a stress-free selling experience should definitely give Jose a try!”— Joy Silva
Final Checklist Before You Sell a Junk Car in Illinois
Before your vehicle is picked up, make sure you’ve got everything in place.
- A signed and valid title — or approved alternatives
- State-issued ID that matches the documents
- Any lien release paperwork, if the vehicle had a loan
- Odometer or maintenance records (if available)
- Your confirmed quote from A+ Junk N Tow
If you’re unsure what documents to junk a car, or you don’t know how to sign over junk car title correctly, we’re here to help. Every transaction is reviewed by our specialists to make sure you sell junk car legally without last-minute issues.
Ready to Sell a Junk Car in Illinois? We’re Here to Make It Simple
Selling a junk car in Illinois should never feel complicated or risky. We’ve helped car owners in Bolingbrook, Naperville, and across the state get paid fast — even when paperwork is missing or incomplete.
A+ Junk N Tow makes the process simple from the first call to the final pickup. Whether you’re ready to sell my junk car for cash or need help with paperwork for junk car sale Illinois, the support, speed, and reliability you expect are built into every transaction. Every vehicle, every condition — we’re ready when you are.
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