Selling a vehicle can be a difficult decision, but it's often clear when it's time. Fortunately, it's easy to get cash for your car, and you can even get cash for junk cars. According to Recycle Nation, more than 12 million cars are recycled every year in the United States. If it's time for your vehicle to be recycled as well, here's what you'll need when selling it for cash.

Proof of Ownership

In order to sell a car just about anywhere, you'll need to prove that you own it. This protects the buyer from purchasing a stolen vehicle. The most common document that proves ownership is a car title, but if you don't have one, there are other methods as well. Your first option is to transfer ownership to the buyer, which can be done without a title in some states. However, keep in mind that the buyer will still need to order a replacement title, so you're essentially shifting the job over to them.

You could also draw up a bill of sale through your local DMV. This is usually only necessary when you can't get a replacement title. For example, according to Driveway, many states didn't start requiring car titles until the mid-70s, so if your car is older than that, you won't be able to get a title for it. Your DMV may have a template for a bill of sale, but if not, you'll just need the make, model, VIN, date of the sale, sale price, and the signatures of both the buyer and the seller. Depending on your county and state laws, this document may have to be notarized.

If you're selling your car for cash, you're most likely selling it to a junkyard. In many states, you don't actually need a title to sell the car as scrap. Be sure to check in with your local municipality about what you'll need to make the sale legal.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Your VIN is a 17-digit code that acts as a fingerprint for your vehicle. Every VIN is unique and identifies your specific vehicle. VINs are so specific that they can even identify your car's manufacturer and the specifications of your vehicle, as well as its unique features. This number can be found on your windshield and/or on the inside of your car's driverside door.

When selling your car for cash, they'll need the VIN to identify your car. They can also use your VIN to look into the history of your vehicle. The buyer will be able to see if the vehicle has been reported stolen, if it has suffered structural damage, or if it has known safety issues. However, the buyer likely won't care about the latter two if they plan on recycling the car anyway.

Registration

Your vehicle's registration proves that the car is legal to drive. It can also act as proof of ownership in some states since it lists your name next to your vehicle's specifications. Keep in mind that registration isn't always necessary, particularly if you're selling your car for cash because it is no longer usable. However, you will likely need either the vehicle's registration or title, so you should ensure you have at least one of those. It may be permissible, in some states, to show proof of ownership with an expired registration card as long as the car isn't being sold with the intention of driving. Once again, check in with your state's laws to ensure the sale of your vehicle is legal.

Location of the Vehicle

Many people sell junk cars for cash because the car is no longer usable, but it can be very expensive to tow a car. The good news is that many cars for cash buyers, such as junkyards, will offer to tow the car for you. You'll need to let them know how long the vehicle has been sitting there so they know what to expect. If the car has been stagnant for several months, there may be rust and leaks that could make towing the vehicle more difficult. You'll also want to give them a description of the vehicle so they don't tow the wrong car. As long as you can tell them where the car is, how long it's been sitting there, and what it looks like, the rest can be handled for you.

Selling your car for cash is actually quite easy as long as you have a couple of basic documents. Once you hand over proof of ownership, the vehicle's information, and the vehicle itself, the cash will be in your hand. If you're ready to sell your car for cash, call Big Boy Cash For Junk Cars.