If you mean “how do I junk my car?” , the basic process is to remove your personal items, gather the title/registration, cancel insurance after pickup, and contact a licensed scrap yard or dismantler for a quote and tow. In California, for example, DMV guidance says the owner should submit the vehicle to DMV to be recorded as “Junk” before dismantling, and junking a vehicle generally follows the same ownership-transfer paperwork rules, with junked vehicles exempt from smog inspection.

Quick steps

  1. Empty the car. Remove plates, toll tags, paperwork, and anything personal.
  2. Find the title. Most buyers or scrap yards will want proof you own it.
  3. Get quotes. Compare a few junkyards, scrap buyers, or salvage buyers.
  4. Ask about towing. Many will pick it up for free, especially if it doesn’t run.
  5. Sign over the title. Complete whatever release or transfer form your state requires.
  6. Cancel insurance and update DMV records. Do this after the handoff so you are not still responsible.

Watch out for

  • Don’t dismantle it first unless you know your state’s rules; some places treat that differently and may charge fees.
  • If you keep the registration plate or plates , follow your local DMV rules for removal or surrender.
  • Keep a bill of sale or receipt so you have proof the car was transferred.

Best option

If the car still has usable parts or a clean title, you may get more money from a salvage buyer than from a basic scrap yard. If it is only worth metal value and towing is included, a junkyard is often the simplest route.

If you want, I can also give you:

  • a state-specific junking checklist ,
  • a title-transfer checklist , or
  • a script to use when calling junkyards.