Junk car questions, answered
What do Chicago sellers ask before junking a car?
Mostly three things: whether their papers are good enough, what happens to the plates, and whether the car can be reached where it's parked. Cash For Junk Cars Northside Chicago Inc answers those below, with links to the Illinois rules behind each answer. Payment is simple: Zelle, Cash App or cash, the same day we collect the car, with free towing.
What are you selling?
Step 1 of 2
Free towing. Paid the same day we collect the car, by Zelle, Cash App or cash.
Rather call? (708) 858-5673
Titles and ownership
- Does the person named on the title have to sign?
- Yes. The Illinois Secretary of State says the title must show the signed and printed names of all the sellers, so whoever is listed signs it over. If that person can't be there, tell us the situation on the call before booking.
- The loan is paid off but the lender never sent the title. What now?
- Ask the lender for a lien clearance letter showing the loan was paid in full. The Secretary of State accepts that letter when you apply for a duplicate title without the lienholder, which costs $50 on form VSD 190. See the duplicate title page.
- Can someone else sell the car for me?
- The title has to be signed by its owners, so plan the sale around them. If the owner can't sign, call us first and describe what paperwork exists; Illinois rules decide what works.
Plates, stickers and emissions
- Do I keep my license plates?
- Yes. In Illinois, plates belong to the owner, not the vehicle. You can move them to another vehicle you own through the Secretary of State, which lists a $25 transfer fee on its plate transfer page.
- Does a junk car have to pass emissions before I sell it?
- No. In Illinois the emissions test is tied to renewing registration, and the Illinois Air Team lists vehicles issued a junking certificate as not subject to testing.
- Can I sell a car with expired registration?
- Yes. The title is what changes hands, and a car with lapsed stickers gets towed rather than driven. Our guide to selling with expired registration covers the details.
Pickup
- How soon can you pick up?
- Same-day pickup is often possible. We don't promise a time window before we know where the car is, but you'll have a clear plan by the end of the call.
- Do I have to get the car to Western Ave myself?
- No. Our tow truck goes to the car, on the street, in the alley or down the garage ramp, and loads it there. You don't drive or haul anything.
- What should I take out of the car first?
- Everything personal: papers in the glovebox, garage remotes, toll transponders, child seats, and the plates. Check the trunk and under the seats too.
- Will the tow truck fit down my alley?
- Tell us about it: how narrow it is, any tight turn off the street, low wires, or a garage door that sticks halfway. With that, we plan the pickup before the truck shows up.
Where we go
- Do you pick up in Evanston and Skokie?
- Yes, both. Their rules on inoperable cars differ from Chicago's, so each has its own page: Evanston and Skokie.
- My street isn't on your area list. Can you still come?
- Call (708) 858-5673 and ask. We cover the North Side and the near north suburbs, and we'll tell you on the spot whether your address works.
Didn't see yours? Call (708) 858-5673, read how the process works, or get an offer and ask when we call.