I'm in california and I want one of those junk places to come pick up my 98 ford contour, they said theyd give me $150?

Which is cool idc, my question is what paperwork do i need to get from the dmv and do i have to take off the plates? Aanything else?

You need to sign the title over to them, that is all. Just keep the plates.

Ask the junk place, how should I know?

I would ask the junk place. I don't work for them.

Sign the title on the line that says you are releasing your ownership in the vehicle and give it to them.

You might also want to write up a bill of sale with the basic info such as the car's vin, the sale price, etc. And keep it for your records. Just in case the car resurfaces somewhere you will have proof that you sold it so you won't be responsible for things like parking tickets, tolls, or criminal acts. Ask the junk place to sign the bill of sale. Templates are available online, California might have a standard one on the DMV website.

Also make sure you record the sale with the DMV (you can probably do it online) so they have record that you don't own it any more.

Keep plates and take them to the dmv. Fill out a certificate of non operation due to sale. That releases you of liability if they resell the car. They will want title to the car.

I only did that once, many years ago. I called a bunch of places to get the best price. I believe I got $30, plus the tow was free. I signed the title and handed it to the tow truck guy, and he gave me the money. I don't remember if it was cash or check. All this other stuff people are telling you to do it completely unnecessary. Like the guy told me "No one will ever drive this car again."

Keep in mind that if the car still runs, and it fails the smog check (in CA), you can sell it to the government for $1000 (or $1500 if you're poor enough). Google "Bureau of Automotive Repair". Obviously, I wish I had done that, but I didn't know about it back then.

In my US state we're required to remove and keep the plates and furnish the title to the salvage yard with "JUNKED" written in bold letters across the front of the title. I believe that in Ca. That will also do but if you do not have the title the salvage yard will accept the vehicle *IF* you can prove ownership in another ways.

Plates come off and you turn them in. If you have the bill a sale they want that. They may give you a check or cash, I have had it done both ways.

You will need clear title, yes take the plates off, you may be entitled to a refund of your registration