How to Donate a Car to the Salvation Army

Donating a car to charity can be a very rewarding thing, especially if it’s the Salvation Army. Besides getting a write-off on your taxes, you also get the opportunity to do something that will help a deserving family going through hard times. As a result, it’s a win-win situation. The only thing you need to understand is how to do it.Below are a few directions you can follow in order to donate one of your spare cars to the Salvation Army. Keep in mind that the process is a simple one that only takes a few minutes to activate. So don’t let the idea of giving a car away intimidate you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Access; Title Paperwork; Extra Time

1. Go to the Salvation Army website. To start the process of donating a car to the Salvation Army, you will need to go to their website listed in resources . You will notice that the top of the page has a lot of buttons on it and none of them say “car donation.” The button that you actually need to click on is at the bottom of the page on the left hand side in red. It will say “car donations.” (For those of you who live in Northern Virginia, scan the right side of the same page and you’ll see a special button.)

2. Click on “Car Donations.” On the left hand lower side of the Salvation Army page, there is an option in red titled “Car Donations.“ Click on these words. They will turn white and bring you to another page. This page is where you will need to complete the information on your car donation. This page is red at the top and white from the mid-section down.

3. Complete the "Donation Form." Filling out this one page form is probably the most difficult part of the process and you will see that it is actually relatively simple. The top of the form asks for your contact information: name, address, e-mail address and phone number. The bottom of the form asks you for your vehicle information: vehicle identification number, title number and the location, year, make, color and condition of your car. It’s very important to fill out this page correctly in order to for the Salvation Army to be able to process your request swiftly and properly.

4. Wait for a phone call or e-mail from Salvation Army. After you complete the “Donation Form”, wait for a Salvation Army representative to call you. This person will most likely re-verify the information you completed on the “Donation Form” and also arrange a pick-up time. The pick up time is the scheduled period in which the Salvation Army will come and get the car you are donating.

5. Allow the Salvation Army to pick up your car. The good news about the Salvation Army is that they understand you may have other obligations that might prevent you from being there when they pick up your car. Be sure to tell them in advance and leave your keys with the appropriate person. Otherwise, be sure to be at the pick up spot (most likely your home) and turn over the keys and title of your car to the Salvation Army. You should receive a receipt on the spot from them or in the mail in the near future.

Tips & Warnings

• You can actually donate a car that is disabled as long as the parts are good.
• If you don't have the title to your car, you cannot donate it to the Salvation Army.

Resources