How to Donate a Car Without a Title

Save the cost of selling your old car and donate it to charity.

If you have an old car taking up space in your garage, you can donate it to charity. Car donations provide funding to charitable organizations to help with operating expenses. If you are debating over selling the car or donating it, you may receive more in tax deductions than the profits of a sale minus the cost of repairs and advertising. If the vehicle has no title it can still be donated by requesting a duplicate title from the appropriate state department of motor vehicles.

Instructions

1. Call one of the local charities in your area and inquire whether they accept vehicle donations. The organization will mail you a donation form or you can pick it up in person. The charity will schedule a tow truck to pick up your donation at a suitable time. A sample list of charities that accept vehicle donations:

   1-800-Charity Cars

   1-800-242-7489

   Goodwill Industries

   Goodwill Industries International

   15810 Indianola Drive

   Rockville, MD. 20855

   http://www.goodwill.org/

   Operational Headquarters

   Habitat for Humanity International

   121 Habitat Street

   Americus, GA 31709-3498 USA

   1-800-422-4828

2. Sign the back of the vehicle title. If the car is jointly owned, both the primary and secondary owners will need to sign the title. If the title has been lost or misplaced, a duplicate can be obtained from your state's department of motor vehicles.

3. Fill out the donation form using the information from the title and the car's registration. The form may need the vehicle identification number and odometer reading.

4. Remove all personal belongings from the vehicle and clean it out. You may not be required to be at home when the tow truck comes. Some organizations will allow you to put the title and keys inside the car to be picked up. Ask for clarification on this because you may be required to sign a release form when the vehicle is picked up. You will receive a receipt at time of pickup or by mail.

5. Donate online for more convenience. This is an alternate way of donating your vehicle and may be quicker and easier. If using the online donation form, fill out the contact and vehicle information and click "Submit." You will receive an email confirmation and instructions for pickup.

Tips & Warnings

• Donating your used car will help the community and give you a tax break. Car donations are tax deductible. Not all charities accept vehicle donations but many do. Check the resources listed below for charities accepting car donations. Online car donations are simple and easy and may be easier than searching for a local charity.

• Charities cannot accept abandoned vehicles or vehicles that you do not own. In the case of a vehicle that was inherited from a deceased relative, the car can be donated as long as you have the title, copy of death certificate and proof that the vehicle is rightfully yours.

References

• Kars 4 Kids: Donate a Car and Get a Free Vacation Voucher
• How to Donate a Car Without a Title

Resources

• Kars 4 Kids: Online Donation Form
• Donate a Car to Charity: Online Car Donation Form
• Car Donations Charities: A Directory