How to Donate a Car to a Child

Many charities accept a donation of a vehicle.

Donating a car to a child or other person requires you to follow the laws in your state to ensure the transfer of the vehicle is performed correctly. A car cannot be donated if you still owe money on the vehicle or if there are any liens on the vehicle because then the title cannot be transferred.

Instructions

1. Create a bill of sale for the vehicle. The bill of sale should include the date, name of the child you are transferring the car to, your name, the make, model, mileage and VIN of the car and the amount the car is sold for. In this case, the amount would be zero. Both parties need to sign the bill of sale.

2. Take the bill of sale to your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Both parties should be present. Tell the agent you are wanting to transfer ownership of the vehicle. Provide the bill of sale as well as any other information she requests.

3. Pay the required fee for the new title and to register the vehicle in the child's name. If the child is planning on driving the vehicle, he will need both a valid driving license and insurance. Depending on the office, you may receive the new title on the spot or the new title may be mailed directly to the child.

References

• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: FAQs on Getting a Hassle Free Title
• Autos: How to Transfer a Title a Car Title