How to Donate Your Car in Sacramento, California

Have an old car lying around? Consider donating it to charity.

If you have an older car with little trade-in value or are just looking to make a generous, tax-deductible donation, you might consider donating your car to a charity. Car donation organizations use the proceeds from donated cars to make monetary contributions to charitable organizations like United Way, the American Diabetes Association, Boy Scouts of America, American Kidney Fund and countless others. The car donation process for those living in major cities like Sacramento, California, is relatively simple and straightforward.

Things You'll Need

• Car
• Car title
• Registration (optional)
• Keys (optional)

Instructions

1. Choose a car donation organization. In Sacramento, there are a number of reputable organizations, including Cars 2 Kids' Donation Station, Cars 4 Causes, Kars 4 Kids and America's Car Donation Center. The California Auto Museum in Sacramento also accepts old cars as tax-deductible donations, but the proceeds go to help the museum rather than to a charity.

2. Fill out the necessary car donation form. For most organizations, this form is available on the organization's website. Some organizations will have you submit the form online to start the ball rolling; others will accept the form when you turn over your car.

3. Call the car donation organization to arrange the donation. Some organizations will have you drive the car to the donation center. Others will come pick up your car from your home. If your car is not in driving condition and needs to be towed, most organizations will arrange this for free.

4. Turn over your car title when either your car is picked up or you drop off your car. Some organizations will accept cars even if you no longer have the title. Others require the title, registration and keys.

5. Get a car donation receipt when the car is picked up or when you drop off your car. This receipt is necessary for you to deduct the car donation when you file your taxes.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to research your chosen car donation organization carefully. Some organizations might say their proceeds go to specific charities, when in reality they might donate only a small percentage of the car proceeds to charity. Choose a reputable organization when donating your car.

References

• Kars 4 Kids: Donate a Car in Sacramento
• Donate a Car: Sacramento: FAQs
• Cars 4 Causes: Sacramento

Resources

• America's Car Donation Center