Frequently Asked Questions

How To Donate A Car

Donate Your Car In 3 Easy Steps

1. First, call 1-888-689-9474 or visit our online donation form.
2. Next, we’ll arrange your free tow within 24 hours of the next business day.
3. Finally, when the car donation process is complete, we’ll mail you your tax deductible receipt.

Still have questions? Here's some more information on how to donate a car.

What Paperwork Do I Need To Donate My Vehicle?

In most cases we'll need the vehicle's title, though requirements vary by state. Even if you don't have the title papers, call us anyway — other arrangements can usually be worked out. Contact us toll free at 1-888-689-9474.

What Do I Do With My Vehicle Title?

In most states you'll need a clear title — one with no cross-outs, errors, or liens — to donate your vehicle. Sign it exactly as your name appears on the front, without altering anything. The vehicle doesn't have to be currently registered in your name, but whoever is listed as the owner on the title must sign. Requirements vary by state, so if you have other questions about your title, call us and we'll help you get them answered.

When Does My Liability For The Vehicle End And Who Transfers The Title?

On the day we receive your vehicle, our insurance provides coverage. We will handle all transfer documents according to your local state Department of Vehicle Services guidelines, and provide you with receipts and information for your tax deduction.

Do You Pick Up And Tow Away The Car?

Yes — we pick up your vehicle for free, running or not, from a location convenient for you. If you fill out the online donation form, we'll call within the same or next business day to schedule the pickup. If you donate by phone at 1-888-689-9474, we'll schedule it on the spot.

What Type Of Vehicles Can Be Donated?

We accept most cars, trucks, vans, fleet vehicles, trailers, boats, motorcycles, and RVs, subject to approval. Not sure about yours? Call us toll free at 1-888-689-9474.

Can I Donate My Car If It Doesn't Run?

Yes — we accept most vehicles whether they run or not, even if yours hasn't started in years, on a case-by-case basis. Non-running cars are typically recycled, and the proceeds still benefit children's wish and hospital charities.

Can I Deduct The Car Donation?

Yes. Because Wheels For Wishes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your car donation is completely tax deductible. After we receive it, we'll mail you a receipt stating your tax deduction amount.

How Do You Determine The Value Of My Donated Vehicle?

You don't have to determine the value yourself. Under IRS car donation tax law, your deduction falls into one of two categories:

1. For vehicles sold for under $500, you can claim the fair market value up to $500.00 without any additional paperwork.  The preliminary tax receipt will be mailed after vehicle has been confirmed picked up.
2. If the gross proceeds from the sale of your donated vehicle exceed $500.00, your deduction will be limited to the actual sale price. You will also be asked by the donee organization to provide your Social Security for the purposes of completing its IRS Form 1098-C form.

We will provide you with a receipt stating the final sales price of your vehicle within 30 days of its sale.

How Do I Schedule A Pickup?

Call 1-888-689-9474 any time, day or night — we'll send your donation order to the nearest towing partner, who will contact you directly to schedule the pickup. Prefer to start online? Fill out the donation form and we'll arrange your free tow.

How Much Of The Selling Price Of My Donated Vehicle Goes To Children's Wish & Hospital Charities?

Car Donation Foundation (CDF), d/b/a (Wheels for Wishes), is a federally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You receive a tax deduction for the total amount that your car sells for. See here for tax information.

Wheels For Wishes thanks you for your generosity and truly appreciates your donations. While the costs of turning donated vehicles into cash are high compared to other forms of charity fundraising, through your donations, CDF has donated over $196,703,731 to charities nationwide since 2010.

Proceeds from donated vehicles go to CDF, which in turn provides direct cash donations to other charities such as children's wish and hospital charities. The amount that your vehicle ultimately sells for is based upon its make, year, mileage and condition. These are the sales proceeds from your vehicle. CDF also has normal expenses involved in directly promoting the car donation program (advertising) and costs involved in turning your donated vehicle into cash (towing fees, auction fees, administrative costs). CDF's cash donations to children's wish and hospital charities are based upon the sale proceeds of all donated vehicles during a given month, less deductions for normal monthly costs such as towing, advertising, auction fees and administrative fees. Because of the difference in sales proceeds from one vehicle to the next and because of the costs involved in turning your donated vehicle into cash, the donation that CDF makes to children's wish and hospital charities from the sale of your individual vehicle can be a larger percentage for a higher value vehicle, or much lower for an older low valued non-running vehicle that is recycled. The lower percentage is a result of there being minimum fixed costs incurred to obtain, tow and sell each car. These fixed costs can sometimes be a high percentage of the selling price of a low valued scrap vehicle. CDF does receive a large number of donated scrap vehicles, which can bring the estimated average donation per vehicle percentage down. For 2020, the average percentage donated to benefiting charities by Car Donation Foundation was approximately 39% based on Total Revenue compared to Grants and Similar Amounts Paid as reported on the annual IRS Form 990.

Car donation programs do have higher costs to promote and operate, compared to other forms of charity fundraising. If you are concerned about giving 100% of the value of your vehicle to a charity, the best way to do so is to sell your vehicle yourself and directly donate your sale proceeds to your favorite charity. We invite you to read more about the Overhead Myth published by the three leading guides in nonprofit information.

Who Benefits From My Car Donation?

Your donation benefits children's wish and hospital charities that help children across the country. By default it supports a participating charity, and the donation form lets you choose a specific one if you'd prefer.

Who Else Does Car Donation Foundation Benefit?

Wheels For Wishes is a car donation program that benefits children's wish and hospital charities. Proceeds from car donations help children across the country.

Car Donation Foundation also runs Vehicles for Veterans and Animal Car Donation.

Vehicles for Veterans benefits disabled American veterans by raising money to provide funding for various programs to help support their needs.

Vehicle For Veterans is a car donation program that benefits Operation Homefront and in Minnesota benefits Airlift Command.

Animal Car Donation benefits animal rescue charities from vehicle donations nationwide. Animal Car Donation helps fund charity programs like The Bond Between, Bitty Kitty Brigade, Animal Haven, Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, and more.

CDF’s mission is to help these benefiting charities fulfill their missions with proceeds from CDF’s car donation programs. CDF and all benefiting charities are separate and unaffiliated 501c organizations.

Can You Donate A Car To A Person?

No. Wheels For Wishes accepts vehicle donations — we get the maximum value through our processing partners and donate the proceeds to children's wish and hospital charities.

What happens to my donated vehicle after pickup?

After pickup, your vehicle enters our remarketing process, where we work to get the highest possible return for children's wish and hospital charities. Depending on its condition, it's either sold at auction or recycled, and the proceeds benefit the charities. Learn more about why you should donate your car.

Can I donate more than one vehicle at a time?

Yes. We gladly accept multiple vehicle donations — whether you're downsizing, clearing out a collection, managing an estate, or donating a business fleet. Contact us at 1-888-689-9474 and we'll coordinate pickup.

Can businesses or organizations donate vehicles?

Yes. We accept fleet vehicles from businesses and organizations — company cars, delivery trucks, rental vehicles, and corporate fleets. Business donations may offer additional tax advantages, so consult your tax advisor about the specific benefits for your company.

Can I donate a vehicle that is not located in my state?

Location typically isn't an issue — we provide free pickup anywhere in the United States. As long as the title is in your name and the vehicle is accessible for towing, call us to discuss donating a vehicle outside your home state.

Is the car donation process different for RVs, boats, or motorcycles?

The process is the same for all vehicle types, with a few specifics: boats must have trailers, and both the boat and trailer need titles. Motorcycles may also need a trailer for transport, and towing timelines can vary slightly for non-car vehicles. Contact us to discuss your specific vehicle.

What if I owe money or there is a lien on my vehicle?

If your vehicle has a loan or lien, it's more complex — the lienholder (usually a bank or finance company) technically owns the vehicle until the loan is paid off, so you don't have a clear title. In most cases the lien must be cleared and released by the bank before we can accept the donation, which may mean paying off the balance and obtaining a lien release document. Every situation is different, so call us at 1-888-689-9474 to discuss yours.

How do I track the status of my donation and sale?

Call our team at 1-888-689-9474 any time to check where your donation is in the process. For the most part you can sit back and relax while we handle the details — from pickup to title transfer to sale. After your vehicle sells, you'll receive a tax-deductible receipt in the mail, which confirms the process is complete.

Can I donate vehicles on behalf of someone else (estate, inheritance, etc.)?

You can only donate a vehicle if the title is in your name. If you inherited a vehicle, you'll first need to complete your state's legal transfer process to put the title in your name; for estates, the executor or legal owner on the title must complete the donation. Contact us with questions about your specific situation.

What organizations benefit from my donation - can I designate a specific charity?

Your donation benefits children's wish and hospital charities across the United States, helping children with life-changing medical conditions. By default it supports a participating charity, but the donation form includes a dropdown where you can choose a specific charity if you prefer. Learn more about why choosing Wheels For Wishes makes such a meaningful impact for kids.

Will I be notified when my vehicle is sold? How long does the process usually take?

Yes — you'll be notified when your vehicle sells via the tax-deductible receipt we mail you. The process typically takes 4-12 weeks from pickup to receipt. If you donate during the calendar year, you can claim the deduction for that tax year when you file your return.

Are there any vehicles you aren't able to accept?

We accept most vehicles in almost any condition — running or not, and even damaged. We generally can't accept abandoned vehicles, vehicles missing critical components, mopeds, three-wheeled ATVs, or vehicles without proper documentation. Every donation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis; if you're unsure about yours, call us at 1-888-689-9474.

Are personal data and documents handled securely during donation?

Yes — your personal information is handled securely throughout the donation process. Remember to remove personal belongings from your vehicle before pickup, but don't worry about any paperwork or documents left in the car; we handle all sensitive materials appropriately.

Can I schedule my pickup for a weekend or evening?

Scheduling depends on your location and our local towing partners' availability. We can't guarantee weekend or evening pickups everywhere, but we'll do our best to find a time that works for you. Call us at 1-888-689-9474 when you're ready and we'll go over the options for your area.

Is there a way to increase the value of my donation (removing parts, cleaning, etc.)?

Preparing your vehicle properly can help maximize its value and your tax deduction. Keep in mind, though, that removing major parts usually decreases value and extensive repairs rarely pay off — simple cleaning and having your documentation ready are the best approaches.

Can I donate a vehicle with missing parts or significant damage?

Yes — we accept vehicles in almost any condition on a case-by-case basis, including those with missing parts, collision damage, rust, or mechanical failure, as well as junk cars. Even damaged vehicles have value through recycling. If you're unsure about yours, call us at 1-888-689-9474.

Will you remove the license plates or do I need to do it?

Some states require you to remove and return your plates to the DMV; others let them stay with the vehicle. We'll give you clear instructions for your state when you call 1-888-689-9474.

What if my title has multiple owners—do all need to sign?

It depends on how the names are listed. If the title joins owners with "and," all parties typically need to sign; if it uses "or," usually one signature is enough. State rules vary, so call us at 1-888-689-9474 and our title specialists will confirm exactly what's needed.

Can I donate a vehicle that failed emissions or safety inspection?

Yes — a failed emissions or safety inspection doesn't prevent donation, though we accept vehicles on a case-by-case basis. Vehicles that can't pass inspection still have value through our program; many are recycled rather than resold, and the proceeds still help children through children's wish and hospital charities.