Wheels For Wishes Home
September 1, 2026
Can You Donate a Car Registered in Another State? How Out-of-State Vehicle Donation Works

If the state on your car's title doesn't match the state where the car is actually parked, it's easy to assume that disqualifies you from donating it. However, you can still donate that car! The short answer: you can donate a car registered in another state. The state listed on the title governs the paperwork, […]

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August 21, 2026
Car Donation Terms Explained: A Simple Glossary for Vehicle Donors

Donating your vehicle to Wheels For Wishes is one of the simplest ways to help grant a life-changing wish for a child facing critical illness. The process comes with terminology that can feel unfamiliar, so this glossary explains every car donation term you are likely to encounter in plain language. Ready to get started? Call […]

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August 11, 2026
No Longer Driving? How to Donate the Car You've Stopped Using

If you have a car sitting in your garage or driveway that you have stopped using, donating it to Wheels For Wishes is the simplest way to let it go. Our convenient vehicle donation service puts its remaining value to work for Make-A-Wish kids. Call or fill out our online donation form today. We handle […]

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March 16, 2026
Donating Your Car vs. Selling It on Facebook Marketplace: Which Actually Puts More in Your Pocket?

You've decided it's time to get rid of your car. It's been sitting in the driveway taking up space, the registration is about to expire, and you're ready to move on. Now comes the big question: should you list it on Facebook Marketplace and try to sell it yourself, or donate it to Wheels For […]

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February 25, 2026
Car Donation Checklist: What to Do in 15 Minutes Before Pickup

You've made the decision to donate your car to Wheels For Wishes. You've scheduled your free pickup. The towing company will arrive soon to take your vehicle. Now comes the final step that many donors rush through or forget entirely: preparing your car for pickup. Fifteen minutes of focused preparation can save you from losing […]

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February 12, 2026
Donate an Unwanted Car That Still Has Value

Picture this: a 2003 sedan sitting in someone's driveway with a cracked windshield, 180,000 miles on the odometer, a check engine light that's been on for two years, and a passenger door that only opens from the outside. The owner hasn't driven it in eighteen months. It failed inspection. The battery is dead. The tires […]

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July 31, 2025
Why Donating a Car Beats Selling It During Economic Uncertainty

When you're navigating economic uncertainty, have you considered donating your car instead of selling it? The used car market can swing hard during unstable times, often leaving sellers short-changed, and donation offers a steadier alternative. Your deduction is based on what your vehicle actually sells for, not on guessing where the market will land that […]

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May 22, 2025
Junk to Joy: How Donating A Car Turned Into a Wish

You can donate your old car to Wheels For Wishes and help grant a wish for a child facing critical illness, in partnership with Make-A-Wish. It doesn't need to run, and towing is free. Surprising Worth of Your Old Car You might think your car isn't worth donating, but even a high-mileage or non-running vehicle […]

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March 1, 2023
Car With a Blown Engine? Donate It for Free Towing and a Tax Receipt

Does your car have a blown engine? The engine doesn't need to run for you to donate your car with a blown engine to Wheels For Wishes. We arrange free towing, sell your vehicle through auction or recycling, and mail you a tax-deductible receipt reflecting what it sells for. What To Do When Your Car's […]

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December 15, 2021
How To Donate A Junk Car To Charity

If you have a junk vehicle sitting around on your property, you may have more options than you realized for getting rid of it. Most people think their only choice for junk car removal is to pay someone to tow their car off to a scrap yard. But what if there was a way to […]

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September 20, 2021
Where Can I Donate A Car?

Donating your car is an easy way to do some good for your community and your wallet! Before you get started, there are a few things that you should know when you're looking for a place to donate a car. Here's Where You Can Donate A Car In Your Area: Alabama / Alaska / Arizona […]

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January 15, 2021
Why You Can’t Donate A Car For Cash

Looking to donate a car for cash? Despite false claims, this is not possible. However, you can receive a tax deduction when you donate your car. By way of tax deduction, it really pays to donate! This is only true when you donate to an IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit like Wheels For Wishes. Why You Can’t […]

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June 30, 2017
Donating Your Old Car vs Scrapping It

When you have an older car with too many problems to fix, you are often stuck with a tough decision. Is it better to try selling the car or fix it up so you can continue driving it? Or is it better to just scrap it in order to get rid of it quickly? There […]

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April 10, 2017
The Best Time To Donate A Car To Charity

Many people have plans to someday donate their old car, boat or motorcycle to charity. But how do you know when the best time to donate is? Giving up your car can be a tough decision even if you know it will help a cause you care about. To help with the sometimes difficult decision […]

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April 3, 2017
9 Vehicles You Didn't Know You Could Donate

When most people think of car donations, a four door sedan is usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, there are countless types of vehicles that can be donated! In general, if you have a vehicle with wheels, car donation charities will accept them. If you've ever wondered what else can be donated, […]

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March 12, 2014
Why Car Donation Charities Are Worth Supporting

When you think of trading in a vehicle for something new, car donation may not always cross you mind. Instead, you may choose to sell the vehicle to a new owner or you may choose to trade the vehicle in after buying a new vehicle from a dealership. While these can be beneficial options, they […]

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January 24, 2014
Car Recycling Benefits: Why Donating Your Car Is the Best Way to Recycle It

If your car has reached the end of the road, donating it to Wheels For Wishes is one of the best things you can do with it. We arrange free towing from wherever the vehicle is located, get it to auction or recycling, and send you a tax-deductible receipt reflecting what it sells for. Call […]

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August 2, 2013
Why Online Car Donation Is The Way To Go

In a day and age where just about everything can be done online, it makes total sense that donating a vehicle would be one of those things. The Internet allows us to do everything from shopping for groceries or clothing, paying our bills, to completing our taxes. The internet is a huge timesaver and allows […]

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January 3, 2013
Benefits Of Used Car Donation

Donating a used car to charity will not only save you the time and stress of selling or trading in a car, but it also grants the wish of a local child who longs to feel hope, strength, and joy once again. Used car donation is easy and hassle free when you donate a car […]

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August 27, 2012
Benefits of Donating Your Car to a Charity Car Donation Program

Trying to decide what to do with your old vehicle can be a hard decision. You have many options: selling, trading, or donating it. We may be partial to the program, but here are a few of the many benefits to donating your car. It is easier and safer than trading and selling your vehicle […]

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CDF also runs the following programs:
Wheels for Wishes benefiting numerous Make-A-Wish® chapters, Vehicles for Veterans benefiting disabled veterans, and Animal Car Donation benefiting animal rescue organizations.

Educational information only, not tax, legal or accounting advice. Tax law is complex and changes. We are a charity, not a tax advisor and cannot advise on your situation. Only a qualified professional who knows your full finances can, so consult your own accountant, tax advisor or attorney first.
© 2009 - 2026 Wheels For Wishes (Car Donation Foundation)
A federally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization