California Car Donation

Donating your car in
California is easy!

Free statewide pickup · IRS-approved 501(c)3 charity · Running or not · Any condition accepted · We handle all the paperwork

Free Towing Tax Deductible Any Condition Free Vacation Voucher
✓ 24/7 Live Answering 877-505-5775
Donate Your Car →
250,000+Vehicles donated
25+ yrsTrusted since 1999
FreeStatewide towing
24/7Live answering
501(c)3IRS approved

How car donation works in California

We handle all the paperwork so you don’t have to.

1

Fill out the form

Complete our 2-minute online form or call 877-505-5775. We answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

2

We arrange free pickup

We schedule a licensed tow truck to your California location at no charge — same or next day pickup.

3

Receive your tax receipt

You get a receipt at pickup. Within 30 days of the sale we mail your IRS Form 1098-C for your tax deduction.

Donating your car in California

The process takes about 2 minutes. We handle everything else — free towing, paperwork, and your IRS tax receipt.

What vehicles do we accept in California?Cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and trailers — running or non-running, in any condition.
Is my California donation tax deductible?Yes. Your donation benefits Activated Ministries, an IRS-recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit (EIN: 33-0857142). If your vehicle sells for over $500 you can deduct the full sale price. Under $500, deduct fair market value up to $500. Note: you must itemize deductions to benefit.
Before the tow truck arrives:Remove your license plates and all personal belongings. Cancel your insurance after pickup. Keep your copy of the signed title and donation receipt.

Where to sign your California title

California title signing is done on the front (two locations). Use blue or black ink only. Sign exactly as your name appears on the title.

California vehicle title — where to sign for car donation STATE OF CA — FRONT OF TITLE Transfer of Ownership / Odometer Disclosure Signature of Registered Owner.← sign here2nd owner if AND1Step 1 — Sign“Signature of Registered Ow”Transferor/Seller Signature(s).← sign here2Step 2 — Sign“Transferor/Seller Signatur” Buyer section Leave blank Dealer reassignment — leave blank Layout representative — field positions may vary on your actual title
1
Sign on line 1a (front)

Where it reads “Signature of Registered Owner.” The co-owner signs line 1b if applicable.

2
Sign in the Transferor box (front)

Below the odometer section where it reads “Transferor/Seller Signature(s).” Also print your name here. Note: skip this step if your car is 2010 or older.

Multiple owners on the title?If names are joined by OR — one owner signs. AND, AND/OR, or no conjunction — both owners must sign both locations.
⚠️ Don’t void your titleBlue or black ink only. No white-out, corrections, or strikethroughs. Don’t sign in the dealer section. Leave the buyer section blank — we fill it in.
Lien or bank name on the title?The lienholder must sign to release their interest, or provide a lien release letter. Call us — we can help.

Lost your California title? Here’s how to get a duplicate

Contact the California DMV to apply for a replacement title.

Fee
$27
In person
15–30 days
By mail
15–30 days
Online
✓ Yes

Apply online

California DMV →

Form: Form REG 227 (Application for Duplicate Title)

Registration Operations, PO Box 942869, Sacramento CA 94269

No title? We can often still help.In many cases we can pick up your vehicle without a title, or apply for the duplicate on your behalf and cover the $27 fee. Call 877-505-5775 to discuss your situation.

California cities we pick up in

Some of the cities we serve:

Los Angeles
San Diego
San Jose
San Francisco
Fresno
Sacramento
Long Beach
Oakland
Bakersfield
Anaheim
Santa Ana
Riverside
Stockton
Irvine
Chula Vista
Fremont
San Bernardino
Modesto
Fontana
Moreno Valley
Glendale
Santa Clarita
Oceanside
Rancho Cucamonga
Garden Grove

Not seeing your city? We pickup throughout the State of California and will pickup in your city.

California car donation — frequently asked questions

We typically arrange same or next day pickup anywhere in California. Call us at 877-505-5775 if you have a specific schedule.
In most cases yes — California requires a signed title to transfer ownership. However we can often help if you don’t have the title. We may apply for a duplicate on your behalf (covering the $27 fee). Call us to discuss your situation.
Yes — we accept most non-running vehicles — even if the vehicle is totaled. We cannot accept shells, or cars lacking wheels/tires.
If your vehicle sells for $500 or more you can deduct the full sale price. Under $500, you can claim fair market value up to $500. We mail your IRS Form 1098-C within 30 days of the sale. You must itemize deductions to benefit.
Cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, motorcycles, boats, RVs, trailers and industrial equipment — running or non-running, in almost any condition.
Your vehicle is sold at auction or through our partner network, and 100% of the net proceeds go to Activated Ministries — funding scholarships, an orphanage in Uganda, disaster relief, and children’s education programs worldwide.

Ready to donate your California vehicle?

Free statewide pickup · Takes 2 minutes · IRS-approved 501(c)3 tax receipt

Start Your Donation → Call 877-505-5775