Abandoned Vehicle on Your Property

Donate an Abandoned Vehicle

Bought a house with a vehicle left on the property? You have options. Once you establish ownership through your state’s junk certificate process, we can pick up the vehicle for free.

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First — is this vehicle on your own property?

This page is for vehicles left on property you own — most commonly a car that was on the property when you bought the house, or left behind by a previous tenant or renter. In those situations, the vehicle is legally yours to dispose of, and we can often help you donate it for a tax deduction.

Not your situation? If the vehicle is abandoned on the street, in a parking lot, or on property you don’t own, you should contact local law enforcement or your municipality’s parking enforcement — they handle removal. We can only accept donations from the legal property owner or vehicle owner.

How to donate an abandoned vehicle — the short version

Because you never had a title for the vehicle, you’ll first need to establish legal ownership through your state’s process. This is usually called a junk certificate, certificate of junk, non-repairable certificate, or something similar. The exact name varies by state, but the idea is the same: it’s a legal document allowing you to dispose of a vehicle without a traditional title.

Quick summary (1) Apply through your state DMV or local law enforcement for a junk certificate. (2) An officer comes out to verify the VIN and confirm the vehicle isn’t stolen. (3) You receive the junk certificate. (4) You donate the vehicle to us and we schedule free pickup.

How the junk certificate process works

The process varies state-to-state, but the general steps are similar. Here’s what to expect:

1

Apply for a junk certificate

Contact your state DMV, motor vehicle office, or local law enforcement (sheriff’s department) to find out your state’s specific process. Some states have the application available online; others require an in-person visit.

2

VIN verification

A law enforcement officer — usually a deputy sheriff or local police officer — will come to your property to verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). They check that the vehicle isn’t reported stolen and isn’t linked to any crimes.

3

Receive the junk certificate

Once the VIN is cleared, your state issues the junk certificate (or equivalent document). This isn’t a title, but it’s a legal document that allows you to dispose of the vehicle — including donating it to a charity like ours.

4

Submit your donation

Fill out our online donation form or call us. When you describe the vehicle, mention that you have a junk certificate. We’ll confirm we can pick it up and schedule free pickup — usually same-day or next-day.

5

You get your tax receipt

You receive an initial receipt at pickup, then IRS Form 1098-C within 30 days of the vehicle sale for your tax deduction.

Timeline varies The junk certificate process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on your state and how quickly an officer can come out for VIN verification. Start the process as soon as you can.

Frequently asked questions

In most cases, yes — a vehicle left on property you own becomes your responsibility. However, you don’t have the title, so you can’t sell, transfer, or donate it until you establish legal ownership through a junk certificate (or your state’s equivalent document).
It depends on your state and how quickly law enforcement can come out for VIN verification. It can range from a few days to a few weeks. Your state DMV or sheriff’s department can give you a more specific timeline.
Unfortunately no. Without documentation establishing your legal right to dispose of the vehicle, we can’t legally pick it up. The junk certificate protects both you and us — it confirms the vehicle isn’t stolen and that you have the authority to donate it.
We can’t accept vehicles that aren’t on property you own. For vehicles abandoned on public streets, parking lots, or property you don’t own, contact your local law enforcement or parking enforcement — they handle removal.
No. We accept non-running vehicles — see our guide to donating a non-running car for details. Most abandoned vehicles are non-running or in rough shape, and that’s fine.
Yes. As long as the donation is legally completed (which requires the junk certificate or equivalent), you’ll receive IRS Form 1098-C for your tax deduction.
Related guides If your situation is different — for example, if you have a title but it’s in someone else’s name, or there’s a lien — see our guides on donating a car without a title and donating a car with a lien.

Ready to clear that vehicle off your property?

Once you have your junk certificate, we’ll handle the pickup for free.

Start Your Donation → Call 877-505-5775