Donating your vehicle is simple. Here’s what you’ll typically need to have ready:
What You’ll Need
Vehicle Title (In Most Cases)
The title is the main document for a donation, signed over to us at pickup. Make sure the name on the title matches your ID. If you have a lien, the lien will need to be released before the transfer — see our guide to donating a car with a lien. No title? See below — in many cases we can still pick up your vehicle.
Vehicle Keys
Please have the keys available for the tow driver at pickup. If you don’t have keys, let us know when you submit your donation — we can usually still arrange pickup.
Helpful But Not Always Required
Vehicle Registration
Useful for confirming ownership if the title is unavailable.
Photo ID
Some states require the tow driver to verify your identity at pickup.
VIN Number
Helps us process your donation faster — found on the dashboard or door jamb.
State-Specific Requirements
Paperwork requirements vary by state — particularly around title signing location, license plate handling, and release of liability forms. Visit our State Info page, choose your state, and you’ll find exact instructions for your location including where to sign your title and what forms to complete.
What Happens After Pickup
You receive an initial donation receipt at pickup — this confirms your donation and is your tax documentation if the vehicle sells for less than $500. If your vehicle sells for $500 or more, we’ll also send you IRS Form 1098-C within 30 days of the sale showing the actual sale price. See our tax deduction guide for more on how the deduction works.