• Complete our secure online vehicle donation form or call us.

• Our vehicle donation partner, CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services), will review your information and confirm eligibility.

• You’ll need a current, clear title. Any liens listed on the title must be cleared or released by the bank (requirements vary by state).

• There is no cost to you. All expenses are deducted from the vehicle’s sales price, and if costs ever exceed the price, they’re covered by CARS.

• Towing is free. You do not pay for pick-up.

• A vendor representative will contact you by phone, text, and/or email using the information you provided. The call may come from a number you don’t recognize.

• You’ll receive a pick-up window based on your needs and your area.

• Before the tow:

  • Remove all personal items from the vehicle.

  • Have your title ready (unless otherwise instructed).

• At pick-up:

  • The tow operator will help you sign the title in the correct place.

  • The tow operator will collect the title, keys, and the vehicle.

  • In most cases, you’ll receive an initial donation receipt at this time.

License plates:

• Some states require you to remove and return your plates, others do not.

• If your state requires removal, please remove your plates before pick-up if you’re able.

• For state-specific requirements, contact the Vehicle Donor Support Team or check your state’s motor vehicle department website.

Notarized title:

• Some states require a notarized title (for example: AZ, KY, LA, MT, NC, OK, PA, WY – subject to change).

• Check your state’s DMV website to confirm whether notarization is required.

• The title transfer process varies by state.

• Our vehicle donation program and our vendors/auction yards will guide you to take the correct steps at the time of pick-up.

• Please wait to sign the title until the tow vendor instructs you where to sign.

Who purchases the vehicle?

• The charity (MOWMP) is not the purchaser.

• The purchaser will either be the vendor or CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services).

Multiple owners on the title:

• If there is more than one owner listed and “and/or” is not written between the names, all owners must sign the title.

Vehicle sale:

• CARS works with more than 400 vendors nationwide.

• They review each donation to route it to the best sales outlet:

  • Wholesale auction

  • Private buyer

  • Salvage yard

• This helps maximize the vehicle’s sale price — and in turn, supports MOWMP and may increase your potential tax benefit.

Timeline:

• The sale process typically takes 4–12 weeks, and sometimes longer if holding the vehicle is likely to bring a better price.

• Once the sale is complete, the net proceeds are sent to MOWMP, usually within five business days of CARS receiving the sale proceeds.

• Are vehicle donations tax-deductible?
  Yes. Vehicle donations are generally tax-deductible. Individual tax situations vary, so please consult your tax advisor or refer to IRS Publication 4303 for more details.

  How your deduction is determined:

  • Most vehicles are sold through local wholesale auctions.

  • According to IRS guidelines, you may claim fair market value up to the actual sale price of the vehicle.

  • If your vehicle sells for more than $500, the maximum deduction is the actual sales price, which will appear on IRS Form 1098-C.

  If your vehicle sells for $500 or less:

  • You may claim a deduction for the lesser of:

    • The vehicle’s fair market value on the date of donation,

    • Or $500,

  • Provided you have written acknowledgment (your initial receipt or thank-you letter).

• • Will I get a donation receipt?

    • In most cases, you’ll receive an initial donation receipt from the tow driver at pick-up. It notes your name and the year, make, model, and condition of the vehicle.

    • Within 30 days of the sale, you’ll receive a thank-you letter on behalf of MOWMP. This letter serves as your tax receipt if the vehicle sells for $500 or less.

    • If the vehicle sells for more than $500 and you’ve provided your tax ID number, CARS will also mail you IRS Form 1098-C within 30 days of the sale, stating the gross sale proceeds.

    Need a replacement receipt?

    • If you donated earlier this year and didn’t receive or misplaced your receipt, just call during regular hours or email donorsupport@careasy.org and request a replacement.