FAQs

Answers to Vehicle Donation Questions


We gratefully accept almost all car donations. We also accept donated trucks, motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles, trailers and recreational vehicles. Boats and planes may require a call to see if they meet minimum criteria.

Your vehicle does not have to be running, but it must be whole and have four inflated tires so it can be moved by our towing operators. You will be asked to explain the condition of the vehicle. In rare cases, we are unable to accept a vehicle donation when the costs of transport and processing fees exceed the auction value of the vehicle.

All vehicle donations are processed as quickly as possible. Typically, we will pick up your vehicle within 2 or 3 days after the title is received by our processing center in Rhode Island. You can speed up the process by downloading documents online. Special arrangements can be made whenever car donations must be made quickly.

Answers to Documents/Registration/Title Questions


In general, when selling or donating a vehicle you must complete the section of the title labeled "assignment of title by owner" or "transfer of ownership by seller". There are typically one or more sections of the title dedicated to dealer reassignments which should be left blank.

In the "assignment of title by owner" or similar section, any fields that require information about the seller/owner/transferor are asking for information about you. When the title asks for the sellers name you would either print or sign your name exactly as it appears on the title where you are listed as the owner. Most states require that all owners listed on the title must print and sign their name when transferring ownership.

Any fields that require information about a buyer/purchaser/transferee are asking for information about the person you are selling or donating the vehicle to. This section should never, under any circumstances, be left completely blank as this can lead to abuses and liability for you.

For state specific information or to see an example of your title, choose your state from the dropdown below:

Our Car Donation Wizard will tell you what is required in your state. Most states require that you have a clear title to the vehicle; some states also require a notarized signature to complete a donation. If you cannot locate or have lost the certificate of title, we can help you obtain the proper documentation.

The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name. The name on the title and the name on registration documents often differ. Contact our processing center at (877) 215-0227 for more information.

  1. The title must be in your name, with no cross outs or errors.
  2. All liens must be released, if there is a lien listed on your title, it must be signed off on the title, or provide a separate lien release document.
  3. You must sign as the seller per our title instructions (which will be listed on the thank you page after you complete your vehicle donation or e-mailed to you if you donated a car over the phone)

You must sign the title as it is shown on the front of the title. If you do not, the title will be void and you may need a correction form or duplicate title.

No, if you do this, your title will become void. Please contact us and we will happily provide you the documents necessary to complete your car donation.

Yes. If there are 2 owners listed on the front of a title, the majority of the time, both people will need to sign as seller. If there is an 'or' in between the names, only 1 signature is required.

Different states require different paperwork. Usually this involves a copy of the death certificate, executor rights paperwork, and the signed title. Please call us to confirm what is needed in your state.

Please know that the Colorado DMV is extremely busy right now. Sometimes the title from your vehicle may not be registered to a new owner right away. If you are ever contacted about the title of a vehicle you have donated, please call (877) 215-0227 so that any title or registration issues can be cleared up for you, at no cost to you.

Feel free to call (877) 215-0227 or email us titles@cardonationwizard.com.

Answers About Car Donation Proceeds/Deductions


Car Talk Vehicle Donation Services runs one of the most efficient, high return vehicle donation programs in the country. Approximately 75-80% of the net proceeds from the sale of the vehicle goes back to your favorite public radio station

If you itemize deductions on your income tax return, it may be possible to claim a tax deduction for your charitable car donation. In general, donors who itemize their taxes may deduct the fair market value of any donated car up to $499. If your vehicle sells for more than $500, you may deduct the full selling price. For more information, please visit our Tax Questions section.

We use a fully licensed and insured national transportation network that complies with all federal and state regulations. By signing the title directly to Advanced Remarketing Services, our authorized agent, you are legally transferring ownership of your vehicle. When your title is received and your vehicle is picked up, you are no longer responsible for the vehicle.

It truly does depend on the vehicle and we take them all - running or not, damaged, old or really old. If you are trying to decide between donating your vehicle and selling it yourself, please call the CarTalk Vehicle Donation program directly. They can compare your vehicle to similar vehicles that were donated to try and give you an idea of how it will sell.


 
 
 

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