877-957-2277

Car Donation Wizard is here to answer all of your car donation questions. Select the category above to find answers to the most common vehicle donation questions. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, call us at 1-877-957-2277 and a customer service representative can help!

Considering Donation?

WHAT CAN I DONATE?
We gratefully accept almost all car donations. We also accept trucks, motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles, trailers and recreational vehicles. Boats, planes, RVs, and trailers may require a call to see if they meet minimum criteria.
WHAT IF MY VEHICLE ISN'T RUNNING?
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.
CAN I STILL DONATE MY CAR IF THE ENGINE IS MISSING?
This is a case by case decision. We accept running and non-running vehicles, but if it is missing large parts (i.e., an engine), it may be sold to a dealer or recycled. Although we will try, we cannot guarantee it will be accepted.  
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE YOU TO PICK UP MY VEHICLE DONATION?
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.
WHO IS ADVANCED REMARKETING SERVICES (ARS)?
Advanced Remarketing Services is a proud partner of over 50 national nonprofit organizations. ARS is a licensed wholesale car dealer, and their program handles the title transfer, towing, and reporting of all vehicle donations. ARS has helped charity partners raise over $240 million dollars through the Car Donation Wizard service.
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE CAR DONATION WIZARD?

1. Experience 

Donating your vehicle to your favorite charity takes only 3 easy steps! Unlike other car donation companies, Car Donation Wizard makes the process quick and simple. To donate your vehicle, choose your charity, tell us a bit about yourself and your vehicle, and schedule your pick-up! That’s it.  

2. Transparency

Car Donation Wizard is proud to accept both running and non-running vehicles. And guess what? Your vehicle can be new, lightly used, or in the end-of-life stage. Whatever you donate, rest assured that we will deliver the optimal amount of cash to your chosen charity, AND that your donation will make a positive difference on the environment! 

3. Return to Charity 

Most car donation programs operate under a veil of secrecy by not disclosing business practices and misrepresenting sales proceeds. Car Donation Wizard is a service of Advanced Remarketing Services. Unlike many other car donation programs where 70% of net is returned to charity, Car Donation Wizard delivers 75-80% of every gross dollar to the charity of your choice. 

WHAT ARE MY COSTS?

Great news! There are no costs to you or your charity.

WHAT IF I CAN'T FIND MY TITLE?

 If you can’t find your title, you will need to apply for a duplicate through your respective state. Visit our State Title Requirements page to find your state’s duplicate title application.

WILL I RECEIVE A TAX DEDUCTION?

Yes! If you itemize taxes, the deductible amount of your car donation is equal to the sale price of your car. If your car sold for less than $500, you can claim the fair market value up to $499. See our Tax Tips page for more information.

OK, Let’s Do This!

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

It’s never been easier! Simply click the “Charities” tab, choose one of our non-profit partners, and fill out the donation form.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR PICK UP?

Once you submit the donation form, a towing agent will call you within 2-3 business days to schedule a pick up time. Before your car is picked up, we ask that you remove all personal belongings from the vehicle and the car be in a tow accessible location. On the day of pick up, you’ll hand over the car keys and signed title to the tow driver.

WHAT DO I DO WITH MY LICENSE PLATES?

It depends on the state. The confirmation email that you received after you submitted your donation will specify your state’s policies. Click here to see your state’s license plate return policy.

My car was picked up. Now what?

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY VEHICLE?

We will sell your car wholesale to either a licensed dealer or at an auction in the U.S. The proceeds will then be returned to the charity of your choice. If your car is sold to a dealer, they may take some parts and recycle the rest of the vehicle. However, if it is sold at an auction, the dealer may resell the vehicle at retail to a new customer.

CAN I TRACK MY CAR THROUGHOUT THE DONATION PROCESS?

Yes. Once your donation has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation email with details about accessing your Donor Console. The Donor Console will allow you to track your donation through the end of the process so you know exactly where your vehicle ends up!

WHEN SHOULD I CANCEL MY INSURANCE?

You should cancel your car insurance after the vehicle has been picked up. Please do this AFTER you have notified your state that you donated your car.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE A TAX RECEIPT?

Within 30 days of the sale of your vehicle, we will email you a tax receipt.

DO I NOTIFY THE DMV THAT I DONATED A VEHICLE?

These states require the donor/owner of the vehicle to fill out and submit a Release of Liability form after your car has been picked up: Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Washington. The tow driver or program vendor cannot report this to the state on your behalf. Failure to submit these forms will result in fines from your state.

What about the Car Donation Proceeds and Tax Benefits?

HOW MUCH OF THE MONEY GENERATED BY THE SALE OF MY VEHICLE GOES BACK TO THE CHARITY?

Donating a vehicle to charity can be a confusing decision. Many charity car donation programs promise to help the charities but are run by third-party processors that return very little to the non-profit. With most vehicle donation programs, the charity typically receives between 15 and 35% of the gross selling price to fund their charitable mission. The rest is consumed by third party ‘fees’. Car Donation Wizard consistently delivers between 75 and 80% of the gross selling price for car donations back to the charity. We take our responsibility to bring the highest return back to the organization very seriously, and we are proud to run the most efficient vehicle donation program in the country. View our car donation tips for more info on how to maximize your charitable contribution.

WHAT ARE THE TAX BENEFITS OF DONATING MY VEHICLE?

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.

HOW DO I KNOW MY VEHICLE IS IN GOOD HANDS ONCE IT'S BEEN PICKED UP?

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.

Have questions about Required Documents, Registration, or Title?

We are Title Wizards, here to help you sign your title correctly and to answer all your questions. We’ve created instructions on how to sign your title in accordance with state requirements. For state by state instructions on how to sign a title, click on your title state at the bottom of this page. Feel free to call 1-877-957-2277 or email us titles@cardonationwizard.com if you don’t see your question answered below.

HOW DO I TRANSFER MY TITLE?

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:

 

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO DONATE A CAR TO CHARITY?
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.
WHAT IF THE VEHICLE ISN'T REGISTERED IN MY NAME?
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 1-877-957-2277 for more information.
HOW DO I KNOW MY TITLE IS A CLEAR, TRANSFERRABLE, TITLE?
  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.)
MY NAME HAS CHANGED SINCE THE CAR HAS BEEN TITLED. HOW DO I SIGN?
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.
MY TITLE IS SIGNED OVER TO SOMEONE ELSE. CAN I CROSS IT OFF AND WRITE IN ADVANCED REMARKETING SERVICES? OR USE THE NEXT SECTION?
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.
THERE ARE TWO (2) PEOPLE LISTED ON THE TITLE, DO BOTH OF US NEED TO SIGN?
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.
THE TITLE IS A DECEASED PERSON'S NAME. HOW DO I COMPLETE THE TRANSFER OF TITLE?

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.

MORE QUESTIONS

Feel free to call 1-877-957-2277 or email us titles@cardonationwizard.com.

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