Answers to Vehicle Donation Questions

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.

WHAT CAN I DONATE?
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.
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.
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.

Answers to Documents/Registration/
Title Questions

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.

Answers About Car Donation Proceeds/Deductions

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.