Get Clear Answers About Donating Your Vehicle
Have questions about donating your vehicle? You are in the right place. This page gives you clear, straightforward answers about how Goodwill Car Donations works and what you can expect during the process. The information below explains the most common questions people ask before donating cars and other vehicles. You will learn how pickup works, what paperwork is required, what happens after you donate and how your contribution helps others. Whether you are donating cars, trucks or other automobiles, this guide helps make the experience easy and stress free.
General Information
When you donate a vehicle to Goodwill, you help transform the lives of men and women in your community who are facing poverty, unemployment and life limiting disabilities. Your donation supports programs and services that improve their wellbeing and help them build better futures. At the same time, you may qualify for a valuable tax deduction.
First, we carefully review every vehicle donation that we receive. Then we sell donated vehicles through trusted channels to generate funding. After your vehicle is sold, the proceeds support the missions of participating Goodwill organizations. Finally, we send you your tax-deductible donation receipt for your records.
In addition to a possible maximum tax deduction, you benefit from our free pickup and towing services. You also save money by no longer paying for vehicle maintenance, repairs, registration and insurance. Donating vehicles can help you eliminate ongoing costs while helping others.
Our fast and convenient donation process usually takes only a few minutes to complete.
First, you contact us through a phone call or our online donation form and provide basic information about your vehicle.
After we verify the information, we call you to schedule the free pickup and towing of your vehicle at a time and location that works best for you.
Finally, our team handles the paperwork, selling the donated vehicle and sending your tax receipt.
It’s easy. Simply call us anytime at (866) 233-8586 and our team will gladly help you check the status of your donation.
Accepted Vehicles
Vehicles we commonly accept include cars, vans, SUVs, RVs, trucks, campers, boats, motorcycles, golf carts and ATVs. These are some of the automobiles and vehicles frequently donated through our program. If you are unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, contact us at (866) 233-8586 and we will gladly review the details with you.
Yes. We can often accept vehicles that are in poor condition or that have not been running for years, provided they meet our program guidelines. If you have questions about whether your vehicle qualifies, please call us anytime at (866) 233-8586 and our team will help review the details.
There is no need to worry. Many vehicles that have failed emissions testing may still qualify for donation through our program.
In most situations, we cannot accept abandoned vehicles because proof of ownership is required to complete a donation. If you find an abandoned vehicle, please contact your local police department so they can handle the situation properly.
Yes, inherited vehicles can often be donated. Call us at (866) 233-8586 and one of our friendly customer service representatives will guide you through the process.
Yes, you can. We welcome multiple donations of qualifying vehicles and appreciate every contribution you choose to make.
Yes. We accept vehicle donations in all fifty states as well as the District of Columbia.
Pickup and Towing
Call us at (866) 233-8586 and let us know when and where you want your vehicle picked up. We coordinate with a professional towing company to arrange pickup at a time and location that works for you.
Goodwill Car Donations provides free pickup and towing for approved vehicle donations. There is no cost to you.
Your vehicle does not need to be at your home. We often pick up vehicles from repair shops, workplaces and other locations. Call us at (866) 233-8586 and we will help answer any pickup questions you may have.
That is not a problem. You do not have to be present during pickup. Just let us know ahead of time so we can provide simple instructions for completing the process.
Most vehicle pickups take place within one or two business days. If you need your vehicle removed sooner, we may be able to help depending on scheduling availability. Call us at (866) 233-8586 to discuss your situation.
Yes. In most cases, the tow truck driver gives you a donation tow receipt at pickup. We can also mail or email the receipt to you. You may need this document to cancel your vehicle registration and insurance with your local DMV.
Tax Deductions
Yes. When you donate to an IRS certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, you may qualify to claim a tax deduction based on your donation.
The deduction amount depends on the final selling price of your donated vehicle. According to IRS Publication 561, donors may deduct the fair market value of the vehicle up to $500 or the amount the vehicle sells for, depending on IRS rules. The final selling price appears on the tax receipt we send you.
We recommend consulting your tax professional for more details.
You can usually expect your receipt to arrive within 30 days after the sale of your donated vehicle. If you prefer, we can also email the receipt to you.
Title and Registration
Most donors must print and sign their name in the seller section of the vehicle title. Title transfer rules vary by state, so we recommend speaking with a member of our Title Department before completing the document. You can reach our team at (866) 233-8586.
You will need proof of ownership, which usually means a signed title that is free of liens. If a lien appears on the title, you must also provide the original lien release. If you have questions about the paperwork required for your automobiles or vehicles, please call us at (866) 233-8586.
Let us know right away. Call (866) 233-8586 and speak with a member of our Title Department. We can help explain how to request a duplicate title through your state’s motor vehicle agency.
Requirements vary by state. To make sure you follow your state’s rules, call us at (866) 233-8586 and we will guide you through the steps.
No. Donated vehicles do not need to have active insurance coverage at the time of donation.
Yes, it may still be possible. However, additional documentation is usually required. Contact us at (866) 233-8586 so we can explain the details.
This depends on the state where the owner lived and where the vehicle is titled. Many states require documents such as a signed title, a copy of the death certificate and paperwork confirming executor rights. Call (866) 233-8586 for guidance.
In most cases, both names listed on the title must sign it. There are some exceptions depending on how the names appear on the title. For example, if the names are separated by the word “or,” one signature may be enough. Call us at (866) 233-8586 and we will explain the requirements for your state.
In many states, you should remove your license plates before the tow truck arrives so you can return them to your local DMV. Some states allow plates to remain on the vehicle. Call us at (866) 233-8586 and we will help explain your state’s requirements.