December 18, 2018

‘What Paperwork Do I Need to Donate My Car?’

Photo by Sora Shimazaki under Pexels License

As you were trying to get everything ready for your car donation process, you’ve probably asked this question: “What paperwork do I need to donate my car?”

Setting all the required documents in order can become a huge headache to people who are planning to turn their unwanted vehicles into charitable contributions—if they don’t do their research beforehand.

Sorting out the paperwork and making sure that you have all the details right isn’t as intimidating as it may seem if you get straight answers to your questions about this task. Fortunately, you don’t have to look further for the information you need because Veteran Car Donations is here to share some pointers with you so that you can kick-start your donation process as soon as possible.

Why Vehicle Titles Are Important

The title of your vehicle serves as a legal proof of your ownership, which is why you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that this document is extremely important. You’ll need to find your state’s specific requirements because these vary from state to state. For example, a clear title to the vehicle or a notarized signature may be required by one state and not by another.

Lost Your Car Title?

If you’ve misplaced your certificate of title, you’ll need to get in touch with your charity of choice to know if they can help you solve this problem. However, if your plan is to donate your vehicle to Veteran Car Donations, you don’t have to worry about this issue because our team can make special arrangements to help you obtain a duplicate copy quickly. We’ll just need you, the registered owner, to sign some documents on the day we send out a tow truck to haul away your car.

Abandoned Vehicles Are Not Accepted!

Since abandoned cars don’t come with their respective car titles, they won’t be acceptable for donation. However, if the last registered vehicle owner signs some paperwork, this may be considered.

Your Release of Liability

In many states, the DMV requires donors to remove their donated car’s license plates and return them to the DMV once the professional towing company arrives to pick up the vehicle. However, other states (California, Illinois, Arizona, Washington, and Minnesota) allow these license plates to remain on the car. If you’re from these states, always remember to fill out a Release of Liability form and return it to the DMV. People from Minnesota, Illinois, and Washington refer to this document as a Report of Sale. Meanwhile, folks from Hawaii and Alaska would need to return the accomplished Notice of Vehicle Sale (attached to the bottom portion of the title) to the DMV.

Other Vehicle Title Issues

If you’re planning to donate a vehicle that belonged to a deceased person, you’ll be required to present the owner’s death certificate that was signed by the executor of the estate as well as the signed title.

For car titles that have liens listed on them, a separate lien release document must be presented or else the lien must be signed off on the vehicle title.

In most cases, only one signature is required on a title if there is an “or” between the names of its two owners.

A married woman who has a vehicle registered under her maiden name must sign the document as shown on its front. Signing the car title with a different last name will render it void. If this happens, a correction form or a duplicate must be requested from the DMV.

 Today’s a Great Day to Make a Difference

Photo by Erik Mclean under Pexels License

Now that you already have an idea about the paperwork that needs to be dealt with, we encourage you to stop at nothing when it comes to donating your car to support a cause that you strongly believe in. Donating to Veteran Car Donations would mean helping out our former military servicemen and women who are suffering from service-connected disabilities, physical and mental health problems, inability to find jobs, and homelessness due to poverty and lack of support.

Your donation will enable these veterans to receive mortgage-free and specially adapted homes, free physical and mental health care services, educational scholarships, career development, employment opportunities, financial assistance, and many other benefits.

In return for your charitable contribution, you will get a set of rewards including a 100% tax-deductible receipt that will enable you to claim the maximum tax deduction based on the selling price of your donated vehicle at auction.

For more information on our car donation program, check out our FAQs page. For inquiries, you can call our toll-free 24/7 hotline 877-594-5822 or send us a message online.

You can donate to Veteran Car Donations by either calling us or filling out our online donation form. We accept vehicle donations wherever you are in the United States since we have car donation programs in all 50 states.

We Assure You This

Now that we’ve answered the question, “What paperwork do I need to donate my car?” be assured that we at Veteran Car Donations will be there to provide you with the highest standard of cost-free services and utmost convenience every step of the way when you turn over your old and unwanted vehicle to us. Call us at 877-594-5822 to get started!

Last Updated: March 8th, 2023