Donation FAQs
We accept all vehicles running or not with no restrictions. For more detailed answers please call us with any questions at 1-800-YES-SVDP (1-800-937-7837). See our Tax Information FAQ for answers to your tax-related questions.
1. How do I donate my vehicle?
2. How quickly is my vehicle picked up?
3. What kind of vehicles do you accept?
4. Does the vehicle need to be in running condition?
5. What if I have lost my key?
6. What if my vehicle doesn't pass the SMOG test?
7. What restrictions are there on the type of vehicle I can donate?
8. What paperwork do I need to have?
9. Is my donation tax deductible?
10. Does it cost me anything to donate my vehicle?
11. What if my vehicle has mechanical problems?
12. Does the vehicle need a current SMOG certificate?
13. What if I need to change the pick-up appointment?
14. Do I have to be present at the time of pick-up?
15. What will happen to my vehicle?
17. How much profit from my vehicle will go to help people?
18. Who gets the profits from my vehicle donation?
19. Do I need my Social Security Number?
20. Can I put my tax receipt in someone else's name?
1. How do I donate my vehicle?
Starting with a telephone call to our 800-YES-SVDP number or online form, it is a 3 step process and it takes about 3 minutes to get started. You will be REQUIRED to have your Certificate of Title (or registration) and mileage (or an estimate) on the vehicle you are donating.
Step 1
We will ask you some basic information about yourself, about the vehicle you're donating and then set a pickup time and date that is convenient for you.
Step 2
At the pickup you'll meet the transport driver and he will complete all the paperwork on the spot - tax receipt, release of liability etc., In some cases we will complete them over the phone and mail the forms to you (donor can't meet the pickup driver, etc.).
Step 3
After, we sell your vehicle, or give it to a needy family, we will send you a thank you and 1098-C form, when necessary. back
2. How quickly is my vehicle picked up?
Vehicles are picked up Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 P.M. We can usually pickup within 24-72 hours of your call. For newer model vehicles (model year 2004 or later) we can normally pickup the same day if called in the morning but we can always pickup the next day. We can also schedule a pickup date and time so that it is most convenient for you, like next Saturday afternoon. Appointments are set within a 2-4 hour window, and of course you can always call to reschedule. back
3. What kind of vehicles do you accept?
We accept all complete vehicles running or not. We also accept most commercial vehicles, specialty autos, motorcycles, running RVs, sail boats and small boats with trailers in good condition, running tractor trailers, dump trucks, tow trucks, campers, golf carts, snowmobiles and jet skis on trailers and some newer mobile homes. back
4. Does the vehicle need to be in running condition?
We accept all complete cars running or not. back
5. What if I have lost my key?
We will accept vehicles even if the keys are lost. back
6. What if my vehicle wouldn't pass the SMOG test?
We will accept a vehicle even if it cannot pass the SMOG test. back
7. What restrictions are there on the type of vehicle I can donate?
We do not take vehicles that are not complete. We do not take boats that don't float. If we cannot turn your donation into dollars to help the poor then we cannot accept it. back
8. What paperwork do I need to have?
You need to bring your Certificate of Title (registration if you are in California/Arizona/Washington and have lost your Title) and we bring DMV and IRS forms. back
9. Is my donation tax deductible?
St. Vincent de Paul charities are an authorized charitable 501(c)3 organization. Your donation is tax deductible. back
10. Does it cost me anything to donate my vehicle?
No, all expenses of towing and preparing the vehicle for sale are borne by SVDP. back
11. What if my vehicle has mechanical problems?
We accept all complete vehicles running or not. back
12. Does the vehicle need a current SMOG certificate?
No. back
13. What if I need to change the pick-up appointment?
You will be given an 800 number so you could call and reschedule your pickup time. back
14. Do I have to be present at the time of pick-up?
No. We like to get all the DMV and IRS paperwork done in one step and to fully explain to the donor each document. However, we do have an "unattended" pickup for those who can not be present at pickup time. back
15. What will happen to my vehicle?
Your donated vehicle will usually be auctioned off to the highest bidder. In some cases vehicles (less than 10 years old with low mileage) are given to needy families requiring a vehicle in order to be employed. In other cases, some vehicles (usually wrecked or poor condition and non-running) will be sold to recycling companies. Good condition cars with a mechanical problem are sold at Mechanic Only auctions. The older vehicles but still in good condition are sold at high-end auctions. back
16. Where do you pick-up?
We pick up nationwide but we do not pick up at police/city/county vehicle impound lots, parking garages with less than 8 feet of clearance, or on the shoulder of a highway or freeway. All donated vehicles need to be complete (no major missing parts) and tow truck accessible.back
17. How much profit from my vehicle will go to help people?
On average SVDP charities spend 5% on administrative costs and 5% on fundraising. Therefore approximately 90% is spent on programs for those being served, the poor and suffering. SVDP charities are able to achieve these remarkable numbers due to volunteers who are our foundation.back
18. Who gets the profits from my vehicle donation?
The profit from your donation can be directed to your wishes - you simply have to answer the question on where to direct your donation funds on your online donation form. back
19. Do I need my Social Security Number?
Yes, if you want to take a deduction greater than $500. back
20. Can I put my tax receipt in someone else's name?
Yes, we can if you are in California. We can transfer your vehicle and therefore your tax benefit to another person during the donation process. In addition, any state with similar short form vehicle bill of sale as California has would also be eligible. back