Frequently Asked Questions
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 (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. Who gets the profits from my vehicle donation?
9. What paperwork do I need to have?
10. Is my donation tax deductible?
11. Does it cost me anything to donate my vehicle?
12. What if my vehicle has mechanical problems?
13. Does the vehicle need a current SMOG certificate?
14. What if I need to change the pick-up appointment?
15. Do I have to be present at the time of pick-up?
16. What will happen to my vehicle?
18. How much profit from my vehicle will go to help people?
19. Do I need my Social Security Number?
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 on the vehicle you are donating. If you do not have the title (pink slip) and your vehicle is registered in California or Washington, you may use the registration document to donate your vehicle. If you reside in any other state but do not have the title document, you may call us for information on how to acquire a title.
Step 1
We will ask you some basic information about yourself, about the
vehicle you're donating and then set a pick-up time and date that is convenient for you.
Step 2
At the pick-up 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 (if donor can't meet the pick-up driver,
etc.).
Step 3
After we sell your vehicle, or give it to a needy family, we will send
you a "thank you letter" and 1098-C tax form, when necessary. back
2. How quickly is my vehicle picked up?
Vehicles are picked up Monday through Saturday, 8am to 5pm. nationwide. Within the state of California we pick-up on Monday through Sunday, 8am to 5pm. We can usually pick-up within 24-72 hours of your call. For new model vehicles (model year 2002 or newer) we can normally pick-up the same day (if you call us in the morning) but, we can always pick-up the next day. We can also schedule a pick-up 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 cars, running or not. We also accept the following vehicles in running condition: specialty autos, motorcycles, RVs, sailboats and small boats with trailers in good condition, tractor trailers, dump trucks, tow trucks, campers in good condition, golf carts, snowmobiles, jet skis on trailers, and 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 doesn'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. Who gets the profits from my vehicle donation?
The profit from your donation can stay in your community through the local St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVDP) District Office or local SVDP Conference - you simply have to answer the question on where to direct your donation funds.
If the donor designates their gift to a St. Vincent de Paul Society Council or Conference that is a member of the Auto Donation Program, then 100% of the gift is directed to that Council or Conference. If donor designates a St. Vincent de Paul Society Council or Conference that isn't a member of the Auto Donation Program, then we will send them 75% of the net proceeds. The remaining 25% will be directed to SVDP Councils that are members of the Auto Donation Program. back
9. What paperwork do I need to have?
You need to bring your Certificate of Title (registration if you are in California or Washington and have lost your Title) and we bring DMV and IRS forms. back
10. Is my donation tax deductible?
St. Vincent de Paul is an authorized charitable 501(c)3 organization. Your donation is tax deductible. back
11. 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
12. What if my vehicle has mechanical problems?
We accept all complete cars, running or not. back
13. Does the vehicle need a current SMOG certificate?
No. back
14. What if I need to change the pick-up appointment?
You will be given an 800 number so you can call and reschedule your pick-up time. back
15. 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" pick-up for those who can not be present at pick-up time. back
16. What will happen to my vehicle?
Your donated vehicle will usually be auctioned off to the highest bidder. In some cases vehicles (4-8 years old with low mileage) are given to needy families requiring a vehicle in order to be employed. In other cases, vehicles (usually wrecked or poor condition/non-running) will be sold to recycling companies. back
We pick-up everywhere in the continental United States as well as Hawaii. We require tow truck access. We do not pick-up at police impound lots. back
18. How much profit from my vehicle will go to help people?
St. Vincent de Paul is one of the oldest and best run charitable organizations in the world. On average SVDP spends 5% on administrative costs and 2% on fundraising. Therefore approximately 93% is spent on programs for those we serve, the poor and suffering. We are able to achieve these remarkable numbers due to our volunteers who are the foundation of SVDP. If you wish to direct funds to a non-member ADP Council or program then we will senccd them 75% of the net proceeds. back
19. Do I need my Social Security Number?
Yes, if you want to take a deduction greater than $500. back