Have a car you keep meaning to get rid of? When you donate your car to charity, you can skip the hassle of selling it, schedule free pickup, and support a cause that matters.

Through The Arc’s vehicle donation program, you can donate a car, truck, RV, boat, motorcycle, or other vehicle to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Most vehicles are considered, running or not.

That vehicle may not be getting you where you need to go anymore. But it can still help protect disability rights, strengthen family support, and create more opportunities for people with disabilities across the country.

What does donating my car to The Arc support?

Many nonprofits accept vehicle donations. What makes The Arc different is what your donation helps protect.

The Arc is the nation’s largest community-based organization advocating for and supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and other diagnoses. Through national advocacy and a nationwide network of chapters of The Arc, we support people with disabilities and their families at school, at work, at home, and in the community.

Your donated vehicle can help fund work that people with disabilities and families rely on every day, including:

• Advocacy that protects disability rights
• Resources for families navigating school, services, and support systems
• Programs that support community living, travel, technology, future planning, and education
• Outreach that helps decision-makers, including appointed and elected officials, understand what people with disabilities and families need

A vehicle that’s no longer useful to you can help protect rights, strengthen support, and create more opportunities for someone else.

How does vehicle donation work?

Donating your vehicle to The Arc is designed to be simple.

1. Start online or by phone. Fill out the short vehicle donation form or call 833-990-8-ARC (833-990-8272).
2. Schedule free pickup. A tow company will pick up your vehicle at a time that works for you.
3. Skip the hassle. You don’t have to handle the sale, repairs, advertising, or towing.
4. Get documentation for your records. You’ll receive an initial donation receipt at pickup and additional tax documentation after the vehicle is sold.

The Arc partners with CARS, also known as Charitable Adult Rides & Services, to manage the donation process. CARS handles the pickup, sale, and paperwork so you don’t have to.

What types of vehicles can I donate?

All vehicles are considered. The Arc accepts many types of vehicle donations, including:

• Cars, trucks, and vans
• Motorcycles
• RVs, campers, and trailers
• Boats
• Off-road vehicles
• Some specialty, farm, and heavy equipment

Most vehicles are considered, running or not. In many cases, a car that no longer starts, has high mileage, needs repairs, or has not been used in years may still qualify.

If you aren’t sure whether your vehicle can be accepted, start the form or call the Vehicle Donation Support Team at 833-990-8-ARC (833-990-8272). They can help you understand the next step.

Is car donation pickup free?

Yes, vehicle pickup is free to donors. You don’t have to pay towing costs or drop the vehicle off yourself.

After you complete the donation form or call the support team, pickup will be scheduled at a convenient time. A licensed tow company will come to you and take the vehicle to be sold.

That means you can donate your car without dealing with repair costs, listing it for sale, negotiating with buyers, or arranging transportation.

Is donating a vehicle to charity tax-deductible?

Your vehicle donation may qualify for a tax deduction. Every tax situation is different, so it’s best to consult a tax advisor.

After your donated vehicle is sold, you’ll receive tax documentation for your records. If the vehicle sells for more than $500 and the required information has been provided, you may receive IRS Form 1098-C.

The Arc can’t give tax advice, but the Vehicle Donation Support Team can explain the documentation process.

What happens after I donate my vehicle?

After pickup, donated vehicles are usually sold through used-car markets, auctions, or other sale channels. The proceeds support The Arc’s advocacy and programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

That means your vehicle can help protect rights, strengthen resources, and support people with disabilities to build good lives in the community.

It may have taken you to work, school, appointments, errands, and road trips. Now it can help people with disabilities and their families access support, opportunity, and a stronger future.

Ready to donate your car, truck, RV, boat, or motorcycle?

If you have a vehicle you no longer need, donating it to The Arc is a big way to put it to work for disability rights.

You can start your vehicle donation online or call the Vehicle Donation Support Team at 833-990-8-ARC (833-990-8272).

No towing fees or selling hassle. Most vehicles are considered, running or not. You can turn your unwanted vehicle into support for people with disabilities and families across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Donating a Vehicle to The Arc

What is the easiest way to donate my car to charity?

The easiest way to donate your car to The Arc is to complete the online vehicle donation form or call 833-990-8272. The Vehicle Donation Support Team will help schedule a free pickup and explain the next steps.

Can I donate my car to The Arc if it doesn’t run, has high mileage, or needs repairs?

In many cases, yes. Most vehicles are considered, including cars that don’t run or have high mileage, mechanical issues, or repair needs. The support team can confirm whether your vehicle can be accepted.

Do I have to pay to tow my donated car?

No, towing is free for donors. A tow company will pick up your vehicle at a scheduled time, so you don’t have to pay towing costs or drop it off yourself.

How fast can my donated car be picked up?

In many cases, pickup can be scheduled during the initial call. In other cases, the Vehicle Donation Support Team will contact you within two to three business days to schedule a convenient pickup time.

What paperwork do I need to donate a car?

In most states, you’ll need the vehicle title. If you have questions about your title, registration, or vehicle condition, the Vehicle Donation Support Team can help you understand what is needed.

Do I need to notify the DMV after donating my car?

State requirements vary. In some states, you may need to notify your motor vehicle division or surrender license plates after the vehicle is picked up. The Vehicle Donation Support Team can explain the steps for your state.

Will I get a tax receipt for donating my car?

Yes, after your vehicle is picked up and sold, you will receive tax documentation for your records. Your donation may qualify for a tax deduction, but tax situations vary, so donors should consult a tax advisor.

Is free car donation pickup available in every state?

Yes, The Arc’s vehicle donation program offers free pickup in all 50 states. After you complete the donation form or call the Vehicle Donation Support Team, they can schedule a licensed tow company to pick up your vehicle at a convenient time.

Who operates The Arc’s vehicle donation program?

CARS, also known as Charitable Adult Rides & Services, operates The Arc’s vehicle donation program. CARS is a nonprofit organization that specializes in vehicle donation services for nonprofits and helps manage pickup, sale, paperwork, and charitable receipting.

How can I donate my vehicle to help people with disabilities?

You can donate your vehicle to The Arc to help support advocacy, programs, and resources for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, including work to protect disability rights, strengthen community supports, and help families navigate complex systems.