How can we help?

Cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, boats, trailers and motorhomes, running or not. The two requirements are a clear title in your name and safe tow access. If you are unsure about an unusual vehicle, call us before filling in the form.

A clean title, in your name, signed over to us. That is the whole list. If there is a lien on the title or you cannot find it, call us — both are common and both are usually solvable.

Often, yes. It depends on the specific vehicle, so give us a call and we will check before you go any further.

This is one of the most common things we deal with. We will walk you through getting a duplicate title. A missing title rarely stops a donation.

Yes. Name the organization on the donation form and we will contact them about joining the network. They need to be a 501(c)(3) in good standing, and joining costs them nothing.

Half the net sale proceeds go to the 501(c)(3) you chose on the donation form. The other half funds the two Rotary clubs that operate the program. You can also choose Rotary Clubs as your beneficiary and send the whole amount there.

We evaluate every vehicle for the best resale route rather than sending everything straight to auction. Some are reconditioned and sold retail, which earns more for your nonprofit and gives you a larger deduction.

No. Towing is free anywhere we serve, and there are no DMV fees, repair costs or listing fees for you. You are responsible only for tickets or fines the vehicle collected before pickup.

A towing company will contact you within 12 to 48 hours of us receiving the signed title, and will offer you a pickup window.

Wait until we have confirmed the title has been received and the vehicle has been collected. Cancelling earlier can leave you exposed while the car is still registered to you.

No. A smog certificate is not required to donate.

Occasionally. Most donated vehicles now go to auction rather than retail, so we no longer keep a listings page. When something is available we post it on our Facebook page, or you can call us to ask what is on hand.

It depends on the state. In California a vehicle does not need current registration to be donated. Check with your local DMV if you are outside California.

Usually six to twelve weeks from submission to sale and paperwork, depending on the vehicle and how it is sold. Pickup itself is much faster — typically 12 to 48 hours after we have the signed title.

Yes, that can be arranged. Give us a call and we will sort out a time and place.

Call or email us during business hours and we will tell you where things stand. A real person handles these, so you will get an actual answer rather than a ticket number.

A title is the legal document proving who owns a vehicle. To donate, it needs to be in your name and signed over to us.

Yes. We will need a death certificate along with proof that you are entitled to transfer the vehicle, such as executor documentation or proof of inheritance. Call us and we will tell you exactly what applies to your situation.

It is the filing that tells the state ownership has transferred, which releases you from liability and from registration obligations on the vehicle. The exact requirement varies by state.

We handle it, along with our vendors and auction partners, starting at pickup. You do not need to visit the DMV.

Depending on how the vehicle is sold, the purchaser is either Copart or Cars 2nd Chance Inc.

Only if the names are joined by “and”. If they are joined by “or”, a single signature is enough.

A lien appears on the title itself. If there is one, you will usually need a lien release letter from the lender. Call us and we will help you work out what is needed.

Remove your personal belongings and any personalized license plates, and leave the keys for the tow operator. That is all that is needed on your side.

In California the plates can stay on the vehicle. Other states may require you to surrender them, so check with your local DMV. Personalized plates should always come off if you want to keep them.

Yes. Call us and we will arrange a drop-off rather than a tow.

The towing company will offer you a time window when they contact you, which is normally within 12 to 48 hours of us receiving the signed title.

Once we have your completed form and the signed title, we arrange a tow company to collect it. You do not need to be present.

The truck needs a direct path to the vehicle — a driveway, street or open lot. A car blocked in a backyard, behind other vehicles or down a narrow alley is not accessible. The tires should also hold air.

A towing vendor working on our behalf, by phone, text or email. The number may be unfamiliar, so it is worth answering calls you do not recognise in the days after you submit.

In California, nothing — we handle the required filings for you, and we can send you a copy on request.

Cars 2nd Chance takes responsibility for the vehicle from the moment it is picked up. You remain responsible only for tickets or fines it collected before that point.

Yes. Tax documentation is issued after the vehicle is sold, generally within 30 days of sale. If the sale exceeds $500 and you gave us your Social Security number, IRS Form 1098‑C is issued as well.

Yes. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and donations are deductible, but how much you can claim depends on your own circumstances. Speak to a tax advisor and see IRS Publication 4303.

Yes. The thank-you letter we send serves as your receipt. If the sale exceeds $500 and we have your Social Security number on file, we also issue IRS Form 1098‑C.

If the vehicle sells for more than $500, you deduct the actual sale price. If it sells for $500 or less, you deduct the lesser of its fair market value or $500.

You need to have called us and provided your information and title by 11:59pm on 31 December for the donation to count that tax year.

It is the price a willing, informed buyer and a willing, informed seller would agree on, with neither under pressure to act. Kelley Blue Book and IRS Publication 4303 are both useful guides.

Yes, provided the form and a clear title are submitted by 31 December of that year.

Yes. Call or email us and we will reissue it.

IRS Publications 4303, 526 and 561 all cover vehicle and non-cash charitable donations, and Form 8283 applies to some non-cash gifts. If you would rather talk it through, call us on (925) 326-5868.