How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute form or a quick call
Begin by completing the short online donation form through AutoHeritage Donate or by calling Heritage for the Blind directly. You will share basic details such as your name, Virginia pickup address, phone number, vehicle year, make, model, approximate condition, and whether you have the title. You do not need to know the vehicle’s value or repair history. Cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and some non-running vehicles can often be accepted. There is no obligation at this stage; it is simply the first step to confirm pickup details and move your donation forward.
A coordinator calls within 1-2 business hours
After your form is submitted, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1-2 business hours during normal business times. The coordinator confirms your vehicle information, pickup address, title status, and the best time window for the tow. If your car is in a busy Virginia metro area such as Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, Richmond, or Roanoke, scheduling is often very fast. You can ask practical questions before agreeing to a pickup, including where to leave the keys, what to sign, and whether you need to be present.
Free licensed towing comes to your Virginia location
A licensed tow truck is scheduled to come to your location at no cost to you. In most Virginia metro areas, pickup is available same-day or next business day, depending on driver availability, weather, traffic, and access to the vehicle. The vehicle can often be picked up from a driveway, curbside space, office lot, mechanic, apartment community, or storage yard. At pickup, you sign the title over as instructed, provide the keys if available, and receive pickup documentation. You never pay towing, processing, or removal fees.
Your vehicle goes to auction or a parts reseller
Once your vehicle is picked up, it is transported to the appropriate sale channel. Depending on the vehicle’s age, condition, mileage, and marketability, it may be sent to auction or to a parts reseller. Running cars are not the only useful donations; older, damaged, high-mileage, and non-running vehicles may still generate proceeds. This step is handled behind the scenes by the vehicle processing network, so you do not have to meet buyers, advertise the car, negotiate, or handle Virginia title transfer logistics beyond signing correctly at pickup.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle is sold, the proceeds are directed to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 58-2164446. The mission supported by your donation focuses on services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage for the Blind also helps connect people with benefit resources and assistance information. If you, a loved one, or someone you serve wants to check eligibility for programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and related resources, you can visit nhftb.org/finder.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the sale
After the vehicle sells, your tax documentation is prepared and mailed. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C. For vehicles that sell for $500 or less, you receive a written acknowledgment. The full donation process, from scheduling to final tax paperwork, typically takes about 2-6 weeks, depending on pickup timing, sale timing, and mailing. Keep your pickup paperwork and final receipt with your tax records, and consult a tax professional if you have questions about claiming your deduction.
Key facts about car donation
There is no cost to the donor at any step, including towing, processing, and vehicle removal.
Most Virginia metro-area pickups can be scheduled same-day or next business day, based on availability.
You usually only need the signed title, keys if available, and access to the vehicle.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446.
Tax receipts are mailed after sale: Form 1098-C over $500, written acknowledgment at $500 or under.
The full process typically takes 2-6 weeks from initial request to final mailed tax documentation.