How the car donation process works
Start with what title paperwork you have
When you begin your Chicago car donation, tell Gear Up Giving what you have in hand: an Illinois title, an out-of-state title, a duplicate-title receipt, lien-release paperwork, or no title at all. A clear title in the donor’s name is preferred because it allows the transfer to move quickly. However, Heritage for the Blind can often help you understand the next step if the title is lost or incomplete. Vehicles without titles can sometimes be accepted, depending on the vehicle, state rules, and available ownership documents, so call before assuming you cannot donate.
Handle liens before the vehicle is picked up
If there is a lien listed on the title, the lien must be satisfied before donation. That usually means the loan has been paid off and the lender has released its interest in the vehicle. If you are not sure whether the lien is still active, contact the lender and request a lien release or the properly released title. Gear Up Giving can explain what to look for, but the lender must clear the lien. Once the title is released and ready to sign, your free tow can be scheduled anywhere in the Chicagoland pickup area.
Sign the title over to Heritage for the Blind at pickup
On pickup day, the tow driver brings the donation paperwork and helps make the handoff simple. The title should be signed over to Heritage for the Blind, the benefiting 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446. Do not guess on title fields or sign in the wrong place ahead of time if you are unsure; ask for guidance first. Once the vehicle and signed title are handed off, donors typically do not need to visit the DMV in person. Keep copies of your paperwork for your records and tax file.
Ask first if the title is in another person’s name
If the vehicle title is in someone else’s name, the required paperwork depends on the relationship and the state that issued the title. If the owner is a deceased spouse, parent, or relative, you may need probate documents, a small-estate affidavit, an affidavit of heirship, or similar state-specific paperwork before the vehicle can be transferred. If the titled owner is living, they generally must sign the title or provide valid transfer authority. Heritage for the Blind can help you understand the likely path so the pickup does not get delayed.
Donate with an Illinois or out-of-state title
Chicagoland donors often have vehicles that moved here from Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Florida, or another state. Foreign-state titles are generally accepted as long as the title is valid, properly assigned, and matches the vehicle. You usually do not need to convert an out-of-state title into an Illinois title just to donate, but title rules can vary. Share the title state when you call, and Gear Up Giving will help confirm what is needed. After the title handoff, your free tow and donation receipt process can move forward.
Key facts about car donation
A clean title is preferred, but lost-title situations may still have a workable donation path.
Any active lien must be paid off and released before the vehicle can be donated.
The title is signed over to Heritage for the Blind at the time of pickup.
Out-of-state vehicle titles are accepted when they are valid and properly transferable.
The tow is free throughout Chicago and many nearby Chicagoland suburbs.
IRS Form 1098-C is provided when a donated vehicle sells for more than $500.