How the car donation process works
Start with the title you have
A clean title is preferred because it is the simplest way to transfer ownership at pickup. In most Atlanta donations, the donor has the Georgia title ready, verifies the name on the front, and signs only where instructed. Wheels of Change coordinates your donation for Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, and can help you understand the paperwork before the tow truck arrives. If the title is damaged, incomplete, out of state, or not in hand, do not guess or sign in the wrong place. Call first so you can be guided through the next step.
If the title is lost, ask before you replace it
Lost-title situations are common, especially with older cars sitting in driveways, apartment lots, or garages around Metro Atlanta. Heritage for the Blind can help you navigate the applicable state process and explain what may be needed to move forward. Depending on the vehicle and state rules, you may need to request a duplicate title, provide identification, or complete additional documentation. Vehicles without titles can sometimes be accepted, so the best next step is to call and discuss your specific car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, or RV before making a DMV trip.
Clear any lien before donation
If a lender, finance company, or credit union is listed on the title, the lien generally must be satisfied before the vehicle can be donated. That means the loan has been paid off and the lender has released its ownership interest. If you recently paid off the vehicle, contact the lender and ask how they will release the title or provide a lien release. This step is important whether you are in Atlanta, Roswell, Smyrna, Lawrenceville, or Peachtree City. Once the lien is cleared, the donation and free tow can usually move ahead smoothly.
Handle family-name and estate title issues carefully
Sometimes the title is in a deceased spouse’s, parent’s, or relative’s name. In that situation, the paperwork needed can depend on the state that issued the title and the status of the estate. You may need probate documents, letters of administration, a small-estate form, or an affidavit of heirship, depending on the circumstances. Do not sign the deceased person’s name or attempt to correct the title on your own. Call Wheels of Change first so the donation team can help you understand what documentation may be required before pickup.
Sign over the title at pickup
When your free tow is scheduled, the tow driver brings the pickup paperwork and confirms the vehicle being donated. At pickup, you sign the title over to Heritage for the Blind, the nonprofit beneficiary of your Wheels of Change donation, EIN 58-2164446. The driver then removes the vehicle from your Atlanta-area location, whether it is at home, work, a repair shop, or a storage lot. Foreign-state or out-of-state titles are accepted when properly assigned. After the title handoff, donors typically do not need to visit the DMV.
Keep your donation tax documents
After your vehicle is picked up, keep copies of the paperwork you receive for your records. Heritage for the Blind is a real 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446, and eligible donors may be able to claim a tax deduction. If the vehicle sells for more than $500, the IRS requires Form 1098-C, which will be provided according to IRS rules. Wheels of Change cannot give tax advice, so you should consult a qualified tax professional about your specific situation, filing status, and deduction eligibility.
Key facts about car donation
Clean title preferred, but not every Atlanta donation requires a perfect title situation.
Lost title? Heritage for the Blind can guide you through your state’s process.
Any lien must be paid off or released before the vehicle can be donated.
Out-of-state titles are accepted when they can be properly signed over.
The tow driver brings pickup paperwork and helps complete the title handoff.
After signing the title at pickup, a DMV visit is typically not required.