How the car donation process works
Start with the title you have
A clean, signed vehicle title is preferred because it makes pickup and transfer faster. If you have the Michigan title, keep it in a safe place and do not sign it until pickup unless instructed. River City Rides will help confirm the basic details, including the vehicle year, make, model, location, and title status. Whether your car is parked near downtown Grand Rapids, Eastown, Creston, or a driveway in Grandville or Rockford, the goal is simple: verify the paperwork before the free tow is scheduled.
If the title is lost, ask before you give up
A lost title does not automatically end the donation. Heritage for the Blind can guide you through the appropriate state process for replacing or addressing a missing title. In many cases, donors need to request a duplicate title from the state that issued it. Requirements vary, so it is best to call and explain your situation before visiting an office or ordering forms. Some vehicles without titles can still be accepted depending on age, location, and documentation, so do not assume your Grand Rapids Metro vehicle is ineligible.
Resolve any lien before donation
If a bank, credit union, or finance company is listed on the title, the lien must be satisfied before the vehicle can be donated. That usually means paying off the loan and obtaining a lien release or a clear title from the lender. If you are unsure whether a lien is still active, contact the lender first and ask what is required to release the title. River City Rides cannot transfer a vehicle that is still legally controlled by a lienholder, but the team can explain what proof is needed once the lien is cleared.
Handle family-name or estate situations carefully
If the vehicle is titled in a deceased spouse’s, parent’s, or relative’s name, extra paperwork may be needed before donation. Depending on the state and situation, that may involve probate documents, a small-estate process, a death certificate, or an affidavit of heirship. Because these rules vary, Heritage for the Blind can help you understand the next step without using confusing legal jargon. The key is to confirm that the person donating has authority to transfer the vehicle before the tow driver arrives.
Sign over the title at pickup
Once your donation is approved and pickup is scheduled, a tow driver will come to the vehicle location with the necessary pickup paperwork. Title transfer is typically completed at pickup by signing the title over to Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446. The driver handles the transport, and free towing is included for accepted vehicles. Foreign-state titles are commonly accepted, so a car brought to Grand Rapids from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Florida, or another state can often still be donated with the right signed title.
Keep your receipt and tax documents
After the vehicle is picked up, keep your donation receipt and any paperwork provided for your records. For vehicles sold for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C as required. Most donors do not need a separate DMV visit after the title has been properly handed off, though requirements can vary by state and situation. If you also want to explore benefit programs, Heritage connects people with resources such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, and Section 8; eligibility can be checked at nhftb.org/finder.
Key facts about car donation
Clean titles are preferred, but some no-title vehicles can be reviewed for possible acceptance.
Any active lien must be released by the lender before the vehicle can be donated.
The title is signed over to Heritage for the Blind at the time of pickup.
Out-of-state titles are accepted when the ownership documents are valid and properly signed.
Free towing is available for accepted donations throughout the Grand Rapids Metro.
IRS Form 1098-C is provided when a donated vehicle sells for more than $500.