Donate Your Vehicle

Frequently Asked Questions about Donating Your Vehicle

• Why Should I Donate My Car to Twin Cities Habitat?

  • Between 84% and 87% of gross revenue generated from the sale of donated vehicles goes directly to Habitat for Humanity. 80% of the funding received by Habitat for Humanity International helps local affiliates build and repair housing in their communities. Forbes Advisor has recognized Habitat for Humanity as one of the best vehicle donation programs in the United States three years in a row for this efficiency!

  • Your vehicle donation may qualify for a tax deduction.

  • It’s fast and easy.

• Can I Donate a Vehicle That Doesn't Run?

  Absolutely! Your vehicle does not need to be running in order to donate. It does need to have all tires inflated so it can be towed away.

  All submissions are subject to evaluation. Due to donation location and condition, some vehicles may not be accepted.

• What Happens to My Vehicle After My Vehicle Donation is Accepted?

  About half of donated vehicles are sold to licensed dealers through wholesale auctions, giving them a second chance as transportation. The other half goes to auto salvage yards, where usable parts—like batteries, tires, and fluids—are carefully removed. What’s left is crushed, shredded, and recycled into new steel.

  Donated vehicles are not given or sold to the general public. To protect donors and Habitat affiliates, they are sold only to licensed, bonded, and insured wholesale dealers. Funding from the sale of each vehicle donation supports Habitat’s local programs in your community—helping families build strength and stability through affordable housing.

  After your vehicle is sold, we'll send you a letter with the sale details for your records.

• How Much of a Tax Write-Off Do I Get for Donating My Car?

  Value is determined when your vehicle is sold. If your vehicle sells for more than $500, you may be eligible to deduct the full selling price.

  If your vehicle sells for $500 or less, you can deduct the “fair market value” of your vehicle, up to $500. We recommend that you talk to your tax advisor to determine your personal tax deduction situation.

• What Paperwork Do I Need to Donate My Car in the Twin Cities?

  • Most cities in the metro area will require a Certificate of Title in order to donate your car.

  • To complete your car donation, transfer your title by entering the name of the agency that processes our car donations, ADVANCED REMARKETING SERVICES, in the buyer/purchaser field. Then, print and sign your name in the seller/owner field exactly as it appears at the top of the title.

  • By signing the title directly to Advanced Remarketing Services, you are legally transferring ownership of your vehicle to Habitat for Humanity.

• What Are the Environmental Benefits of Donating My Vehicle to Habitat?

  When you donate a vehicle to Cars for Homes, you’re doing more than supporting affordable housing—you’re also helping the environment.

  Many donated vehicles are sold directly to licensed auto recyclers. These recyclers play a key role in processing end-of-life vehicles safely and in eco-friendly ways.

  Recycling vehicles keeps tons of steel out of landfills. According to a 2024 U.S. Geological Survey Summary report on mineral commodities, "More than 15 million tons per year of steel is recycled from automobiles, the equivalent of approximately 12 million cars, from more than 7,000 vehicle dismantlers and 350 car shredders in North America."

  Properly recycled cars also help reduce carbon emissions by cutting down the need to refine new materials. In fact, recycling steel saves enough energy to power about 18 million homes for a year.

  Donating your vehicle to Cars for Homes is a win for your community and for the planet.

• What If I Have More Questions?

  We are happy to answer any other questions you may have. Please email your questions to carsforhomes@habitat.org or call 1-877-277-4344.