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Step 1
Find a charity. For example, Friends of the Urban Forest accepts car donations. Friends of the Urban Forest is a non-profit dedicated to planting 1,000 trees every year in San Francisco. The group also cares for San Francisco's trees. It works with an auctioneer that sells donated cars and sends over 70 percent of the proceeds to Friends of Urban Forests for use in its programs. To donate a car to Friends of Urban Forests, call (800) 320-0476 (see Resources below).
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Step 2
Consider donating an auto to Redwood Empire Food Bank. Redwood Empire Food Bank works with over 100 charities to end hunger in Sonoma and surrounding counties. Sales of donated vehicles help fund the food bank operations (see Resources below).
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Step 3
Select United Way of Greater Los Angeles. They work with other charities to improve education and prevent poverty. Sales of donated cars are used to help fund hundreds of programs. Call (800) 336-1868 or visit their website (see Resources below).
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Step 4
Sign the first line of the back of your title. Fill in the odometer reading if the vehicle is less than 10 years old. If the title does not have an odometer line, call the California Department of Motor Vehicles to request a Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form, REG 262. The 24-hour automated telephone line for the Department of Motor Vehicles is (800) 777-0133, or visit their website (see Resources below).
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Step 5
Complete and file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within 5 days of the donation. The Notice of Transfer prevents liability for tickets and accidents that occur with the car after donation. The Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability form can be found on the California Department of Motor Vehicles website (see Resources below).
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Step 6
Keep the receipt or statement of donation that you receive from the charity. IRS regulations limit the deduction to the gross proceeds of the auto sale. If the car is worth more than $5,000, the IRS requires an independent professional appraisal. Car dealers provide appraisals for a fee.
