Donating a vehicle in memory of someone you’ve lost can be a profound way to honor their legacy. At RideRebirth, we understand this emotional decision and are here to guide you through the process of making a donation that means so much. When you donate a car, you’ll not only contribute to a noble cause but also receive a tax receipt for your generosity.
In this special tribute program, you can name your loved one in our records, allowing us to notify their family with a heartfelt card. Please remember, for the donation to proceed, the vehicle title must be in your name, as all IRS tax documentation will be issued to the current owner. If the vehicle is still titled in the deceased's name, consult our estate donation page for specific criteria.
How to make it happen
Confirm Title Ownership
Ensure that the vehicle title is in your name. If it's still under the deceased's name, you'll need to transfer it first before proceeding with the donation.
Fill Out the Donation Form
Complete our easy online donation form, including the 'In Memory Of' section where you can enter the name of your loved one. This will allow us to recognize their memory.
Schedule the Vehicle Pickup
After submitting the form, we'll contact you to arrange a convenient time for our tow service to pick up the vehicle at no cost to you.
Receive Tax Receipt
Once the vehicle is picked up, you will receive an IRS tax receipt via mail. This document can help you claim your deduction during tax season.
Notification Card Sent
We'll also send a tribute notification card to the family, honoring the memory of your loved one and letting them know of your generous donation.
Common gotchas
Title Still in Deceased's Name
Tip: If the vehicle title is in the deceased's name, consult our estate-donation page to understand the necessary probate steps before donating.
Notifying Family
Tip: Make sure to provide accurate family contact information when donating, so we can send the tribute card without delay.
IRS Documentation Requirements
Tip: Donations valued over $500 will require additional IRS Form 1098-C, which we provide to ensure you're covered for tax purposes.
If this path doesn't fit
If donating the vehicle isn't feasible due to title issues or other concerns, consider other tribute options such as creating a memorial fund or donating to charitable organizations that resonate with your loved one's passions. These alternatives allow you to honor their memory meaningfully while navigating any logistical challenges with the vehicle donation.
Seattle DMV specifics
In Washington State, ensure that you complete the vehicle title transfer paperwork properly, as the DMV requires that all transfers occur through the registered owner. If there is a lien on the vehicle, you will need to contact the lien-release office before completing the donation. Don’t forget to surrender the license plate either when you donate or transfer the title—it's a requirement in Washington.