How the car donation process works
Start With the 2-Minute Donation Form or a Call
To begin, complete RideRebirth's quick online car donation form or call Heritage for the Blind directly. You will share basic information: your name, contact details, the vehicle's year, make, model, condition, location, and whether you have the title. Donors in Seattle often start from home, work, an apartment garage, a repair shop, or a relative's driveway. You do not need to clean or repair the vehicle first. This first step simply tells the coordinator what you want to donate and where the vehicle can be picked up.
A Coordinator Calls Back to Confirm Free Pickup
After your form or call is received, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1-2 business hours. They confirm the vehicle details, answer your questions, and help schedule a free pickup time that works for you. If your car is in a tight Seattle parking spot, a condo garage, an alley, or a suburban driveway in places like Kirkland, Burien, Edmonds, or Federal Way, mention that during the call. The coordinator will note access details so the tow provider knows what to expect.
A Licensed Tow Truck Picks Up the Vehicle
In most metro areas, including much of Seattle and the Puget Sound region, a licensed tow truck can arrive the same day or the next business day, depending on schedule and access. Pickup is free. The vehicle can often be accepted whether it runs or not, as long as it is accessible for towing. At pickup, you sign the title over according to Washington requirements and hand over the keys if available. The driver provides pickup documentation, and your donated vehicle is removed at no charge to you.
Your Vehicle Goes to Auction or a Parts Reseller
Once the tow is complete, the vehicle is transported to an auction facility or, when appropriate, a parts reseller. The goal is to help convert the donated car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, or other accepted vehicle into funds for the charity. You do not have to negotiate with buyers, place ads, meet strangers, or arrange transport across I-5, SR-520, or the Eastside. RideRebirth and the donation processing team handle the logistics after pickup, while you wait for the sale to be completed.
Sale Proceeds Support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle sells, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage helps fund services and resources for people who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage also connects people with benefit information, including programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, and Section 8; donors or community members who want to check possible benefit eligibility can visit nhftb.org/finder. Your Seattle-area car donation becomes a practical way to support that mission without paying for towing or handling the resale yourself.
Your Tax Receipt Arrives After the Vehicle Sells
After the vehicle is sold, your tax receipt is mailed to you. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C. For vehicles that sell for $500 or less, you receive a written acknowledgment. The full process, from starting the donation to receiving the mailed tax document, typically takes about 2-6 weeks because the vehicle must be picked up, processed, sold, and documented. Keep your receipt with your tax records and consult a tax professional about your specific deduction.
Key facts about car donation
There is no cost to donate, schedule pickup, tow the vehicle, or receive your mailed tax receipt.
Seattle and Puget Sound pickups are available from homes, apartments, offices, repair shops, and many storage locations.
A coordinator usually calls within 1-2 business hours after you submit the form or call Heritage.
Same-day or next-business-day towing is available in most metro areas, depending on schedule and vehicle access.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446.
Form 1098-C is mailed for vehicles sold over $500; smaller sales receive a written acknowledgment.