North Fulton along GA-400
Alpharetta was once the seat of Milton County, which merged into Fulton County in 1932. Georgia 400 bisects the city, and its population grew from 3,128 in 1980 to 65,818 in 2020 (New Georgia Encyclopedia: Alpharetta). That kind of growth means dense neighborhoods, HOA rules, and many vehicles parked in shared garages and lots.
HOA, apartment, and garage pickups
Metro pickups go smoothly when we know the details up front. When you submit your vehicle, include:
- Parking type: driveway, street, surface lot, or parking deck. Many decks are too low for a rollback, so tell us if the car is in one; it may need to be moved out to the street or surface lot first.
- Gate or garage codes, and whether a property manager must approve the tow.
- HOA rules about tow trucks or vehicles on the street.
- Whether the car runs. A non-runner in a garage needs a different plan than one in a driveway.
If the vehicle is leased, it is not yours to donate; the leasing company owns it. If it's financed, the lender's lien must be released first.
Fulton County tag office and Georgia title steps
Busy north Fulton households rarely need a tag office visit to donate. Georgia titles and registrations are handled by each county's tax commissioner, which runs the local tag office. For Fulton County, that is the Fulton County Tax Commissioner. Check that office's site for current hours and locations; Georgia DOR keeps a statewide list of county tag offices. In most donations you won't need to visit at all: you sign the title and we handle the transfer paperwork.
Loans and liens. If a lender's lien is still on the title, it has to be released first. For liens recorded electronically, DOR says only the lender can release them; on a paper title the lienholder signs the release section or gives you a Form T-4. Paid off years ago and never got the paperwork? Send us what you have. (Georgia DOR: releasing a lien)
Mileage. Under the federal odometer rule, model-year 2011 and newer vehicles still need a mileage disclosure when they change hands in 2026; 2010-and-older models are exempt. We fill this in with you. (Georgia DOR: odometer disclosure)
Your license plate. In Georgia the plate stays with you, not the vehicle, so take it off before the tow truck arrives. You can move it to another vehicle you get at your county tag office. Cancel the registration online through DRIVES e-Services or with Form MV-18J before you drop insurance; DOR fines coverage lapses on a vehicle that is still registered. (Georgia DOR: cancelling a registration)
Questions we hear from Alpharetta donors
My car is in an apartment parking deck in Alpharetta. Can you get it?
Often, but many decks are too low for a flatbed. If the car runs, it can usually be driven to the street or a surface lot; if not, tell us the clearance and we will plan around it.
Can I donate a leased car?
No. A leased vehicle belongs to the leasing company. If you bought out the lease and the title is in your name, it can be donated once any loan is released.
Does my HOA need to approve a tow truck?
That depends on your HOA. Tell us its rules and we will coordinate timing and placement with you before the driver arrives.
What do I need to write for mileage?
Model-year 2011 and newer vehicles still need an odometer disclosure in 2026 under the federal rule; 2010-and-older models are exempt. We show you exactly what to fill in.
Should I cancel my insurance right after pickup?
Cancel your Georgia registration first, online through DRIVES e-Services or with Form MV-18J, and then cancel insurance. Georgia fines lapses in coverage on a vehicle that is still registered.
Distances and drive times are approximate route estimates from Dawsonville, not pickup windows. Title rules summarized here are general information from the official sources linked on this page, not legal or tax advice; your instructions are confirmed for your specific vehicle. Content reviewed 2026-10-02.
Cars Helping Kids is not affiliated with Cars Helping Kids, Inc. of Denver, Colorado.