Situation Guide · Car

Donate a Car When You Lost the Title

The short version: No title? No problem — we handle it. Either you sign a one-page Power of Attorney and we pull the duplicate title for you, or we pick up the vehicle as-is and apply for a bonded title ourselves after pickup. Your only step is signing one form. Zero DMV trips, zero forms, zero fees on your end.

Option A — We pull the duplicate title for you

Most lost-title donations go this route. We email or mail you a one-page Limited Power of Attorney. You sign it. We file the duplicate-title application with your state DMV on your behalf, pay the fee, and process the transfer. You never set foot in a DMV.

Fees, forms, mail times — all handled by our title team. Common turnaround once the POA is signed: 1-3 weeks depending on the state, but you don't have to track any of it.

Option B — We take the vehicle and bonded-title it

For older vehicles, abandoned vehicles, or situations where a duplicate title isn't practical (you moved out of state, title was issued by a different state, etc.), we pick the vehicle up as-is and apply for a bonded title on our end after pickup.

The surety bond, paperwork, and waiting are all on us. You sign one form at pickup, the truck takes the vehicle, and you get your IRS Form 1098-C tax receipt after the vehicle sells — same as any other donation.

How to start

Call or text 770-871-9422 with your state and the vehicle's year/make/model. We tell you in 30 seconds which option fits, send you the one form to sign, and schedule pickup. Reference numbers don't expire — if there's anything to wait on, it's on our end, not yours.

Ready to donate?

Call or text 770-871-9422, or fill the 60-second donation form. Pickup typically within 24-48 hours. IRS Form 1098-C tax receipt emailed after sale.

Schedule My Pickup → Call 770-871-9422

Frequently asked questions

Can I donate a car after car lost title?

Yes. Cars Helping Kids accepts vehicles in nearly every donor situation including car lost title. Call 770-871-9422 to discuss the specifics; most edge cases are solvable with the right paperwork.

Will I get a tax deduction for donating in this situation?

Yes. Regardless of situation, your federal tax deduction equals the actual auction sale price on IRS Form 1098-C (or up to $500 under the safe-harbor rule for low-value sales). Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.

What paperwork is required for car lost title?

Standard: clear title in your name plus the vehicle. Additional paperwork may include: lien release (if past loan), death certificate + executor papers (if inherited), insurance total-loss letter (if salvage), or DMV duplicate title (if lost).

Learn more about car donation

Donate a car60-second form, free pickup nationwide. Vehicle donation hubCars, trucks, RVs, boats — all types. IRS Form 1098-CWhat it is, how your deduction works. How it works5 steps from form to tax receipt. No title? No problemWe handle DMV paperwork two ways.