How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute form or a quick call
Begin by completing AutoBay Alliance's short online donation form, which usually takes about two minutes, or call Heritage for the Blind directly. You will be asked for basic contact information, the vehicle's location in the San Francisco Bay Area, and simple vehicle details such as year, make, model, mileage, and condition. The vehicle does not need to be running to start the process. This first step does not cost anything and does not require you to make complicated decisions; it simply gives the donation team what they need to confirm details and arrange pickup.
A coordinator calls within 1-2 business hours
After your form is submitted or your call is received, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1-2 business hours. The coordinator confirms your vehicle information, answers questions, and helps choose a pickup window that works for your schedule. This is where you can explain access details, such as a narrow San Francisco street, a garage space, a driveway in Daly City, or an office lot in Oakland or San Mateo. You will also be reminded what paperwork to have ready so pickup is smooth and there are no surprises.
Free pickup is scheduled at your Bay Area location
A licensed tow truck is scheduled to come to your chosen location, often the same day or next business day in most metro areas. Pickup may be available from homes, apartments, workplaces, repair shops, storage lots, or other accessible locations across San Francisco, the Peninsula, the East Bay, Marin, and nearby communities. There is no towing charge, handling fee, or out-of-pocket cost to you. At pickup, you will sign the title over according to California requirements, hand over the keys if available, and receive any immediate pickup paperwork provided by the driver.
Your vehicle goes to auction or a parts reseller
Once the vehicle is picked up, it is transported to an appropriate resale channel, typically an auction or parts reseller. The best path depends on the vehicle's age, condition, mileage, drivability, and local market interest. Donated cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, motorcycles, and other vehicles may be sold as running vehicles or for parts value. You do not have to negotiate with buyers, place listings, meet strangers, or pay for repairs before donating. The donation program handles the next steps so the vehicle can be converted into support for the charity.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle sells, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage for the Blind uses vehicle donation proceeds to help fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. The organization also helps connect eligible individuals with benefit resources, and donors or community members who want to check eligibility for programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and related assistance can visit nhftb.org/finder. Your donation turns an unwanted vehicle into practical support for the Heritage mission.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the sale
Once your donated vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails your tax documentation. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, you should receive IRS Form 1098-C. For vehicles that sell for $500 or under, you should receive a written acknowledgment. The full process, from initial submission to mailed receipt, typically takes about 2-6 weeks depending on scheduling, sale timing, and mailing. Keep your title transfer records, pickup paperwork, and receipt with your tax files, and consult a tax professional about how vehicle donation rules apply to your return.
Key facts about car donation
Pickup is free throughout eligible San Francisco Bay Area locations, with no towing bill or hidden donor fee.
Most metro pickups can be scheduled for same-day or next-business-day service when driver availability allows.
You sign the title at pickup, so have the California title and keys ready if available.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446.
Tax documentation is mailed after sale: Form 1098-C over $500, written acknowledgment at $500 or under.
The entire donation process typically takes 2-6 weeks from first contact to mailed tax receipt.