How the car donation process works
Start with the title you have
For most Vermont car donations, the best starting point is a clean vehicle title in the donor’s name. If you have it, keep it in a safe place and do not sign it until pickup unless Green Wheels or Heritage for the Blind gives you specific instructions. The title is the legal document that allows ownership to move from you to Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446. If the title has multiple owners listed, both owners may need to sign. If you are unsure how names are written, call before the tow is scheduled.
If the title is lost, call before you worry
A lost title does not automatically stop your donation. Heritage for the Blind can help you understand the lost-title process for your situation and whether the vehicle may still be accepted. Vermont donors may need to request a replacement title through the appropriate motor vehicle process, especially for newer vehicles or vehicles that require formal proof of ownership. In some cases, older vehicles or special circumstances may have different paperwork options. The fastest path is to call Green Wheels, explain what is missing, and let Heritage for the Blind guide the next step.
Clear any lien before the donation pickup
If a bank, credit union, finance company, or other lender is listed on the title, the lien must be satisfied before the vehicle can be donated. In plain English, that means the lender must confirm the loan is paid and release its interest in the car. If you still owe money, contact the lender before scheduling pickup. If the loan was paid off but the lien still appears on the paperwork, ask the lender for a lien release or updated title instructions. Heritage for the Blind cannot accept ownership while another party still has a valid lien.
Sign the title over at pickup
In most Vermont donations, you do not need to make a separate DMV visit after the title handoff. When the tow driver arrives at your home, workplace, repair shop, driveway, farm, or storage location, the driver brings the required pickup paperwork. You will sign the title over to Heritage for the Blind at that time, following the instructions provided. Free towing is available across Vermont, including Burlington, South Burlington, Barre, St. Albans, Middlebury, Newport, and surrounding towns. Remove your plates, personal items, and any documents you want to keep before the vehicle leaves.
Handle estates, other names, and out-of-state titles
If the vehicle title is in a deceased spouse’s, parent’s, or relative’s name, additional paperwork may be needed before donation. Depending on the state and the estate situation, that could involve probate documents, a small-estate process, or an affidavit of heirship. If the car is titled in someone else’s name, the titled owner usually must sign, unless legal authority has been established. Out-of-state titles are commonly accepted, so a New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, or other state title is not automatically a problem. Call Green Wheels before pickup so the right instructions are given.
Receive your donation tax paperwork
After your vehicle is picked up and processed, Heritage for the Blind provides donation documentation for your records. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C, as required by federal tax rules. Green Wheels cannot give tax advice, so you should speak with a tax professional about your specific deduction. What you can expect is a straightforward donation process, free towing, and clear title-transfer guidance from a nonprofit network supporting Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) organization, EIN 58-2164446.
Key facts about car donation
A clean Vermont title is preferred, but missing-title situations can often be reviewed before you give up.
Any lien must be released by the lender before Heritage for the Blind can accept ownership.
The tow driver brings pickup paperwork and helps complete the title handoff at pickup.
Out-of-state titles are accepted when the paperwork properly proves ownership and can be signed over.
Vehicles without titles can sometimes be accepted; call Green Wheels to discuss your exact situation.
After the title is signed over, donors typically do not need a separate DMV visit.