How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute donation form or a quick call
Begin by completing Alabamotion's simple online donation form, which usually takes about two minutes, or call Heritage for the Blind directly if you prefer to speak with someone. You will share basic vehicle details such as year, make, model, condition, mileage if known, and where the vehicle is located in Alabama. It is okay if the car does not run or has been sitting in a driveway, garage, apartment lot, or workplace parking area. The goal of this first step is simply to confirm your information and get the scheduling process moving.
A coordinator calls back to schedule your free pickup
After your form or call is received, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1-2 business hours. They will confirm the vehicle location, ask whether you have the title and keys, and help choose a pickup window that fits your schedule. Free towing is available for donors throughout Alabama, including busy metro areas like Birmingham's Southside, Huntsville's Five Points, Midtown Mobile, downtown Montgomery, and suburban neighborhoods around Hoover, Madison, Pelham, and Auburn. You will not be asked to pay a towing fee, processing fee, or pickup charge.
A licensed tow truck comes to your Alabama location
In most Alabama metro areas, a licensed tow truck can arrive the same day or the next business day, depending on driver availability and your preferred time. The driver comes to the location you provide, whether that is your home, office, repair shop, storage lot, or apartment complex. At pickup, you sign the vehicle title over as instructed, hand over the keys if available, and the driver loads the vehicle. Have your title, a photo ID, and any access details ready. If there are title questions, ask before pickup so the coordinator can guide you.
Your vehicle is taken to auction or a parts reseller
Once the vehicle is picked up, it is transported to the appropriate selling channel, often an auction or a parts reseller. The best route depends on the vehicle's age, condition, location, demand, and whether it runs. A clean commuter car from Tuscaloosa may be handled differently than a non-running truck in rural Alabama or an older SUV near Mobile Bay. You do not have to arrange repairs, detailing, advertising, test drives, or buyer negotiations. Alabamotion and Heritage for the Blind manage the post-pickup process for you.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind's mission
After the vehicle is sold, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a real 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage for the Blind uses donated vehicle proceeds to help fund services and assistance for people who are blind or visually impaired. The organization also helps connect people with benefit information, including resources related to SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and other support programs. If you or someone you know wants to check benefit eligibility, visit nhftb.org/finder for more information.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
Once the sale is complete, your tax documentation 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 under, you receive a written acknowledgment. The entire donation process, from first contact to mailed receipt, typically takes about 2-6 weeks, depending on pickup timing, sale timing, and mail delivery. Keep your receipt with your tax records, and consider speaking with a tax professional about how a charitable vehicle donation may apply to your situation.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is included statewide, with same-day or next-business-day pickup available in many Alabama metro areas.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446, so eligible donations may be tax deductible.
No payment, towing fee, or processing charge is collected from the donor at any point.
Most donors only need the vehicle title, keys, photo ID, and a few minutes at pickup.
The full donation-to-receipt timeline typically takes 2-6 weeks, depending on towing, sale, and mail timing.
Cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, motorcycles, and some non-running vehicles may qualify for donation in Alabama today.