Donating Your Car in Wisconsin

Your car, truck, van, motorcycle, RV, boat, or other vehicle can be donated to your local Wisconsin public radio station! Wisconsin has more than 2.1 million vehicles registered across the state. The average vehicle registered is 11.5 years old, about the same as the national average. What about that old car sitting in your garage? Turn it into funds for your favorite public radio station! When you donate a car to a Wisconsin public radio station, you’ll also receive a tax deduction. Learn more about the Wisconsin car donation process!

Wisconsin Public Radio Car Donation

Donations through the Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program will return 80% of the proceeds generated from the sale of your vehicle directly to the Wisconsin public radio station of your choice. When you donate a car to your local public radio station in Wisconsin, you’ll support the people and stations that deliver music, news, and podcasts to your radio each day. Donating a car in Wisconsin is an easy process. Follow these steps to get started:

  1. Have your vehicle title ready.
  2. Click the link to the Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program, call us at 1-877-215-0227, or choose your Wisconsin Public Radio Station from the list below.
  3. Provide some information about your car and yourself.
  4. Choose a date and time for your car to be picked up.

It’s that simple!

What paperwork do I need to complete?

Of course, there’s a bit of paperwork you need to fill out. On the day your vehicle is picked up, you’ll need a few things to complete the process:

To complete your Wisconsin car donation, you’ll need to transfer your vehicle title. You can transfer your Wisconsin title by:

  • PRINTING and SIGNING your name on the back of the title where it’s marked “SIGNATURE(S) OF SELLER(S).”
  • Be sure your name is printed and signed EXACTLY as it appears printed on the front of the title.

Can’t find your title? Obtain a duplicate from the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles. Visit the Wisconsin DMV website to learn more.

What should I expect on the day my car is picked up?

On the day your vehicle is scheduled to be picked up, you should give the tow driver the completed title and the keys to the vehicle. After your car is sold, you'll receive a vehicle donation receipt for tax purposes.

Do I receive a tax benefit if I donate a car to the Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program?

If you itemize your taxes, you’re able to deduct the sale price of your vehicle if it sells for over $500. If it sells for less than $500, you can deduct the fair market value of the vehicle up to $499. To determine the fair market value, check a website like Kelly Blue Book. After your vehicle is sold, you’ll receive a sales receipt for tax purposes.

Can I donate my car if it doesn’t pass an emissions inspection in Wisconsin?

Yes! Vehicles newer than 1996 which are registered in the southeastern Wisconsin counties of Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington and Waukesha are required to periodically have their emissions tested. If your vehicle won’t pass, we can help you get rid of it. A vehicle donation is a great way to move that car along and support your favorite public radio station.

Which stations in Wisconsin does the Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program support?

The Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program will provide funds to the Wisconsin Public Radio station of your choice. Wisconsin Public Radio consists of 37 stations that serve listeners across the state. Your WPR car donation will support locally produced programs such as To The Best of Our Knowledge and Zorba Paster On Your Health.