How to Donate a Car in California
The Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program returns 80% of the gross profits generated from your donation directly to the California public radio station of your choice. When you donate a vehicle to public radio, you’ll support the stations that deliver your daily source of news, music, and podcast programs. Donating a car in California is an easy process. Follow these steps to get started on your car donation:
- Have your vehicle title ready.
- Click the link to the Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program, call us at 1-877-215-0227, or select the California Public Radio Station of your choice from the list below.
- Provide information about yourself and the vehicle.
- A towing agent will contact you within 2-3 business days to schedule a vehicle pickup time most convenient for you.
Once you transfer your California title, you’re finished!
Do I need to fill out any paperwork to complete my car donation?
In order to complete your California car donation, you’ll have to transfer the vehicle title. First, enter the name of our authorized agent, ADVANCED REMARKETING SERVICES, in the buyer/purchaser field. Next, PRINT and SIGN your name in the seller/owner field EXACTLY as it appears at the top of the title.
If your vehicle doesn’t have a title, you’ll have to fill out a Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262). This is going to require a trip to the California RMV because the REG 262 form is printed on security paper, which is only available at the California DMV. You’ll also have to complete the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability form (REG 138), within 5 days of the transfer. The link above will download a .pdf from the California DMV.
What happens on the day my vehicle is picked up?
On the day your vehicle is scheduled to be picked, you’ll need to give the tow driver the completed title or the Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment form, along with the car keys. Once your car is sold, you'll receive a donation receipt for tax purposes.
Can I donate a car that doesn’t run in California?
Yes! We accept all types of vehicles, including non-functioning cars. As long as it has four inflated tires and can be moved by a tow driver, we’ll take it. Even if your vehicle won’t pass a smog check in California, we’ll accept it.
Which public radio stations in California does the Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program support?
The Car Talk Vehicle donation program will deliver funds to the California Public Radio station of your choice. KCLU - 88.3 FM delivers educational and information content to listeners throughout Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. Your KCLU car donation will help fund your favorite programs like Snap Judgement, To the Best of Our Knowledge, and NPR’s Morning Edition.
KZYX - 90.7 FM is Mendocino County’s source of culture, information and news. The station relies on financial support from listeners and the community. A car donation to KZYX will help support programs such as A Place to Call Home, The California Report, and Humble Pie.
