Information You’ll Need to Donate a Car in Alabama
Donating a vehicle to public radio in Alabama is an easy process, but you’ll want to have some information ready before you start:
- Your vehicle title
- Your vehicle registration (if that’s available. Don’t worry if it’s not)
- Your Vehicle Identification Number or VIN (it’s on the title, but verify it against the VIN that’s visible through bottom of the driver’s side windshield on most cars)
Can I Donate Things Other Than Cars to Support Public Radio in Alabama?
Yes! Your swamp buggy, car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, RV, travel trailer, boat, and other vehicle is accepted as a donation. By choosing to donate your car through the Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program, you can select any of these stations and your donation will support that station directly.
Steps to Donate a Car to Public Radio in Alabama
The day of your scheduled vehicle pickup, you’ll need to provide the driver with the completed title, along with the keys.After the vehicle sells, you'll receive a vehicle donation receipt for tax purposes. According to the Alabama DMV, you want to have a screwdriver handy to take the plates off the car before it leaves.
How to Fill Out Your Vehicle’s Alabama State Title
The title is your proof of ownership of your vehicle. It’s an official document, and states are very clear about how to fill them out properly.
In order to complete your car donation, transfer your Alabama title by PRINTING and SIGNING your name in the “Seller/Owner” field EXACTLY as it appears at the top of the title. For example, if the title uses your middle initial and not your full middle name, print and sign the title in the appropriate section with your middle initial.
Note: If your vehicle is more than 35 years old, Alabama does not issue a title. More information on title requirements in Alabama is available from the state.
Can’t find your title? Don’t worry, you can get a replacement from the Alabama Department of Revenue using the Public Title Portal.
What Happens On the Day of Pickup
The day of your scheduled vehicle pickup, you’ll need to provide the driver with the completed title, along with the keys. After the vehicle sells, you'll receive a vehicle donation receipt for tax purposes.
Is a donation to public radio tax deductible?
Yes! The IRS allows you to deduct the actual sales price of the vehicle. If it sells for less than $500, you can claim a minimum deduction of $500. For all the rules about vehicle donation and tax deductions, visit the vehicle donation page at the IRS.
Do I need to notify my local department of motor vehicles when I donate a car?
No. All you need to do is fill out the title, and we’ll take care of the rest. You’ll get a receipt when the towing company picks the car up.
What Stations Does the Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program support in Alabama?
The Car Talk Vehicle donation program will provide funds to the Alabama Public Radio station of your choice. WLRH 89.3 FM is Tennessee Valley's source of news, programs, and community service. Your car donation to WLRH will support your favorite programs such as Morning Edition, RadioLab, and Performance Today, and locally produced shows such as The Public Radio Hour and Valley Sounds.
