How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute donation form or a quick call
Begin by completing AutoHeart’s short online donation form or calling Heritage for the Blind directly. You will provide basic information about the vehicle, such as the year, make, model, general condition, location, and whether you have the title. You do not need to know the vehicle’s value, and there is no fee to submit your information. Donors across Miami-Dade and the greater South Florida area can start the process from home, work, a repair shop, a storage lot, or another accessible pickup location.
A coordinator calls back within 1-2 business hours
After your form is received, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1-2 business hours during normal business times. The coordinator confirms the vehicle details, answers your questions, and helps choose a pickup window that works for you. If your car is in Wynwood, Coconut Grove, North Miami, Aventura, Cutler Bay, or another Miami-area neighborhood, the coordinator will work to match you with local towing availability. This is also the time to ask about title questions, keys, access, or special pickup instructions.
Your free tow is scheduled at your Miami location
In most metro areas, including much of South Florida, pickup can often be arranged for the same day or the next business day, depending on availability and vehicle access. A licensed tow truck comes to the location you approve, whether that is your driveway, condo parking area, office lot, mechanic, or another safe spot. There is no towing charge to you at any point. At pickup, you sign the title over as instructed so the vehicle can be legally transferred and moved.
The vehicle goes to auction or a parts reseller
Once the vehicle is picked up, it is transported for processing. Depending on its age, mileage, condition, and market demand, it may be sent to auction or to a parts reseller. Cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and some non-running vehicles can often be accepted, as long as pickup can be safely arranged and ownership paperwork is in order. You do not need to repair, clean, smog-check, or advertise the vehicle. AutoHeart and Heritage’s donation network handle the next steps after pickup.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle is sold, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) charity, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage for the Blind uses vehicle-donation proceeds to help fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. That means an unused car in Miami can be turned into mission support without you paying for towing, listing the vehicle, meeting buyers, or negotiating a private sale. The donation process is designed to be simple for you and meaningful for the people served.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
Your tax documentation is mailed after the vehicle sells. If the vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C. If the vehicle sells for $500 or under, you receive a written acknowledgment. The full process, from initial form to mailed tax receipt, typically takes about 2-6 weeks, depending on pickup timing, sale processing, and mail delivery. Keep your receipt with your tax records, and speak with a tax professional if you have questions about claiming a deduction.
Key facts about car donation
There is no cost to you for pickup, towing, processing, or the mailed tax receipt.
Miami-area pickup is available across South Florida, including homes, offices, repair shops, and storage locations.
A coordinator usually calls within 1-2 business hours after your donation form is submitted.
In most metro areas, licensed towing can often be scheduled same-day or next business day.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, EIN 58-2164446.
IRS Form 1098-C is mailed for vehicles that sell for more than $500.