If your vehicle has been sitting in the driveway or barn with expired registration for over a year, you might be wondering if you can still donate it. The good news is that expired registration doesn’t prevent you from donating your vehicle to Drive Change.
As long as you hold a clean title and the vehicle is in your name, we are happy to accept your donation. The registration lapse will not affect your eligibility, and you won't need to pay any back-registration fees to proceed with the donation. Simply follow the steps outlined below, and we'll handle the rest!
How to make it happen
Check Your Title
Ensure your vehicle’s title is clean and in your name. This is the primary document needed for donation. If you don't have the title, you'll need to obtain a duplicate from your local DMV.
Surrender or Destroy License Plates
Since your registration is expired, you will need to surrender your plates to the DMV. Alternatively, you can simply destroy and recycle them yourself depending on state regulations.
Complete Release of Liability
Fill out a release of liability form to protect yourself from any future liability related to the vehicle. This document is essential and should be submitted to the DMV.
Contact Drive Change
Reach out to Drive Change to schedule your vehicle pick-up. We can handle storage and towing for vehicles that have been sitting idle.
Finalize Donation Paperwork
We will provide you with all necessary paperwork for the donation, including the IRS Form 1098-C, which you can use for tax purposes.
Common gotchas
Missing Title
Tip: If you cannot locate your title, obtaining a duplicate can take time. Start this process early by contacting your local DMV.
Plate Misunderstanding
Tip: Donors often overlook the need to surrender or properly dispose of plates. Forgetting this step can delay your donation process.
Release of Liability
Tip: Not completing the release of liability form can leave you vulnerable to unforeseen claims. Make sure to fill it out and submit it to the DMV.
If this path doesn't fit
If donating your vehicle isn't feasible for your specific situation, consider selling it as-is or contacting a local salvage yard. They may offer you a fair price for a vehicle that’s been sitting for a while. Additionally, you could explore options like recycling the parts, which can be an environmentally friendly way to dispose of old vehicles.
Fort Worth DMV specifics
In Texas, you'll need to obtain a lien release if there's an active lien on the vehicle. Additionally, the DMV requires that any surrendered plates be either returned or properly destroyed if they are not in use. Make sure all paperwork is in order before contacting Drive Change to ensure a smooth donation process.