- If your vehicle title is missing, you can apply for a duplicate title with your local motor vehicle department. Depending on the state where the car is registered, forms for requesting a duplicate title can often be found on the motor vehicle website. Otherwise you will need to go to a local branch office and request a duplicate title in person. You will need to pay a fee for the service, which varies widely from state to state.
- In some instances, it may be impossible to locate the title to a used vehicle -- particularly if the car has been unused for many years. If you don't have the title and a duplicate can't be provided, it may still be possible to donate the car to charity. First, you will need to contact your local motor vehicle department to inquire about your state's laws regarding title requirements and car donations. In some states, all that is required is a notarized signature or proof from the department of motor vehicles stating that there is no outstanding liens on the car.
- Contact charities you are interested in donating your vehicle to and ask whether they accept donations of vehicles without titles. Some charities, such as Cars4Kids, advertise that they do accept some vehicles without titles. When contacting different organizations, make sure each is a 501c3 organization and eligible for a federal tax deduction. You can check the online version of IRS publication 78 to determine if a charity is eligible.
- If you have the title available at the time of donation, it needs to be signed over to the charitable organization. To do so, fill in the appropriate fields on the title with the charity's name and address, along with the odometer reading and the donation date.
Duplicate Title
Exceptions
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