How the car donation process works
Start With the 2-Minute Donation Form or a Call
Your car donation begins with a short online form through Elm City Autos or a call to Heritage for the Blind. You will share basic details such as your name, contact information, the vehicle year, make, model, approximate condition, and where the vehicle is located in the New Haven Metro area. You do not need to know the vehicle value, and you do not need to arrange towing yourself. If you are still deciding, this is also the right time to ask questions about title requirements, pickup timing, or what happens after your vehicle is sold.
A Coordinator Calls Back Within 1-2 Business Hours
After your form or call is received, a donation coordinator typically follows up within 1-2 business hours. The coordinator confirms your vehicle details, answers questions, and helps schedule a free pickup time that works for you. Donors in New Haven neighborhoods such as Westville, East Rock, Fair Haven, and the Hill, as well as nearby suburbs like Hamden, Orange, Woodbridge, East Haven, and Branford, can usually choose a convenient pickup window. You will also be reminded what to have ready, including your signed title, keys, and access to the vehicle.
Free Tow Pickup Comes to Your Location
A licensed tow truck is scheduled to come to your home, apartment lot, workplace, repair shop, or other approved location. In most metro areas, including much of the New Haven Metro, pickup may be available the same day or the next business day depending on timing, vehicle access, and tow availability. There is no towing charge and no hidden pickup fee. At pickup, you sign the vehicle title over as instructed. Remove personal belongings and license plates if required by Connecticut rules or your registration situation before the tow truck leaves.
Your Vehicle Is Sent to Auction or a Parts Reseller
Once the vehicle is picked up, it is transported to the appropriate sale channel. Many donated vehicles are offered at auction; others may go to a parts reseller depending on condition, age, mileage, and market demand. You do not need to be involved in pricing, repairs, advertising, or buyer negotiations. The goal is to handle the vehicle responsibly and turn it into charitable proceeds. This step is one reason the full donation timeline is typically 2-6 weeks, because the vehicle must be processed, sold, and documented before final tax paperwork can be mailed.
Sale Proceeds Support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle sells, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage for the Blind uses donated vehicle proceeds to help fund services and resources for people who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage also helps connect eligible individuals with benefit information and support resources, including SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and other programs. Donors or families who want to explore benefit eligibility can visit nhftb.org/finder for more information while their vehicle donation is being processed.
Your Tax Receipt Is Mailed After the Vehicle Sells
Once the sale is complete, your tax documentation is prepared and mailed to you. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C. For vehicles that sell for $500 or under, you receive a written acknowledgment. Keep this paperwork with your tax records and speak with a tax professional if you have questions about claiming a deduction. From your first form or call through receipt mailing, the entire car donation process typically takes about 2-6 weeks, with no cost to you at any step.
Key facts about car donation
The online donation form takes about two minutes and can be started before you fully commit.
A coordinator usually calls back within 1-2 business hours to confirm details and schedule pickup.
Free towing is available across New Haven Metro, often same-day or next business day in many areas.
You sign the vehicle title over at pickup; the tow driver or coordinator explains the handoff.
IRS Form 1098-C is mailed for vehicles selling over $500; smaller sales receive written acknowledgment.
There is no cost to donate, tow, process, or sell your vehicle through the program.