How the car donation process works
Start with the title you have
A clean, signed title is the easiest way to donate, but it is not the only situation Revive Auto can discuss. When you call or start your donation, tell us whether the Minnesota title is in your name, from another state, missing, damaged, or showing an old lender. Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, can guide you on what your state may require for a lost-title situation. In many cases, the next step is simple: confirm the ownership details, schedule free pickup, and have the title ready for the driver.
Resolve any lien before pickup
If the title lists a bank, credit union, or finance company, that lien must be satisfied before the vehicle can be transferred as a donation. The lender either needs to release the title or provide the correct lien-release paperwork. If you paid off the vehicle years ago but the lien still appears, contact the lender and ask for a release in the name on the title. Revive Auto can tell you what to look for before scheduling, but the lender is the party that must clear the lien so Heritage for the Blind can accept the transfer.
Sign the vehicle over at pickup
For most St. Paul donors, the title handoff happens right at pickup. The tow driver brings the donation paperwork and confirms the vehicle being picked up in your driveway, apartment lot, repair shop, or curbside location. You will sign the title over to Heritage for the Blind, not to the driver personally. Once the vehicle and title are handed off, there is typically no separate in-person DMV visit required for the donated vehicle. Free towing is available throughout St. Paul, Minneapolis, and nearby Twin Cities suburbs.
Handle family-name or estate questions early
If the vehicle is titled in someone else’s name, do not guess or sign for them. A car titled to a deceased spouse, parent, or relative may require probate paperwork, an affidavit of heirship, or another state-specific document before it can be donated. The exact requirement depends on the state that issued the title and the estate situation. Call Revive Auto before pickup so Heritage for the Blind can help you understand the likely paperwork path and avoid a failed pickup or a title that cannot be processed.
Ask about lost or out-of-state titles
Twin Cities donors often have vehicles that moved from Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, another state, or a family member’s garage. Out-of-state titles can usually be accepted as long as they are valid and properly signed by the listed owner. If you cannot find the title, Heritage for the Blind can help you navigate the replacement-title process for the issuing state. In some situations, vehicles without titles can still be reviewed for donation, so call before ruling out your car, truck, van, or SUV.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available across St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Twin Cities suburbs, usually with pickup scheduled around your availability.
Clean titles are preferred, but some vehicles without titles can be reviewed when you call Revive Auto.
If a lien appears on the title, the lender must release it before Heritage for the Blind can accept transfer.
Out-of-state titles are commonly accepted when they are properly signed over at pickup by the listed owner.
After the title handoff, most donors do not need a separate DMV visit for the donated vehicle.
Vehicles sold for more than $500 receive IRS Form 1098-C from Heritage for the Blind.