How the car donation process works
Start with the title you have
For the smoothest Indiana car donation title transfer, gather the current vehicle title before scheduling pickup. A clean title in the donor’s name is preferred because it shows who can legally donate the vehicle. If your title is from Indiana, the name on the front should match the person signing it over. If you are missing a title, do not give up. Heritage for the Blind can guide you through lost-title situations and help you understand your state’s replacement-title process before the tow is scheduled.
Clear any lien before pickup
If the title lists a bank, credit union, finance company, or other lienholder, the lien generally must be satisfied before the vehicle can be donated. That usually means contacting the lender to confirm the loan is paid and to request a lien release or updated title. Hoosier Wheels cannot accept a donation if another party still has a legal claim to the vehicle. If you are not sure whether a lien remains, call the lender listed on the title and ask what paperwork is needed to release it.
Sign the title over at the free tow
Once your pickup is scheduled, the tow driver comes to your Indiana location and brings the pickup paperwork. At pickup, the title is signed over to Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446. The driver will confirm the paperwork, collect the keys, and tow the vehicle at no cost to you. In most routine donations, donors do not need to visit the Indiana BMV after the title handoff. Keep copies of any documents you receive for your personal records and tax file.
Ask first if the title is in another name
If the vehicle title is in someone else’s name, Hoosier Wheels may need extra documentation before donation. This often comes up when a car belonged to a deceased spouse, parent, or relative. Depending on the state that issued the title and the estate situation, you may need probate documents, a small-estate affidavit, an affidavit of heirship, or another authorization showing you have the right to transfer the vehicle. Because rules vary, contact us before pickup so Heritage for the Blind can help you understand the likely next step.
Out-of-state titles and no-title vehicles
Indiana donors often have cars that moved in from Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, or another state. Out-of-state titles can usually be accepted as long as the paperwork is valid and properly signed by the owner. Vehicles without titles can sometimes be accepted, depending on the vehicle, state rules, and available ownership documents, so it is worth asking before you decide the donation is impossible. Hoosier Wheels will review the situation, arrange free towing when eligible, and help keep the title-transfer process simple.
Receive your tax paperwork
After donation, keep your pickup paperwork and any follow-up tax documents from Heritage for the Blind. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, Heritage provides IRS Form 1098-C as required. Your tax deduction depends on IRS rules and your personal tax situation, so speak with a tax professional if you have deduction questions. If you or someone you know needs help checking benefit eligibility, Heritage also offers nhftb.org/finder, which connects people with programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and more.
Key facts about car donation
A clean Indiana title is preferred, but lost-title situations may still be workable with guidance.
Any active lien usually must be released before Heritage for the Blind can accept the donation.
At pickup, you sign the title over to Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446.
The tow is free, and the driver brings the standard pickup paperwork to your location.
Out-of-state titles can be accepted when the ownership paperwork is valid and properly signed.
After the title handoff, donors typically do not need a separate Indiana BMV visit.