How the car donation process works
Start with the title you have
The easiest Boston car donation title transfer starts with a clean, available title in the donor's name. If you have it, keep it safe and do not sign it until pickup unless Revive Rides or Heritage for the Blind gives you specific instructions. Foreign-state titles are commonly accepted, so a vehicle titled in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, Florida, or another state may still be eligible for donation in Greater Boston. If anything looks confusing, such as multiple owners or an old address, call before pickup so the paperwork can be reviewed.
If the title is lost, ask before you replace it
A lost title does not automatically mean you cannot donate. Heritage for the Blind can help you understand your state process and whether a duplicate title, supporting document, or other step may be needed. In some cases, vehicles without titles can sometimes be accepted, but approval depends on the vehicle, the state that issued the title, and the available ownership records. Do not guess or spend time at the RMV before checking. Call Revive Rides first, explain where the vehicle is located in Greater Boston, and share what documents you still have.
Clear any lien before the donation
If a lender, bank, credit union, or finance company is listed on the title, the lien must be satisfied before the donation can be completed. That usually means the loan has been paid off and the lender has released its interest in the vehicle. If you recently paid off the car, contact the lender to request the lien release or updated title. Heritage for the Blind cannot accept a vehicle that another party still has a legal claim to. Once the lien is released, your free tow can usually be scheduled without a DMV visit after the title handoff.
Handle family-name title issues early
If the title is in someone else's name, the next step depends on your legal authority to donate the vehicle. For a deceased spouse, parent, or other relative, you may need probate documents, an affidavit of heirship, a death certificate, or other state-specific paperwork before the vehicle can be signed over. Requirements vary, especially if the title was issued outside Massachusetts. Revive Rides will help you identify the issue and route your question to Heritage for the Blind, so you know what to gather before a tow truck comes to Boston, Medford, Malden, or nearby suburbs.
Sign over the title at pickup
When your pickup is scheduled, the tow driver comes to the vehicle location and brings the standard pickup paperwork. At that time, the title is signed over to Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, unless you have been given other instructions. Free towing is available throughout Greater Boston, including apartments, driveways, repair shops, offices, and many curbside situations where access is safe. After the handoff, donors typically do not need to visit the DMV or RMV. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C.
Key facts about car donation
A clean title is preferred, but some no-title situations can be reviewed by phone before pickup.
Any lien must be satisfied before the vehicle can be donated to Heritage for the Blind.
Out-of-state titles are accepted when ownership can be properly transferred at pickup.
The tow driver brings pickup paperwork and helps complete the title handoff.
After signing over the title, most donors do not need a separate DMV or RMV visit.
Donors may visit nhftb.org/finder to check eligibility for benefits and support programs.