How to Donate a Repairable Car in Minnesota

If you have a car that is in need of a little work in Minnesota, you may not be able to get much for it if you try to trade it on a new car or sell it on your own. Instead of taking a fraction of its worth, you can instead donate your car to a charitable organization in Minnesota. While not all charities accept cars that are not in top condition, you will find some organizations that do take cars that are in need of repair.

Instructions

1

Download and complete the duplicate title form from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website (see Resources), if you need a replacement car title. Complete the form and submit it to the address on the top of the form with your fee payment. As of December 2010, the fee for a duplicate title is $9.

2

Make arrangements for your car donation with a Minnesota charity that accepts repairable vehicles. Some charities that do so include the New Gate School, Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota and Community Action Duluth. You can look for other charities on the Charity Vault website, but not all charities accept repairable vehicles. If the car does not run, you will have to set up a time for it to be picked up and towed to the charity location.

3

Give the vehicle keys and the car title to the charity when you make your donation. You must sign the title to transfer the ownership. When you donate the vehicle, you should ask for your donation receipt. Usually it will just be a temporary receipt because the charity may sell the vehicle after you donate it. When that happens you need an updated receipt with the sales amount so that you know what amount to claim on your taxes.

4

Wait for your updated receipt to arrive by mail. Typically this happens within 30 days, if the organization is going to sell the vehicle.