How the car donation process works
Start your Kentucky donation and describe the title
When you begin your Ride for Good donation, tell us exactly what you have: a Kentucky title, an out-of-state title, a lost title, a title with a lien listed, or paperwork in another person’s name. You do not need to know the perfect legal answer before calling. Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, will help review the situation and explain what is typically needed before pickup. This is especially helpful for donors in busy areas like Louisville, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky who want the vehicle gone without extra uncertainty.
Use a clean title when you have one
A clean, available title is the easiest path. At pickup, the title should be signed over to Heritage for the Blind, the nonprofit receiving the donation through Ride for Good. The tow driver brings the pickup paperwork and can point out where the title needs attention, but you should avoid signing too early or filling in fields you are unsure about until instructions are provided. Once the vehicle and signed title are handed off, most Kentucky donors do not need a separate DMV visit to complete the donation transfer.
If the title is lost, ask before giving up
A lost title does not always mean your donation is impossible. Heritage for the Blind can help you understand the state process for replacing a missing title or discuss whether the vehicle may still be accepted without one. Rules can depend on the vehicle, the age, the ownership record, and your situation. Before you spend time waiting in line or guessing at forms, call Ride for Good and explain what happened. Vehicles without titles can sometimes be accepted, but they must be reviewed first.
Clear any lien before the vehicle is donated
If a bank, credit union, finance company, or other lender is listed on the title, the lien generally must be satisfied before donation. That means the loan should be paid off, and the lender must release its interest in the vehicle. If you are unsure whether the lien was ever removed, contact the lender and ask how to obtain a lien release or clear title. Ride for Good can explain what to look for, but the lender is the party that releases the title. This protects you and keeps the donation paperwork clean.
Handle inherited, family, or out-of-state titles early
If the vehicle title is in a deceased spouse’s, parent’s, or relative’s name, extra paperwork may be needed before the vehicle can be signed over. Depending on the state and circumstances, that may involve probate documents, executor authority, or an affidavit of heirship. If the title is from another state, that is usually okay; foreign-state titles are accepted in many donation situations. The best move is to call before pickup so Heritage for the Blind can help identify what documents may be required and prevent a delay on tow day.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available across Kentucky, including Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Covington, and nearby suburbs.
A clean title is preferred, but Heritage for the Blind can guide donors with lost-title questions.
Liens must be satisfied before donation, or the lender must release the title properly.
The title is signed over to Heritage for the Blind at pickup, and the driver brings paperwork.
Out-of-state titles can be accepted, and no DMV visit is typically required after proper handoff.
For vehicles over $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C as required.