Classic Car Donation FAQ

We accept virtually all collector and vintage vehicles — American muscle, hot rods, antiques, European sports cars, barn finds, project cars, and custom builds. Running or not, restored or original, in almost any condition. If it has a title and history, we can almost always accept it.

Use the online form at ClassicCarDonation.org or call us toll-free at 1-888-324-2772. We'll need the year, make, model, and current location of your vehicle. Most donations are confirmed on the first call.

No. Transport and pickup are completely free. There are no fees charged to donors at any point in the donation process.

Yes. Non-running vehicles are accepted. The most important factor is having a clear title and an accessible location. Mechanical issues, failed restorations, and long-term storage do not disqualify a donation.

Barn finds are among the most common classic car donations we receive. Age and storage conditions don't disqualify a vehicle — as long as it has a title and is accessible, we can almost always accept it.

In many cases yes. We can help guide you through the bonded title or replacement title process in most states. Contact us and we'll walk through your options before scheduling pickup.

Yes. Partially restored vehicles, disassembled project cars, and vehicles with missing parts are accepted provided you have a clear title. Describe the current state of the vehicle when you submit the form and we'll confirm acceptance.

We coordinate enclosed or flatbed transport appropriate for your vehicle's value and condition — not hook-and-chain tow trucks. Classic cars are handled with the care they deserve. Pickup is available anywhere in the U.S. at no cost to you.

Scheduling typically takes 5–14 business days depending on your location. We'll confirm a pickup window directly with you before the transport is dispatched.

Not necessarily. Many donors arrange for a family member or storage facility manager to be present. You'll need to provide the keys and signed title. We'll coordinate the details in advance.

Your deduction is based on the gross proceeds from the sale of your vehicle at auction. For vehicles selling above $500 — which covers virtually all classic cars — you receive IRS Form 1098-C documenting the exact sale amount. This is the required IRS form for higher-value vehicle deductions.

Your IRS-compliant tax receipt arrives within 45 days of your vehicle's sale at auction. It includes the sale price, date of sale, and all required 501(c)(3) documentation.

For most donations, no appraisal is required — the auction sale price is your documented deduction. However if your classic car is being retained for display or direct use rather than sold, IRS rules require a qualified appraisal for deductions over $5,000. Contact us if you have questions about your specific situation.

After standard processing costs, proceeds go to Salute Veterans Inc. — funding veteran employment programs, transition assistance, and VeteransDirectory.org, a free directory of nearly 2,000 veteran resources available to any veteran at no cost.

Yes. Salute Veterans Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 84-2016237), searchable on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization database. We also hold the Candid Gold Seal of Transparency. All donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.