Donate Your Car
Drive Change with Cars for Homes
Turn your old car into a brighter future for Sonoma County families!
How do I donate my car in Sonoma County?
You can donate your car in 4 easy steps:
What type of vehicle can I donate?
All submissions are subject to evaluation. Due to donation location and condition, some vehicles may not be accepted
Can I donate a vehicle that does not run?
Absolutely! Your vehicle does not need to be running in order to donate it. But, it does need to have all tires inflated so we can tow it away.
All submissions are subject to evaluation. Due to donation location and condition, some vehicles may not be accepted.
What happens to my vehicle after my vehicle donation is accepted?
About half of donated vehicles are sold to licensed dealers through wholesale auctions, giving them a second chance as transportation.. The other half goes to auto salvage yards, where usable parts—like batteries, tires, and fluids—are carefully removed. What’s left is crushed, shredded, and recycled into new steel.
Donated vehicles are not given or sold to the general public; to protect donors and Habitat affiliates, they are sold only to licensed, bonded and insured wholesale dealers. Funding from the sale of each vehicle donation supports Habitat’s local programs in your community—helping families build strength and stability through affordable housing.
After your vehicle is sold, we’ll send you a letter with the sale details for your records.
How much of a tax write-off do I get for donating my car?
When your vehicle is sold, that will determine the value. If your vehicle sells for more than $500, you may be eligible to deduct the full selling price.
If your vehicle sells for $500 or less, you can deduct the “fair market value” of your vehicle, up to $500. We recommend that you talk to your tax advisor to determine your personal tax deduction situation.
What paperwork do I need to donate my car in California?
Sonoma County will require a Certificate of Title in order to donate your car.
To complete your car donation, transfer your title by entering the name of the agency that processes our car donations, advanced remarketing services in the buyer/purchaser field. Then, print and sign your name in the seller/owner field exactly as it appears at the top of the title.
By signing the title directly to Advanced Remarketing Services, you are legally transferring ownership of your vehicle to Habitat for Humanity.
What are the environmental benefits of donating my vehicle to Habitat?
When you donate a vehicle to Cars for Homes, you’re doing more than supporting affordable housing—you’re also helping the environment.
Many donated vehicles are sold directly to licensed auto recyclers. These recyclers play a key role in processing end-of-life vehicles safely and in eco-friendly ways.
Properly recycled cars also help reduce carbon emissions by cutting down the need to refine new materials. In fact, recycling steel saves enough energy to power about 18 million homes for a year.
Donating your vehicle to Cars for Homes is a win for your community and for the planet.
Please email your questions to carsforhomes@habitat.org or call 1-877-277-4344.
Turn your vehicle into a home. Donate today and help build stronger communities in Sonoma County!