How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute form or a quick call
Your donation begins when you fill out the short online form or call Heritage for the Blind. You will share basic details: your name, contact information, the vehicle year, make, model, mileage if known, title status, and where the vehicle is located in Jacksonville Metro. You do not need to know the value of the vehicle, and you do not need to make repairs before donating. If the car, truck, SUV, van, motorcycle, RV, or boat is accessible for towing, the team can usually move to scheduling right away.
A coordinator calls back within 1-2 business hours
After your form or call is received, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1-2 business hours to confirm details and schedule your free pickup. This is when you can ask practical questions, such as where to leave the keys, whether the tow truck can access an apartment lot, or what to do if the vehicle is at a mechanic, workplace, storage facility, or family member’s home. The coordinator will help choose a pickup window that works for you and matches local tow availability.
Free pickup is scheduled at your Jacksonville-area location
A licensed tow truck comes to the pickup address, often same-day or next business day in most Jacksonville Metro areas. Pickup may be available from neighborhoods and suburbs such as Northside, Westside, Mandarin, San Marco, Riverside, Arlington, Southside, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Ponte Vedra, Orange Park, and Fleming Island. At pickup, you sign the title over according to Florida requirements and hand over the keys. There is no cost to you for towing, even if the vehicle is not running.
The vehicle goes to auction or a parts reseller
Once the vehicle is picked up, it is transported to an auction or parts reseller. The destination depends on condition, age, mileage, demand, and whether the vehicle is complete or better suited for parts. You do not need to attend the sale or negotiate with buyers. This step is handled for you, which is helpful if you have an older commuter car, a storm-damaged vehicle, a non-running truck, or a vehicle you simply no longer want to insure, store, repair, or sell privately.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
After the sale, proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage uses donations to help fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Your unwanted vehicle can become a practical way to support that mission without the hassle of listing it online, meeting strangers, paying for advertising, or arranging transport yourself. Drive Forward Jax connects local donors to a process designed to be straightforward from the first call through the final receipt.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
After the vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails your tax documentation. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, you should receive IRS Form 1098-C. For vehicles that sell for $500 or under, you should receive a written acknowledgment. The full process usually takes about 2-6 weeks, depending on pickup timing, auction scheduling, and mail delivery. Keep your receipt with your tax records and speak with a tax professional if you have questions about how to claim a charitable vehicle donation.
Key facts about car donation
There is no cost to donate, schedule pickup, or tow your vehicle in Jacksonville Metro.
Coordinators typically call back within 1-2 business hours after you submit the donation form.
Same-day or next-business-day pickup is often available in most Jacksonville Metro service areas.
You sign the vehicle title over at pickup, not after the vehicle is sold.
Tax paperwork is mailed after sale: Form 1098-C over $500, written acknowledgment at $500 or under.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446.