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Donate a vehicle to Cars for Homes, Habitat Greater San Francisco’s car donation program, to help support local families.
Your car donation is one more way you can support our work in Marin, San Mateo and San Francisco counties. When you donate your car we make it quick and easy. Your donation may also be a tax deduction.
We accept cars, trucks, RV’s, vans, SUV’s, boats and motorcycles whether they are running or not. Towing is free!
Awarded Best Vehicle Donation Program 3 Years in a Row
For 3 consecutive years, Forbes Advisor has named Habitat for Humanity’s Cars for Homes program one of the best vehicle donation programs in the nation! This award recognizes the efficiency and impact our vehicle donation program has on our local community. That means, each dollar generated by your vehicle donation helps serve more families right here in our community.
Story from a Marin Car Donor
Donating my trusty Prius, Stella
So called because I used to lose her constantly in parking lots, and occasionally would call out to her in jest (very Streetcar Named Desire). She’s the toughest Prius ever, and I used her more bravely than most truck drivers. I often schlepped heavy slabs of wood on top of her, windows cracked open and ratchet straps tightly ratcheded. She was good to me, and I finally sized up, but haven’t had the heart to let her go, until now.
It really was just me and Stella and some ratchet straps, against the world. My unlikely workhorse… She never let me down.
Car Donation FAQ
Why should I donate my car to Habitat Greater San Francisco?
- Between 84% and 87% of the gross revenue generated from the sale of donated vehicles goes directly to Habitat for Humanity. 80% of the funding received by HFHI helps local affiliates build and repair housing in their communities. Forbes Advisor has recognized Habitat for Humanity as one of the best vehicle donation programs in the United States two years in a row for this efficiency!
- Your vehicle donation may qualify for a tax deduction.
- It’s fast and easy. Learn more about how vehicle donations work.
How do I donate my car in Marin, San Mateo or San Francisco counties?
You can donate your car in 4 easy steps:
- Start your donation online by navigating to our donation wizard, or call our hotline: 1-877-277-4344
- Our team will ask about your vehicle, including the make, model, vehicle identification number (VIN) and current mileage.
- When your vehicle is accepted, schedule a day and time for us to pick it up.
- Receive your tax receipt.
What type of vehicle can I donate?
- Car
- Truck
- Boat
- RV
- ATV’s and UTV’s
- Motorcycle
- Construction or farm equipment
- Any other vehicle ― running or not!
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
- The State of California 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?
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.
Recycling vehicles keeps tons of steel out of landfills. According to a 2024 U.S. Geological Survey Summary report on mineral commodities, “More than 15 million tons per year of steel is recycled from automobiles, the equivalent of approximately 12 million cars, from more than 7,000 vehicle dismantlers and 350 car shredders in North America.”
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.
What if I have more questions?
We are happy to answer any other questions you may have. Please email your questions to [email protected] or call 1-877-277-4344.