Donating a Car

If you are donating a vehicle, you just have to make sure to sign the title over. Sign the back of the title under "seller" and have the recipient (charity, person, or organization) sign the "buyer" line. You will also need to complete the following actions:

• You might have to record the odometer reading on your title. To see if you need to do this, check DMV's page for odometer reading requirements.

• You have 10 days to notify the DMV of the donation. You can either fill out an online notice form or download a paper copy that you can fill out and mail to the following address:

• Oregon DMV

• 1905 Lana Ave NE

• Salem, OR 97314

Where to Donate Your Vehicle

Not all charities are created equal, and some "organizations" are even trying to take advantage of your generosity. Research a potential charity before making a donation. The IRS produces a handy guide to car donation.

On the practical side, here are a few quick tips:

• If you want to deduct charitable contributions for tax purposes, make sure the charity in question is qualified. Most 501(c)(3) organizations are, but to make sure, you can download a list of qualified charities from the IRS Web site.

• Get a written acknowledgment from the charity.

• Ask around to see which charities specialize in receiving car donations. Some charities already know the entire process, making it easier on you.

The Internet makes finding a charity easy. Some websites, like Donate For Charity, allow you to select the local or national charity of your choice. Others charities, like Kars 4 Kids, have their own websites set up to accept donations.