How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute form or a call
Your Arizona car donation begins when you fill out the quick Desert Wheels online form or call Heritage for the Blind directly. You will share basic contact information, the vehicle year, make, model, location, and condition. It is okay if the car does not run, has body damage, has been sitting, or is missing current registration. The goal is simply to confirm where the vehicle is and how to reach you. There is no obligation, no pickup fee, and no need to know the vehicle’s value before you start.
A coordinator calls within 1-2 business hours
After your request is received, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1-2 business hours during normal business times. The coordinator confirms the Arizona pickup address, asks a few questions about access to the vehicle, and helps schedule a free tow at a time that works for you. If the car is in an apartment lot in Tempe, a driveway in Mesa, a shop in Tucson, or a gated community in Scottsdale, mention any gate codes, parking rules, or contact details so the driver can arrive prepared.
Free pickup is scheduled, often same-day or next business day
In most Arizona metro areas, a licensed tow truck can pick up the donated vehicle the same day or the next business day, depending on availability and your schedule. Pickup is free, and you do not have to drive the vehicle anywhere. Before the truck arrives, remove personal belongings, gather the keys if you have them, and have the Arizona title ready. At pickup, you sign the title over as instructed. If there is a lien, missing title, or estate situation, ask the coordinator what documents may be needed.
Your vehicle goes to auction or a parts reseller
Once the tow is complete, the vehicle is transported to an appropriate sale channel. Many donated cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, motorcycles, RVs, and boats are sent to auction, while some vehicles may be directed to a parts reseller or other wholesale buyer. The best path depends on the vehicle’s condition, age, mileage, location, and market demand. You do not pay for transport, storage, auction handling, or resale processing. Desert Wheels and Heritage for the Blind keep the process moving so you can wait for the sale result and tax documentation.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle sells, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage for the Blind uses charitable support to help fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage also helps connect eligible individuals with benefit resources such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and related programs. If you or someone you know wants to check benefit eligibility, you can visit nhftb.org/finder. Your Arizona vehicle donation becomes part of that mission-driven work.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
The full donation process typically takes about 2-6 weeks from initial contact through sale and mailed tax documentation. After the vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind sends the appropriate tax receipt by mail. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C. For vehicles that sell for $500 or under, donors receive a written acknowledgment. Keep the document with your tax records and speak with your tax advisor about how charitable vehicle deductions apply to your personal return.
Key facts about car donation
Arizona vehicle pickup is free from homes, offices, repair shops, storage yards, and many apartment communities.
A coordinator usually calls within 1-2 business hours to confirm details and schedule towing.
Same-day or next-business-day pickup is often available in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and other metro areas.
You sign the vehicle title over at pickup, and the licensed tow driver removes the car.
Heritage for the Blind mails Form 1098-C for vehicles sold for more than $500.
There is no cost to the donor at any step of the Desert Wheels donation process.