At Revive Wheels, we deeply understand the significance of honoring a loved one who has passed. Donating a vehicle in their memory is a meaningful way to pay tribute to their passions and keep their spirit alive. If your loved one cherished their car, this process can help support a charitable cause while providing comfort to you and their family.
This donation can be made in-memory-of a specific person, allowing us to send a tribute card to their family. It's essential that the vehicle title is in your name for the donation to proceed smoothly and that you are prepared to handle any estate-probate considerations if the title remains in the deceased’s name.
How to make it happen
Confirm Ownership
Ensure the vehicle title is in your name, as the IRS requires the donation to come from the current owner to issue a tax receipt. If the title is still in the deceased's name, consult an estate lawyer for guidance.
Complete the Donation Form
Fill out our online donation form, specifying that the donation is in memory of your loved one. This will help us record their name and ensure proper tribute card delivery.
Arrange for Vehicle Pickup
Schedule a time for our team to pick up your vehicle. We’ll handle the logistics at no cost to you. Make sure to have the keys and any relevant paperwork ready for a smooth process.
Receive Confirmation and Tax Receipt
Once we receive your vehicle, we’ll send you an IRS tax receipt for your donation. This can be used for tax purposes, ensuring you benefit while honoring your loved one.
Common gotchas
Title Issues
Tip: If the title is still in the deceased's name, you may need to go through probate. This can delay your donation, so check with a legal expert to understand your options.
Missing Documents
Tip: Ensure you have the vehicle title, registration, and any lien-release paperwork ready. Missing documents can slow down the donation process significantly.
Tribute Card Details
Tip: Double-check the details you provide for the tribute card. We want to ensure the family receives a heartfelt message that honors their loved one accurately.
If this path doesn't fit
If donating the vehicle is not feasible due to title issues or other concerns, consider finding local charities that accept donations in other forms, such as money or items. Additionally, you might explore selling the vehicle and donating the proceeds to a cause close to your loved one's heart. This way, you can still honor their memory while supporting a meaningful initiative.
Cincinnati DMV specifics
In Ohio, the DMV requires that any vehicle transfer includes a proper lien-release form if applicable. If you are donating a vehicle, don’t forget to surrender the license plates to the DMV after the donation is complete. You’ll need to complete a transfer of ownership form as well, so have all your paperwork ready to ensure a smooth process.