donate a car Madison Heights MI
Donate a Car in Madison Heights, MI
A dead car in Madison Heights is worth more as a commissary grant than as a lawn ornament. Rust-belt beaters that Michigan winters and road salt ate through still fund real grants - and Michigan donors fund Michigan grants first.
No forms on this site — donations are completed with the vehicle donation processor.
How it works
Three steps, start to finish
- 1
Start online or by phone
Begin with the donation link or call 855-500-RIDE. You give the year, make, model, and condition — nothing more. There is no donation form on this site.
- 2
Free tow pickup
A licensed tow operator schedules pickup in Madison Heights, MI. You sign the title, the driver collects the keys, and the tow costs you nothing — running or not.
- 3
Proceeds fund commissary grants
The vehicle is sold at auction. Net proceeds fund commissary grants through Soul Tribes International Ministries, and the sale is processed by CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services).
Where the money goes
Commissary grants for people inside
After the sale, net proceeds fund commissary grants through Soul Tribes International Ministries. That means hygiene items, writing paper, and postage for people inside Michigan facilities who otherwise do without.
Commissary money covers soap, toothpaste, deodorant, writing paper, and stamps — the basic necessities prison wages rarely cover.
See where your car goes →The need
Incarceration in Michigan
50,000
Michiganders are behind bars - Michigan locks up a higher share of its people than almost any democratic country on earth
Source: Prison Policy Initiative
535
Michiganders incarcerated per 100,000 across prisons, jails, immigration detention, and juvenile facilities
Source: Prison Policy Initiative
32,778
state prisoners - Michigan's lowest prison population since 1991, down from a 51,554 peak in 2007
Source: Michigan Dept. of Corrections
Michigan paperwork
Title transfer in Michigan
Complete the 'Title Assignment by Seller' section on the front of the Michigan title: fill in the recipient's name and address, the sale date, the sale price, and the odometer reading, then sign. Keep a copy of both sides of the completed title for at least 18 months - the record stays in your name until the recipient files it with the Secretary of State, and that copy protects you from liability for the vehicle's negligent use after delivery. The tow driver collects the signed title at pickup.
- Notarization
- No - notarization is not required for a Michigan title transfer.
- Liens and paperwork
- Michigan will not transfer a title while a lien is listed on it. The lender must sign the title or provide a lien termination statement before the donation can proceed. Consult your tax advisor about any tax questions; donations over $500 receive IRS Form 1098-C from the processor.
Consult your tax advisor. Vehicles over $500 receive IRS Form 1098-C from the processor.
Donor thank-you
A free hotel stay
A free hotel stay is offered to donors: the room rate is covered, taxes and fees are the donor's responsibility.
- Room rate only — the donor pays all taxes and fees.
- Activate the stay within 7 days of receiving it.
- Travel must be completed within 18 months.
- Recipient must be 21 or older.
- One free hotel stay per household per 12 months.
Questions
Donating a car in Madison Heights: common questions
How do I donate a car in Madison Heights, MI?
Start online through our donation link or call 855-500-RIDE. You give the year, make, model, and condition of the vehicle. A licensed tow operator in the Madison Heights area then contacts you to schedule free pickup, usually within 24 to 48 hours. There is no donation form on this site — the process runs through CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services).
Is towing really free in Madison Heights?
Yes. Free tow pickup anywhere in Michigan - Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and every town between. Running or not, the tow costs you nothing, and you never pay a pickup fee out of pocket.
Does my car need to run to be donated in Madison Heights?
No. Non-running, wrecked, and long-parked vehicles are accepted. A vehicle that will not start is towed from your Madison Heights driveway, street parking, or storage lot.
What paperwork do I need in MI?
Complete the 'Title Assignment by Seller' section on the front of the Michigan title: fill in the recipient's name and address, the sale date, the sale price, and the odometer reading, then sign. Keep a copy of both sides of the completed title for at least 18 months - the record stays in your name until the recipient files it with the Secretary of State, and that copy protects you from liability for the vehicle's negligent use after delivery. The tow driver collects the signed title at pickup.
Does the Michigan title have to be notarized?
No - notarization is not required for a Michigan title transfer.
What if my Madison Heights vehicle still has a loan on it?
Michigan will not transfer a title while a lien is listed on it. The lender must sign the title or provide a lien termination statement before the donation can proceed. Consult your tax advisor about any tax questions; donations over $500 receive IRS Form 1098-C from the processor.
Where does the money from my Madison Heights donation go?
The vehicle is sold at auction by the processor. Net proceeds fund commissary grants through Soul Tribes International Ministries — soap, stamps, and other basic necessities for incarcerated people. Impact figures are reported once verified.
Prefer to talk it through? Call 855-500-RIDE.
Nearby cities in Michigan
Free tow pickup also serves these Michigan communities near Madison Heights.
Donate your car in Madison Heights today
Free tow pickup across Madison Heights and the rest of Michigan. Running or not.