Washington Vehicle Donation Title Questions and Helpful Information
Click here to donate a car in Washington State, benefiting Make-A-Wish kids!
Where do I sign the title when I donate a vehicle in Washington?
On the front of the Title, please sign where it reads, “Signature of legal owner releases all interest in this vehicle described above.” Please then date it with the date you made the donation, as in when it entered our system.
I paid off my car but there is still a lienholder listed?
The lienholder should have provided a Lien Release or completed the Lien Release section on Title when it was paid off. If a Lien Release is required please contact your financial institution. We will request one if necessary directly from the bank or other financial institution on your behalf but may need a written authorization and a copy of your driver’s license.
What do I put down for the Buyer?
We prefer it be left blank along with the odometer reading as the auction house will record the exact reading at time of processing and handle the buyer and dealer license information.
If you wish to list us as the buyer please put:
Car Donation Foundation
5775 Wayzata Blvd STE 700
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Can I still donate if I can’t find my Title?
We can take the vehicle donation without a physical Title, but the car has to be titled in your name for us to accept the donation. Our tow company will have to see a valid ID at the time of pickup with either registration or an insurance card to verify you are the owner. We also may ask you to sign up to TWO Vehicle Power of Attorney forms which will enable us to apply for a Duplicate Title and sell the vehicle once the Title is received. Also, if there is a lien listed on the Title an authorization form will need to be completed as well. The Vehicle Power of Attorney form(s) must be with the vehicle at the time of pickup otherwise you may apply for a Duplicate Title on your own through the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Duplicate Title Information:
http://www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/replacetitle.htmlPower of Attorney Form:
http://www.dol.wa.gov/forms/420050.pdf
I’m donating the vehicle on behalf of Deceased loved one, what do I need to provide?
If estate is administered – Documents required are: Certificate of County Clerk, Letters Testamentary, or Decree of Solvency, and copy of Death Certificate. Survivor must sign title in the seller’s section with decedent’s name by survivor ie: John Doe by Jane Doe, in order to release decedent’s interest in the vehicle. Next the heir must sign their own name in seller’s section releasing their interest in the vehicle as well. If heir has a PoA to sign on behalf of decedent it is no longer valid and cannot be used as a signature, they must sign the original title.
If Estate is Not Administered – Death Certificate and one (1) Community Property Agreement or one (1) notarized Affidavit of Inheritance is required. Survivor must sign title in the seller’s section with decedent’s name by survivor ie: John Doe by Jane Doe, in order to release decedent’s interest in the vehicle. Next the heir must sign their own name in seller’s section releasing their interest in the vehicle as well.
If title states J.T.W.R.O.S. (Joint Tenant With Right of Survivorship) under registered owner’s names – only a copy of the death certificate and the survivor’s signature is needed.
How do I release the liability?
In the state of Washington, the donor will release liability by completing the “Vehicle Report of Sale”. By completing this form, the donor is notifying the Washington Department of Licensing that the vehicle has been given or sold to another party. This may be accomplished by going online or in person at the local Department of Licensing Center.
*** YOU MUST COMPLETE WITHIN 5 DAYS OF DONATION*** YOU MUST FILL IN ALL FIELDS OR THEY WILL CONSIDER INCOMPLETE AND YOU WILL BE HELD LIABLE*** PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING IN THE BUYER SECTION:
Car Donation Foundation
5775 Wayzata Blvd STE 700
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Vehicle Report of Sale Form:
http://www.dol.wa.gov/forms/420062.pdf
Also, the donor should remove Washington license plates prior to donation and contact their DOL for instructions regarding the disposal process.
Will you take a vehicle that has mechanical problems?
YES, we will take a vehicle regardless of age or condition [1].
Please feel free to call us for questions at 1-855-492-9474. We can assist in providing you with your state required title documents. Click here to go back to our Title FAQ.
Check out our guide for all 50 states on if you can donate your car with no title.
[1] - Boats, RV’s, ATV, Campers or industrial equipment are taken on a case by case basis
