Vehicle Donations

You can donate vehicles in 2 ways:
1. Donate your vehicle at one of our Thrfit Store -
 - The title must be Lien Free or provide a letter from the lender stating it's "clear and free".
 - You will need to bring the vehicle to the store itself.
 - You will need to bring the vehicle title.
 - You will need to provide your Social Security number(Federal Law since January 1ts, 2005).
 - You will be given a Possession Letter at the time the donation forms are completed.
 - A Sold Letter will be mailed to you after the vehicle is sold.

2. Donate your vehicle over the phone -
 - The title must be Lien Free or bring a letter from the lender stating it's "clear and free".
 - Please call our Communications Department @ 313.965.7760.
 - You will need the title infront of you when you call to provide information.
 - You will need to provide your Social Security number(Federal Law since January 1ts, 2005).
 - Once the forms are completed your vehicle will be picked up within 3 business days.
 - A Possession Letter will be presented by the tow truck driver.
 - A Sold Letter will be mailed to you after the vehicle is sold.

Buy a vehicle:
Currently The SEMI ARC does not sell the vehicle that are donated. All donations are taken directly to one of the many area auction locations and sold there.

Value of my donation:
The SEMI ARC will provide you with documentation stating the following:
 - Possession Letter at the time your donation is processed.
 - Sold Letter stating that your vehicle was sold and the amount it sold for. 
 - If your vehicle sells for more that $500 you will also get a federal tax form. 

FAQ:
Q. You the donor does not want to provide us your with your Social Security Number.
A. As of 1/1/2005 the Federal Vehicle Donation Law requires all vehicle donations be accompanied by a S.S.N. or the donation will not be accepted.

Q. You the donor has married or divorced and now has a different last name.
A. The donor must sign the title as how the name is printed on the front of the title.

Q. You the donor was given the title from a relative named on the title.
A. The donor must go to Secretary of State and transfer the title into their name before donating.

Q. The title still shows a Lien Holder.
A. The donor must provide a letter from the Lien Holder stating the vehicle is ‘clear and free’ or request a new title from Secretary of State before donating.

Q. The title is in 2 persons names.
A. Both persons on the title must sign the title.

Q. The vehicle is sitting in a police impound yard or garage.
A. We will not pick up the donation. There is payment due which means it technically has a lien on it.

Q. You the donor does not have the title.
A. The donor must register with Secretary of State to obtain a title before donating.

Q. You the donor donates at the end of the year and the vehicle doesn’t sell until the following calendar year.
A. As long as the donation was made prior to December 31st at midnight, the donor can claim the donation for the calendar year. The Federal Tax Form 1098-C will reflect the donation being made in December, although the selling time was in January.

Q. Donor wants to donate a vehicle in Flint.
A. We can only pick up vehicle in our service areas which are Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties.

Q. Can you the donor leave the keys and title in the car for the Salvation Army?
A. No, someone must be home to verify The Salvation Army took possession of the donation.