How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute donation form or call Heritage
Begin by completing Tennessee Auto Legacy’s simple online donation form, which usually takes about two minutes. You can also call Heritage for the Blind directly if you prefer to talk through the process before committing. You will be asked for basic contact details, the vehicle location in the Knoxville Metro, and information such as year, make, model, mileage, and condition. Cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and some other vehicles may qualify. You do not need to know the vehicle’s value before you start, and there is no fee to submit your donation request.
A coordinator calls back within 1–2 business hours
After your form is submitted, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1–2 business hours to confirm the details and schedule your free pickup. This is your chance to ask practical questions, such as whether the vehicle needs to run, where to place the keys, or how title signing works in Tennessee. The coordinator will verify the pickup address, whether that is your home, workplace, apartment lot, repair shop, or family property in places like West Hills, Sequoyah Hills, Oak Ridge, or Maryville. You choose a pickup window that works for your schedule.
Free pickup is scheduled at your Knoxville-area location
In most metro areas, a licensed tow truck can arrive the same day or the next business day, depending on location, availability, and scheduling. Pickup is free, whether the vehicle is running or not. The tow driver will come to the location you approved with the coordinator, such as a driveway, curbside parking spot, storage lot, mechanic’s shop, or office parking area. Before the driver leaves, you will sign the Tennessee title over at pickup. Having the title, keys, and a valid photo ID ready helps the appointment move quickly.
Your vehicle goes to auction or a parts reseller
Once the vehicle is picked up, it is transported to an appropriate sales channel, usually an auction or parts reseller. The goal is to convert the donated vehicle into proceeds that can support the nonprofit mission. You do not have to attend the sale, negotiate with buyers, arrange repairs, or handle towing bills. Tennessee Auto Legacy and Heritage for the Blind manage the post-pickup process for you. The final sale amount depends on factors such as condition, age, mileage, market demand, and whether the vehicle is sold whole or for parts.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind’s mission
After the vehicle sells, the net proceeds are directed to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) charity, EIN 58-2164446. Your donation helps fund programs and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage also connects people with helpful benefit resources, including SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and related support options. If you or someone you know wants to check possible benefit eligibility, visit nhftb.org/finder. Donating through Tennessee Auto Legacy turns an unwanted vehicle into meaningful support without requiring you to sell it yourself.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
The full donation process typically takes about 2–6 weeks from your initial form to the mailed tax documentation, depending on pickup timing and how quickly the vehicle sells. If the vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind will mail IRS Form 1098-C for your records. If it sells for $500 or less, you will receive a written acknowledgment. Keep the receipt with your tax files and consult a tax professional about your specific deduction. There is no cost to you for the tow, processing, or receipt.
Key facts about car donation
Pickup is free for donors throughout the Knoxville Metro, with no towing fee at any step.
A coordinator typically calls within 1–2 business hours after your online form is submitted.
Same-day or next-business-day towing is available in most metro areas, depending on scheduling.
You sign the vehicle title over at pickup, so prepare the title, keys, and photo ID.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446.
Vehicles over $500 receive Form 1098-C; vehicles $500 or under receive written acknowledgment.