How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute donation form or a quick call
Begin by completing Ride Revive's short online car donation form or by calling Heritage for the Blind directly. You will provide basic information about the vehicle, such as year, make, model, approximate condition, location, and whether you have the title. Donors across Denver Metro can start from home, work, a repair shop, an apartment garage, or even a relative's driveway. You do not need to know the vehicle's value, and it does not have to be running. This first step simply gives the team what they need to plan the free pickup.
A coordinator calls back within 1-2 business hours
After your form is submitted, a donation coordinator will usually call back within 1-2 business hours to confirm details and answer your questions. This is the moment to mention access instructions, parking restrictions, HOA rules, apartment gate codes, or whether the vehicle is in a tight alley in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Highland, Baker, or Washington Park. The coordinator will help schedule a pickup time that works for you and confirm what you should have ready. The call is straightforward, friendly, and designed to make the next step easy.
Free pickup is scheduled at your Denver Metro location
In most metro areas, a licensed tow truck can pick up the donated vehicle the same day or the next business day, depending on driver availability and your schedule. Pickup is available throughout Denver and surrounding suburbs such as Aurora, Lakewood, Westminster, Commerce City, Broomfield, Parker, and Golden. The tow is free, even if the vehicle will not start. At pickup, you sign the title over as instructed, remove your personal belongings, and hand the paperwork to the driver. You do not pay the driver anything.
Your vehicle is moved to auction or a parts reseller
Once the vehicle is picked up, it is transported to an appropriate sale location, often an auction or parts reseller. The best route depends on the vehicle's condition, age, mileage, and market demand. A running SUV in Lakewood may be handled differently than a non-running sedan in downtown Denver or a damaged pickup in Aurora, but the goal is the same: turn your donated vehicle into proceeds for the charity. You do not need to attend the auction, negotiate with buyers, or coordinate any of the sale details.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle sells, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage for the Blind uses donated vehicle proceeds to help fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. The organization also connects eligible individuals with benefit resources, including SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and related support programs. Donors or families who want to check possible benefit eligibility can visit nhftb.org/finder. Your old, unused, or unwanted vehicle becomes a practical way to support a mission that matters.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
After the sale is complete, your tax receipt is mailed to you. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, you will receive IRS Form 1098-C. For vehicles that sell for $500 or less, you will receive a written acknowledgment. The entire donation process typically takes about 2-6 weeks from initial contact to receipt, depending on pickup timing and how quickly the vehicle sells. Ride Revive and Heritage for the Blind keep the process clear, so you know what to expect without having to chase paperwork.
Key facts about car donation
Donating through Ride Revive costs you nothing, including towing, scheduling, and vehicle sale handling.
Most Denver Metro pickups can be scheduled same-day or next business day, based on availability.
You sign the vehicle title over at pickup, then the licensed tow driver removes the car.
Vehicles over $500 receive IRS Form 1098-C; vehicles $500 or under receive written acknowledgment.
The typical timeline from donation start to mailed tax receipt is about 2-6 weeks.
Benefit eligibility resources are available at nhftb.org/finder for SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, and more.