How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute form or a call
Begin by completing AutoLift's quick online donation form or calling Heritage for the Blind directly. You will share basic details: your name, contact information, New Mexico pickup address, vehicle year, make, model, condition, and whether you have the title. You do not need to know the vehicle's value, and it is okay if it is not running. Donors from Nob Hill, North Valley, Corrales, Los Lunas, Santa Fe, and beyond can start the same way. Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446.
A coordinator confirms details and schedules pickup
After you submit the form, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1-2 business hours. The coordinator confirms the vehicle location, asks a few simple questions, and helps schedule a free pickup time that works for you. In most New Mexico metro areas, including Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, and Farmington, pickup may be available same-day or the next business day. If your vehicle is in a rural area, the coordinator will still work to arrange the earliest available licensed tow service.
Free towing comes to your New Mexico location
A licensed tow truck arrives at the address you choose, such as your home, workplace, apartment complex, storage lot, repair shop, or a family member's driveway. The tow is free, and you do not pay dispatch fees, mileage, or removal charges. Please have the keys and title ready if available. At pickup, you sign the title over according to New Mexico requirements, then the driver loads the vehicle. If you have questions before signing, ask the coordinator so you feel confident before release.
Your vehicle is moved for resale or parts
After pickup, the vehicle is transported to an auction location, reseller, or parts channel based on its condition and marketability. Running cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, motorcycles, and some specialty vehicles may be offered for resale, while non-running or damaged vehicles may be directed to a parts reseller. You do not need to handle repairs, advertising, buyer calls, test drives, smog issues, or negotiations. AutoLift and Heritage for the Blind's donation processing partners manage the vehicle after release.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
Once the vehicle sells, the net proceeds are directed to Heritage for the Blind to help fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage for the Blind is a qualified 501(c)(3) charity, EIN 58-2164446, so eligible donors may be able to claim a tax deduction if they itemize. Heritage also helps connect people with benefit information, including SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and related programs. Donors or families curious about eligibility resources can visit nhftb.org/finder.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the sale
After the vehicle sells, your tax documentation is mailed to you. If the vehicle sells for more than $500, you will receive IRS Form 1098-C. If it sells for $500 or less, you will receive a written acknowledgment. The full donation process, from initial form to final tax receipt, typically takes about 2-6 weeks depending on pickup timing, sale processing, and mail delivery. Keep the receipt with your tax records, and ask a tax professional how the deduction may apply to your return.
Key facts about car donation
The online donation form usually takes about two minutes to complete from anywhere in New Mexico.
A coordinator typically calls within 1-2 business hours to confirm details and schedule free towing.
Same-day or next-business-day pickup is often available in major New Mexico metro areas.
You sign the vehicle title over at pickup, then the licensed tow driver removes the vehicle.
Tax receipts are mailed after sale: Form 1098-C over $500, acknowledgment for $500 or under.
There is no cost to donate, tow, process, or sell your vehicle through AutoLift.