SHiFT® FAQ
Are all vehicles eligible for the SHiFT program?
We strive to accept every vehicle presented to the program but not every vehicle will be eligible for SHiFT. If your vehicle is not eligible, we are happy to review the best environmentally-conscious alternatives with you.
Is SHiFT available everywhere?
Not yet! If SHiFT is not in your area we may be able to offer other environmentally responsible options to donate your vehicle to.
What if my vehicle isn't running or is in poor condition?
Your vehicle does not have to be running. We accept non-running, damaged and totaled units. In most cases your vehicle should be whole and have four inflated tires so it can be moved by our towing operators.
Can I still offer my vehicle if the engine is missing?
If your engine is missing then your vehicle will be ineligible for the SHiFT program; your vehicle may likely still be of interest to our charity partner, ARTI. We will do our best to find the most environmentally-friendly solution for your vehicle.
What if I can't find my title?
If you can’t find your title, you may still be able to send your car through SHiFT. In some cases we may need to apply for a duplicate through your respective state. SHiFT will help you with this process.
Who is Advanced Remarketing Services (ARS)?
ARS is an organization that specializes in the management of low value and end-of-life vehicles, by connecting them directly to domestic licensed auto recyclers. ARS’s 20 years of experience powers SHiFT’s recycling partner network, helping end-of-life vehicles reach only the best auto recyclers, and who guarantee the best environmental outcome.
Why should I choose SHiFT?
SHiFT has committed to responsibly recycling your vehicle through our partnership with the Automotive Recyclers Association and participating recyclers. Ownership of your vehicle will be transferred through the Auto Recycler Training Institute to ensure dismantling follows a specific set of environmental protocols from start to finish. The vehicle will be sold in an arms-length transaction for commodity value only. 100 percent of net proceeds from your donation will support the important work of the Auto Recycler Training Institute., a 501c3 which works to train the industry on the best environmental practices of auto recycling. To learn more about the process and SHiFT’s impact, please continue to explore our site.
Will I receive a tax deduction?
By choosing to donate your vehicle through the SHiFT Vehicle Retirement Initiative™ you may be eligible to receive a tax deduction. By opting into this program you are choosing to support the best environmental outcome for your vehicle and forgo any tax benefits available above $499.
What are my costs?
There are no costs to you or the Automotive Recycling Training Institute.
How do I get started?
It has never been easier! Navigate to our donation page and begin the intake form.
How long will it take you to pick up my vehicle donation?
All vehicle donations are processed as quickly as possible. Typically, we will pick up your vehicle within 2 or 3 days. Special arrangements can be made if a car donation must be made quickly.
How should I prepare for pick up?
Once you submit the donation form, a towing agent will call you to schedule a pick up time. Before your car is picked up, we ask that you remove all personal belongings from the vehicle and the car be in a tow accessible location. On the day of pick up, you’ll hand over the car keys and signed title to the tow driver.
What do I do with my license plate?
It depends on the state. The confirmation email that you received after you submitted your donation will specify your state’s policies. Click here to see your state’s license plate return policy.
What happens to my vehicle when it goes through the SHiFT program?
Your vehicle will be transported to one of our many SHiFT partners. The partner will begin the recycling process following program protocols to safely and sustainably recycle your car. For more on this process, please visit our page on auto recycling.
What happens to my vehicle if I don't go through the SHiFT program?
If your car is ineligible for SHiFT or you choose not to utilize this program we will funnel you into our more traditional car donation process. The proceeds will then be returned to the charity of your choice.
Can I track my car through the SHiFT process?
Yes. Once SHiFT has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation email with details about accessing your Donor Console. The Donor Console will allow you to track SHiFT through the end of the process so you know exactly where your vehicle ends up!
When should I cancel my insurance?
You should cancel your car insurance after the vehicle has been picked up. Please do this AFTER you have notified your state that you donated your car.
When will I receive a tax receipt?
Within 30 days of the sale of your vehicle, we will email you a tax receipt.
Do I notify the DMV that I donated a vehicle?
These states require the donor/owner of the vehicle to fill out and submit a Release of Liability form AFTER your car has been picked up: Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Washington. The tow driver or program vendor cannot report this to the state on your behalf. Failure to submit these forms will result in fines from your state.
How much of the money generated by the sale of my vehicle goes back to charity?
With strict limits on selling the engine, your vehicle value is significantly lower than market price and will be sold directly to a recycler for commodity value. The Automotive Training Institute will receive 100% of the net proceeds of the sale price.
How do I know my vehicle is in good hands once it has been picked up?
We use a fully licensed and insured national transportation network that complies with all federal and state regulations. By signing the title directly to Advanced Remarketing Services, our authorized agent, you are legally transferring ownership of your vehicle. When your title is received and your vehicle is picked up, you are no longer responsible for the vehicle.
How do I transfer my title?
In general, when selling or donating a vehicle you must complete the section of the title labeled “assignment of title by owner” or “transfer of ownership by seller”. There are typically one or more sections of the title dedicated to dealer reassignments which should be left blank.
In the “assignment of title by owner” or similar section, any fields that require information about the seller/owner/transfer agent are asking for information about you. When the title asks for the sellers name you would either print or sign your name exactly as it appears on the title where you are listed as the owner. Most states require that all owners listed on the title must print and sign their name when transferring ownership.
Any fields that require information about a buyer/purchaser/transfer agent are asking for information about the person you are selling or donating the vehicle to. This section should never, under any circumstances, be left completely blank as this can lead to abuses and liability for you.
What if the vehicle isn't registered in my name?
The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name. The name on the title and the name on registration documents often differ. But you must have legal authority to start SHiFT. Contact our processing center at 1-877-957-2277 for more information.
How do I know my title is a clear transferable title?
The title must be in your name and all liens must be released. If there is a lien listed on your title it must be signed off on the title or you must provide a separate lien release document.
You must sign as the seller per our title instructions (which will be listed on the thank you page after you complete your vehicle donation or e-mailed to you if you donated a car over the phone).
My name has changed since the car has been titled, how do I sign?
You must sign the title as it is shown on the front of the title. If you do not, the title will be void and you may need a correction form or duplicate title.
My title is signed over to someone else. Can I cross it off and write Advanced Remarketing Services? Or use the next section?
This depends, please call us.
There are two (2) people listed on the title, do both of us need to sign?
Yes. If there are 2 owners listed on the front of a title, the majority of the time, both people will need to sign as seller. If there is an ‘or’ in between the names, only 1 signature is required.
The title is a deceased person's name, how do I complete the transfer or title?
Different states require different paperwork. Usually, this involves a copy of the death certificate, executor rights paperwork, and the signed title. Please call us to confirm what is needed in your state.