We understand that you might be concerned about donating your vehicle if its registration has lapsed for over a year. Rest assured, an expired registration does not prevent you from donating your vehicle to Great Lakes Givers. As long as you hold the title in your name and the vehicle's VIN is clear, you can still proceed with the donation.
It’s important to note that while you don’t need to renew the registration before donating, you will need to surrender your license plates to the DMV separately. Our team will take care of any storage or towing needs during this process, making the donation experience as seamless as possible.
How to make it happen
Gather your paperwork
Ensure you have the vehicle title ready, clearly showing your name as the owner. You’ll also need to note the VIN. Don’t worry about the expired registration; it won’t affect your eligibility.
Contact Great Lakes Givers
Reach out to us via our website or phone. We will guide you through the donation process and can answer any questions you may have, including those regarding the lapsed registration.
Complete the release of liability
Fill out the release of liability form to inform the DMV that you are transferring ownership of the vehicle. This is crucial to protect you from any future liabilities related to the vehicle.
Surrender your license plates
Make sure to surrender your plates to the DMV or destroy them according to state guidelines. This step is important for proper documentation and to avoid any issues down the road.
Schedule pick-up or towing
Once everything is set, our team will arrange for towing or pick-up of your vehicle, even if it has been sitting unused. You don’t need to worry about back-registration fees or storage issues.
Common gotchas
Donor may think registration must be renewed first
Tip: Remember, your expired registration isn’t a blocker for donation. The title is what matters. Don’t spend time or money renewing it before donating.
Confusion about plate surrender
Tip: Make sure to either surrender your plates to the DMV or destroy them according to local guidelines. This protects you from potential liabilities.
Missing paperwork
Tip: Ensure you have the vehicle title when contacting us. If it’s lost, you can request a duplicate from the DMV before proceeding with the donation.
If this path doesn't fit
If donating your vehicle isn’t feasible because of more complex issues like a lien on the title, you still have options. Consider selling the vehicle privately or exploring local trade-in options. Additionally, you can contact a local charity that may assist with the re-licensing process before a donation.
Michigan DMV specifics
In Michigan, you will need to handle the plate surrender through the DMV. If your title has a lien, get a lien release from the lender before donating. The DMV may require specific paperwork for expired registrations, but our team at Great Lakes Givers can assist you with these details to ensure everything is processed correctly.