Do I need a running car to donate it in Maryland?

No. A Good Shepherd, Inc. accepts vehicles in any condition — running or not, with or without current registration or inspection. The only requirement is that you hold the title.

Is my car donation tax-deductible in Maryland?

Yes. A Good Shepherd, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (IRS EIN on file). All vehicle donations are tax-deductible. Because we place vehicles directly with qualifying families rather than selling at auction, many donors may deduct the vehicle's fair market value under IRS Publication 526, Section 170(e)(3). Consult your tax advisor for your specific situation.

How long does car donation pickup take to schedule?

Most pickups in Montgomery County, Maryland are scheduled within 3–5 business days of your donation submission. Call (301) 355-9333 for urgent requests.

Who receives my donated car?

Your vehicle is placed directly with a vetted low-income family or individual in Montgomery County, MD at no cost to them. Recipients receive the vehicle with a Maryland state inspection certificate, up to a 90-day warranty on select vehicles, and AAA membership.

What areas does A Good Shepherd serve for vehicle donation?

We provide free vehicle pickup throughout Montgomery County, Maryland, including Gaithersburg, Rockville, Germantown, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Wheaton, Aspen Hill, Potomac, Olney, Montgomery Village, Clarksburg, and Damascus.

Can I donate a car without a title in Maryland?

A title is generally required to transfer vehicle ownership in Maryland. If you've lost your title, we recommend requesting a duplicate from the Maryland MVA. Contact us at (301) 355-9333 and we can guide you through the process.

Vehicle Ownership Program for Low-Income Families

If you or your family live within the DC/Maryland/Virginia (DMV) area and are facing transportation challenges, A Good Shepherd, Inc. may be able to help. Through our Vehicle Ownership Program, we provide donated vehicles — fully inspected, repaired, and ready to drive — to qualifying low-income individuals and families completely free of charge.

Smiling child leaning on car window at sunset

What You Receive

This is not a loan program. Qualifying recipients receive:

A road-ready vehicle at no cost — no purchase price, no financing
A Maryland State inspection certificate
A 90-day warranty on select vehicles
One year of AAA membership
Full MVA title transfer compliance — the vehicle is legally yours

Who We Serve

A Good Shepherd serves working adults, single-parent households, individuals transitioning from public assistance or foster care, veterans, and seniors — exclusively within DC/Maryland/Virginia (DMV) area. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, national origin, or immigration status.
Transportation is often the single greatest obstacle preventing low-income individuals from accessing employment, healthcare, education, and independence. A reliable vehicle changes that.

Man handing groceries to woman by pickup truck

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the Vehicle Ownership Program, applicants generally must:

Reside within DC/Maryland/Virginia (DMV) area.
Meet income eligibility guidelines for low-income households
Hold a valid driver's license
Demonstrate a genuine need for transportation — for employment, medical care, education, or family responsibilities
Be able to maintain vehicle insurance and basic operating costs

We evaluate each application individually. Meeting these general criteria does not guarantee vehicle placement — we match available vehicles with applicants on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply

Complete our online Vehicle Request form to begin the application process
Share your current transportation situation and explain how a vehicle would support your stability and self-sufficiency
Our team will review your application and may reach out to discuss your needs in more detail
Once approved, we'll contact you as soon as a suitable vehicle becomes available
Before receiving the vehicle, you'll need to provide a valid driver's license and proof of insurance

There is no application fee, and the entire process is handled confidentially, with dignity and respect.

How Long Is the Wait?

Availability depends entirely on donations from the community, and we do our best to match applicants with available vehicles as quickly as possible. The best way to check on current availability is by emailing us at ags@agsh.org.

Why Transportation Changes Lives

Research shows that low-income families with reliable vehicle access experience measurably higher wages, better access to healthcare, and greater long-term financial independence.
For a single parent working to hold down a job, get to a medical appointment,
or bring a child to school, a working car isn't a luxury — it's a lifeline.
Every vehicle we place is a direct investment in a family's ability to build a better future.

Additional Transportation Resources in Montgomery County

Ride On (Montgomery County bus service) — rideontransit.com
Vehicles for Change Maryland — vehiclesforchange.org (requires agency referral; low-cost purchase model)
211 Maryland — dial 2-1-1 for referrals to local transportation assistance programs
Montgomery County DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services) — may have additional emergency transportation resources

Contact Us

A Good Shepherd, Inc.
2 Professional Drive, Suite 229, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
Phone: (301) 355-9333 | Email: ags@agsh.org
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM