Vehicle Donation FAQ — Your Questions Answered

Everything you need to know about donating a vehicle to A Good Shepherd, Inc. in Montgomery County, Maryland. Can't find your answer? Call us at (301) 355-9333.

About the Donation Process

How do I donate a car to A Good Shepherd?

It takes three steps:
(1) Contact us by phone at (301) 355-9333, by email at ags@agsh.org, or through our online donation form
(2) We schedule free towing from your home, workplace, or wherever the vehicle is located — at no cost to you.
(3) We handle all Maryland MVA title transfer paperwork, and you receive your IRS tax-deductible receipt within 30 days.

Is vehicle pickup really free?

Yes, completely free. We arrange towing at no charge from anywhere in Montgomery County, Maryland, including Gaithersburg, Rockville, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Germantown, and surrounding areas.

How long does the donation process take?

Most donations are completed within 3–5 business days from your initial contact to pickup. We work around your schedule.

Do I need to be present when the vehicle is picked up?

You do not need to be present as long as we have arranged access to the vehicle and have received the signed title.

What happens to my car after I donate it?

Unlike most national vehicle donation programs, we do not sell donated vehicles at auction. Your car is inspected by our ASE-certified master mechanics, repaired to road-ready condition, and placed directly with a vetted low-income family in Montgomery County, Maryland — at no cost to the recipient. Every placed vehicle includes a Maryland State inspection certificate, a 90-day warranty (select vehicles), and a one-year AAA membership.

Vehicles We Accept

What types of vehicles do you accept?

We accept virtually any vehicle: cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, motorcycles, boats, RVs, campers, and more. We accept vehicles in any condition — running or not.

Do you accept cars that don't run?

Yes. We accept non-running vehicles. Whether your car has a dead battery, a blown engine, or has been sitting for years, contact us and we will work out pickup arrangements.

Do I need a title to donate my car in Maryland?

Maryland requires a valid Certificate of Title to transfer vehicle ownership. If you have lost your title, you can apply for a duplicate through the Maryland MVA. We can guide you through this process — call us at (301) 355-9333.

Can I donate a car with a lien on it?

If there is an outstanding loan on the vehicle, the lien must be released before the title can be transferred. Contact your lender to obtain a lien release document. Once the lien is cleared, we can proceed with the donation.

Tax Deduction Questions

Is my vehicle donation tax-deductible?

Yes. A Good Shepherd, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all vehicle donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You will receive written documentation of your donation within 30 days.

How much can I deduct for donating my car?

The amount depends on how the vehicle is used after donation and its value. Because we place vehicles directly with families rather than selling them at auction, different IRS rules may apply compared to auction-based programs. See our full Tax Deduction Guide for details, and consult your tax advisor for guidance specific to your situation.

When will I receive my tax receipt?

We provide written acknowledgment of your donation within 30 days of the vehicle transfer.

About A Good Shepherd

Is A Good Shepherd, Inc. a legitimate nonprofit?

Yes. A Good Shepherd, Inc. is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, a Maryland MVA-licensed charitable dealer, a member of Maryland Nonprofits, and a member of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce. We are also Dun & Bradstreet verified.

Are you the same organization as Auted, Inc.?

Yes. A Good Shepherd, Inc. is the renamed organization formerly known as Auted, Inc. We updated our name to better reflect our mission of serving as a resource and support for families in need. Our mission, team, and commitment to Montgomery County remain the same.

What area do you serve?

We serve Montgomery County, Maryland exclusively. This focus allows us to ensure every vehicle goes to a qualifying family right here in our community — including residents of Gaithersburg, Rockville, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Germantown, Olney, and all surrounding areas.

How can I volunteer or partner with A Good Shepherd?

We welcome certified mechanics, administrative volunteers, towing providers, and partner social service agencies. Visit our Volunteer and Partners pages or call us at (301) 355-9333 to learn more.