Donating your vehicle can feel daunting, and it’s perfectly reasonable to have questions about what happens once you hand over your keys. At Revive Auto, we prioritize transparency and are committed to guiding you through each step of the donation process.
This page outlines the entire journey of your donated car, from the moment of pickup to when you receive your tax receipt. We believe that understanding this process can help alleviate any concerns you may have, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and accountability.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Revive Auto is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity.
- Vehicles sold at auction have their sale price reported on the 1098-C.
- Donors can claim fair market value deductions for vehicles used in our programs.
- You can verify our status via the IRS Pub78 Tool and Charity Navigator.
- Revive Auto is registered with the Minnesota Attorney General's Office.
- We provide transparent financials through our Form 990 available for public review.
- Complaints can be filed with the Minnesota Attorney General's Office if necessary.
How it works, step by step
Pickup (Day 0)
Your donation starts with a hassle-free pickup. Schedule a convenient time for our team to collect your vehicle, at no cost to you.
Transport to Auction Lot (Days 0-5)
After pickup, we transport your vehicle to our secure auction lot, ensuring it is safeguarded until it undergoes inspection.
Inspection + Title Verification (Days 3-10)
Our team performs a thorough inspection and verifies the title, ensuring all necessary paperwork is correct and in order to proceed with sale.
Auction Listing (Days 7-21)
Once inspected, your vehicle is listed at auction. We aim for maximum visibility to achieve the best price possible for your donation.
Sale (Days 14-45)
The auction period runs for several weeks, and once your vehicle sells, we finalize the transaction to distribute proceeds.
Proceeds Distribution (Days 30-60)
After the sale, we allocate funds to support our charitable programs. This process typically occurs within 30 to 60 days post-sale.
1098-C Receipt Mailed (Days 30-60)
Your 1098-C tax receipt will be mailed to you within 30 days of the sale, allowing you to claim your deduction accurately.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS Pub78 Lookup
How: Check our charity status on the IRS Pub78 tool by entering 'Revive Auto' to confirm our 501(c)(3) designation.
✓ Charity Navigator
How: Visit Charity Navigator to see our ratings, financial health, and transparency rankings, ensuring you’re donating to a reputable organization.
✓ Attorney General Registry
How: Verify our registration and compliance with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office by reviewing their charity registry for added assurance.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: Access our Form 990 through websites like GuideStar or the IRS to review our financials and operations, ensuring transparency.
✓ Better Business Bureau
How: Search for Revive Auto on the Better Business Bureau website to see our ratings and any consumer reviews or complaints.
Real impact, real numbers
Revive Auto leverages donations to provide transportation assistance for individuals in need throughout St. Paul. In the past year alone, we have helped over 200 families with reliable transportation, facilitating access to jobs, education, and critical services. Your donation has the potential to change lives, with vehicle proceeds directly funding these vital programs and creating an estimated $250,000 in community impact.
St. Paul oversight
As a proud member of the St. Paul community, Revive Auto operates under the oversight of the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, ensuring compliance with state laws governing charitable organizations. If you ever have concerns, you can file a complaint with the AG's office. Additionally, local consumer protection resources are available to assist with any inquiries about ethical donation practices.