We understand that having a vehicle with expired registration can be concerning, especially if it’s been sitting in your driveway or barn for over a year. Many donors worry if they need to renew their registration before donating. The good news is that if you have a clean title in your name, the expired registration won't stop you from donating your vehicle to Alaska Wheels Forward.
In Alaska, only the title and VIN matter for the donation process. You don’t need to worry about paying back-registration fees to donate, and we can handle storage and towing during the lapse period. Just follow our simple steps, and you’ll be able to give your vehicle a new lease on life while supporting our mission.
How to make it happen
Confirm Title Ownership
Make sure you have the clean title to your vehicle in your name. This is the most crucial document needed for the donation process.
Complete a Release of Liability
Fill out a release of liability form to protect yourself from any future responsibilities related to the vehicle after donation.
Contact Alaska Wheels Forward
Reach out to us to schedule your vehicle donation. We will arrange for towing or storage if needed and guide you through any necessary paperwork.
Surrender Plates to DMV
If you have not already, surrender your expired license plates to the DMV. Alternatively, you can destroy and recycle them, depending on your preference.
Complete Donation Process
Finalize the donation process with Alaska Wheels Forward to ensure all paperwork is completed correctly. You’ll receive a receipt, which may be useful for tax deductions.
Common gotchas
Not Completing Release of Liability
Tip: Donors often forget to fill out the release of liability form. This step is vital to ensure you're no longer responsible for the vehicle after donation.
Ignoring Plate Surrender
Tip: Donors sometimes overlook the requirement to surrender their plates. Make sure you handle this separately to avoid complications.
Believing Back-Registration is Needed
Tip: Many donors mistakenly think they must renew or pay back-registration to donate. Rest assured, you do not need to do this.
If this path doesn't fit
If your situation makes donating your vehicle difficult, you may consider selling it privately or recycling it. There are also local junkyards that might offer to pick up your car for cash. If you're unsure about any of these options, feel free to reach out, and we can help guide you through the process.
Alaska DMV specifics
In Alaska, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allows for the surrender of plates that have been expired for over a year. You can submit the release of liability at your local DMV office. Remember that lien releases are required if there is a loan on the vehicle, and you may need to ensure that all documentation is handled according to state regulations.