Direct Answer
World Aid Network does not currently collect donated vehicles. If you want your car to help, you can sell it yourself or through a dealer, tell the DVLA, and donate some or all of the proceeds by card. Some other charities use vehicle-collection partners; check who collects the car and what share the charity receives.
Many UK households have a car, van or motorcycle they no longer use. Giving its value to charity is a generous idea, and there are two common ways to do it: sell the vehicle and donate the money, or use a charity's vehicle-collection scheme where one exists.
World Aid Network does not currently run a vehicle-collection scheme or work with a collection partner. This guide explains how car donation generally works in the UK, the paperwork involved, and how to give the proceeds of a sale to our work: eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and emergency relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Does World Aid Network collect donated cars?
No. We do not currently collect vehicles, arrange auctions or work with a vehicle-donation partner. Please do not send us a V5C logbook or arrange a handover in our name.
If you would like your car to help, the simplest route is to sell it and donate some or all of the proceeds by card on our donate page, as a one-off or monthly gift.
Donate the proceeds by cardHow do charity car donation schemes usually work?
Charities that accept vehicles usually work with a specialist collection company. The company collects the vehicle, sells it at auction or sends it to an authorised treatment facility for recycling, and passes an agreed share of the proceeds to the charity.
Before you use any scheme, ask who collects the vehicle, whether collection is free, how the vehicle is sold, what fees are deducted and what share reaches the charity. Ask for written confirmation of the amount the charity received.
Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief
Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card.
DonateWhat paperwork is involved when you sell or give away a car?
When a vehicle changes hands you must tell the DVLA. You can do this online at gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle, using the details on the V5C logbook.
If the vehicle has outstanding finance, such as a hire purchase or PCP agreement, it usually belongs to the finance company until the agreement is settled, so you cannot sell or donate it first.
Once the DVLA knows you are no longer the keeper, any full months of vehicle tax left are refunded automatically. Contact your insurer to cancel or transfer your policy.
Does Gift Aid apply to a car donation?
Gift Aid applies to gifts of money from UK taxpayers to charities recognised by HMRC. It does not apply to the gift of a vehicle itself.
Gift Aid is not currently available on any gift to World Aid Network, including money from the sale of a car, because our CIO application (5290505) is pending and HMRC recognition is a separate later step.
What would the proceeds contribute to at World Aid Network?
Gifts contribute to our two charitable objects: eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot afford it, and emergency food, water, shelter and seasonal relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia.
About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation, supplied by a consultant ophthalmic surgeon. It is not a fixed price, so we do not convert a car's sale value into a number of operations.
Where your money goesKey takeaways
- World Aid Network does not currently collect donated vehicles or work with a vehicle-donation partner.
- You can sell your car and donate some or all of the proceeds by card, once or monthly.
- Tell the DVLA online when a vehicle changes hands, and settle any outstanding finance first.
- If you use another charity's collection scheme, ask what fees are deducted and what share the charity receives.
- Gift Aid does not apply to the gift of a vehicle, and it is not currently available on any gift to World Aid Network.
Give to eye surgery, cancer treatment or disaster relief
Eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay, and relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Give once or monthly by card.
Frequently asked questions
Can I donate my car to World Aid Network?
Not as a vehicle. We do not currently collect cars, vans or motorcycles. You can sell the vehicle and donate some or all of the proceeds by card on our donate page.
How do I donate my car to charity in the UK?
Check whether the charity you want to support runs a vehicle-donation scheme, usually through a collection company. Ask how the vehicle will be sold, what fees are deducted and what share the charity receives, and keep written confirmation of the amount.
Do I need to notify the DVLA when I give away my car?
Yes. You must tell the DVLA when a vehicle changes hands. You can do this online at gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle. Until the DVLA is told, you remain the registered keeper.
Can I donate a car that still has outstanding finance?
Usually not. A car on hire purchase or PCP normally belongs to the finance company until the agreement is settled, so you need to pay it off before you can sell or donate it.
Does Gift Aid apply to a car donation?
No. Gift Aid applies to gifts of money, not to the gift of a vehicle. Gift Aid is also not currently available on any gift to World Aid Network while our CIO application is pending.
What will money from my car contribute to?
Gifts contribute to eye surgery and cancer treatment for patients who cannot afford it, or emergency relief after disasters, in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. About £200 is our planning estimate for one cataract operation; it is not a fixed price, so we do not convert a car's value into a number of operations.
Published by World Aid Network. Check the original sources and their dates. General information is not individual medical, legal or tax advice. Our editorial policy explains responsibility and corrections.
What are the sources for this guide?
Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. Background references explain the need; they are not evidence of WAN fundraising or delivery.