Real-Time Donation Status

Track Your Donation

Enter your reference number to see exactly where your vehicle is in the donation pipeline — from pickup through auction sale to IRS Form 1098-C delivery.

Format: CHK-XXXXXXXX (from your donation confirmation email)

Donation Status

What every donation step looks like

From the moment you submit, here's the full lifecycle of a Cars Helping Kids vehicle donation. Most donations move through all 6 stages in 60-120 days.

1

Submitted

You completed the donation form (or called). We have your vehicle details and pickup ZIP.

Day 0
2

Pickup Scheduled

Our towing partner confirmed the appointment with you. You know the date and approximate time window.

Day 1-3
3

Title Transferred · Vehicle Picked Up

The flatbed arrived. You signed the title over. The vehicle left your driveway.

Day 2-7
4

At Auction

The vehicle is on the auction lot waiting for sale day. Retail auction for running vehicles; salvage auction for non-runners or branded titles.

Day 7-30
5

Sold

Auction completed. We received the gross proceeds. The exact sale price is locked in for your IRS Form 1098-C.

Day 30-60
6

IRS Form 1098-C Mailed

Within 30 days of sale, your IRS Form 1098-C is mailed to the address you provided. That figure becomes your federal tax deduction.

Day 60-90

Don't have a reference number?

Your reference number is in your confirmation email (subject: "Got it — pickup is being scheduled · Cars Helping Kids"). If you can't find it, call 770-871-9422 or text the same number. Provide your name and ZIP and we'll pull up your record.

Why we built donation tracking

Most charity vehicle-donation programs make donors guess what's happening between "we picked up your car" and "here's your tax receipt 90 days later." We don't. You get an email when each milestone happens, and you can check live status here any time using your reference number.

Frequently asked questions

How long until my donation is fully complete?
Most donations move from submission to IRS Form 1098-C in hand in 60-120 days. Metro pickups happen within 24-48 hours; auction sales typically take 30-60 days; the 1098-C mails within 30 days of sale.
What if my vehicle is taking longer than expected?
Rural pickups, specialty vehicles (RVs, yachts), and certain states' title processes extend timelines. If you've been waiting more than 14 days for pickup confirmation, or 90 days for 1098-C after pickup, call 770-871-9422 — we'll investigate.
Can I get an email update at each step?
Yes. By default, you receive email notifications at each milestone using the email address from your donation form. If you're not getting them, check spam, or contact us — we'll resend.
Can I look up a donation made by a family member?
For privacy, the lookup is by reference number only. Family members who have the reference number can check status. For ownership transfers (e.g., handling a deceased parent's donation), contact us directly and we'll work with the executor.

Donating for the first time?

Get a reference number in 60 seconds via our online form.

Donate Now → Call 770-871-9422