Verified car assistance, nationwide

Find a free car program you can trust

Free Car Foundation gives donated cars to people who need reliable transportation. Apply online in about 5 minutes — free, with no fees and no SSN required.

Last verified:

Smiling volunteer handing car keys to a senior woman beside a silver SUV donated through Free Car Foundation
Free to apply5-minute online application
Nationwideapply from any U.S. state
$0 feeswe never charge or ask for SSNs

Find help in your state

Choose your state to see local programs, government transportation help and repair assistance.

How our free car program works

Simple, free and honest — from application to keys.

1Apply online in 5 minutes
2We review your application
3We match you with a donated car
4Register, insure & drive

Start your application → · How our program works

More help while you wait

Free cars are rare, so we show every realistic route — not just one.

Free car programs

Charities like 1-800-Charity Cars and Cars 4 Heroes — who qualifies and how to apply.

Car repair assistance

Already have a car? Repair help is often faster than waiting for a free one.

Car grants & loans

State incentives and nonprofit car loans that build credit.

Government help

TANF, workforce and VA programs that can pay for transportation.

More ways to get a car

Improve your chances by applying to other programs too. Each guide covers eligibility, real costs and current status.

1-800-Charity Cars (Free Charity Cars)

All 50 states

Working poor families, domestic violence survivors, veterans and military families, people with medical needs, disaster victims and transitional shelter residents.

Vehicles for Change

Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C. area and Detroit, Michigan

Low-income working families referred by a partner agency, who need a car to keep or get a job.

Good News Garage

Vermont and parts of New England

Low-income working adults who need reliable transportation to get to work, often through state welfare-to-work programs.

Cars 4 Heroes

Nationwide

Veterans, active-duty military members, first responders and their families — and in some cases civilians in need.

NABC Recycled Rides

Nationwide, through participating collision repair shops

Families and individuals nominated by a local nonprofit — often veterans, single parents and people overcoming hardship.

Wheels from the Heart

Check the official site for current service areas

Families in need of reliable transportation.

See all 12 programs →

Free car scams are everywhere. Here's how to stay safe.

  • Real programs never charge a fee to apply
  • No legitimate charity asks for your SSN or bank details by text or Facebook
  • You cannot "win" a free car you never entered for
  • The government does not run a free car voucher program

Read our scam alerts · "You won a car" texts · Government car voucher scam

Woman checking her phone with a warning sign, a protective shield and a crossed-out car

Honest answers before you apply

How to get a free car

A step-by-step plan, from checking eligibility to backup options.

What a "free" car really costs

Title, tax, registration and insurance usually add up to $500–$1,500 or more.

Free car FAQ

Wait times, eligibility, reapplying and what to do if you are turned down.

What people are saying

Hear from people who explored Free Car Foundation's vehicle assistance program.

I contacted Free Car Foundation to learn more about its vehicle assistance program. Understanding the eligibility requirements and application process helped me see what steps I could take to explore transportation assistance.

Michael TurnerOhio

I was researching transportation assistance and wanted to understand what options might be available. The information about Free Car Foundation's vehicle assistance program helped me understand the requirements and what to consider before applying.

Sarah MitchellGeorgia

I wanted to find out whether I might qualify for vehicle assistance. Learning about Free Car Foundation's eligibility criteria and application requirements gave me a clearer understanding of how to explore the program.

James CooperArizona

Having reliable transportation can make everyday responsibilities easier to manage. I appreciated learning about Free Car Foundation's vehicle assistance program and understanding how its application process works.

Patricia WilsonMichigan

I was exploring options for improving my transportation situation and contacted Free Car Foundation for information. Learning about the program requirements and application steps helped me understand the available options.

Anthony BrooksPennsylvania

I wanted to learn more about transportation assistance for my household. The information about Free Car Foundation's vehicle assistance program helped me understand the eligibility requirements and how to explore the application process.

Rebecca CollinsMissouri
Older couple handing their car keys to a charity volunteer, with a heart above the car

Have a car you no longer need?

Donate it to Free Car Foundation and it can get a parent to work or a veteran to medical appointments — and you may qualify for a tax deduction.

Donate your car →

Need a car to get to work?

Apply to the Free Car Foundation program today. It is free, takes about 5 minutes and never asks for your SSN or bank details.