Apply for a free car with Free Car Foundation
Veterans are welcome to apply to our program. Our application is free, takes about 5 minutes and never asks for your Social Security number or bank details.
Other programs that accept veterans
1-800-Charity Cars (Free Charity Cars)
Working poor families, domestic violence survivors, veterans and military families, people with medical needs, disaster victims and transitional shelter residents.
Cars 4 Heroes
Veterans, active-duty military members, first responders and their families — and in some cases civilians in need.
NABC Recycled Rides
Families and individuals nominated by a local nonprofit — often veterans, single parents and people overcoming hardship.
The VA automobile allowance
Veterans with certain service-connected disabilities — such as loss of use of a hand or foot, or severe burn injuries — may qualify for a one-time payment toward a vehicle, plus an adaptive equipment grant for modifications. Apply through the VA using form VA 21-4502. Details and current amounts are on VA.gov.
Tips to improve your chances
- Have your DD-214 or proof of service ready
- If you have a qualifying service-connected disability, look at the VA automobile allowance and adaptive equipment grant first — they are entitlements, not lotteries
- Ask local VFW or American Legion posts about Recycled Rides nominations
- Apply to Cars 4 Heroes and 1-800-Charity Cars at the same time
What to do while you wait
Free cars are rare and waitlists are long. Most families combine an application with a backup plan: repair help for a car they already have, grants and low-interest car loans, or government transportation help. Read what a donated car really costs before you are selected.
More help that fits your situation
- Wheelchair van and vehicle modification grants
- Free rides to VA and medical appointments
- Car payment help (including SCRA)
- Car repair assistance
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