Guides

All Guides

Every Free Car Foundation guide, organized by what you need. Not sure where to start? Read how to get a free car or apply now.

Last verified: · By the Free Car Foundation Editorial Team

Free Car Foundation volunteer handing car keys to a smiling new car owner

Getting a free car

Apply

Free 5-minute online application

Eligibility

Requirements and priority groups

Our program

From donated car to new owner

How to get a free car

Eligibility, programs and backup options

Donated cars

Where donated cars go and how to get one

Church car programs

Car ministries and church help

Real cost of a donated car

Budget before you are selected

FAQ

Quick answers to common questions

Money, loans and insurance

Car grants

Grants, incentives and nonprofit loans

Government car help

TANF, WIOA, VA and more

Car payment assistance

Avoid repossession and lower payments

Bad credit car loans

Nonprofit loans, credit unions and red flags

Low-income car insurance

Cheaper coverage on a tight budget

Gas assistance

Free gas cards and fuel help

Repairs and getting around

Car repair assistance

Keep the car you have on the road

Emergency repair help

Fast help when your car breaks down

Driver's license help

Get or reinstate your license

Free medical rides

Medicaid, VA and senior ride programs

Free car seats

Free and low-cost car seats

Wheelchair van grants

Funding for accessible vehicles

Owning a car

Car title transfer

Title, tax and registration steps

Cheap reliable used cars

Buying a used car under $5,000

Buy a car with no credit

Safe ways to finance with no credit

Car maintenance on a budget

Prevent costly breakdowns

Help for your situation

Single moms

Free car programs for single mothers, how to apply, what a donated car…

Veterans

Car programs for veterans, military families and first responders, plu…

People with disabilities

Car and transportation help for people with disabilities, including vo…

Seniors

Car programs and transportation help for seniors on a fixed income, in…

Low-income families

Legitimate free car programs for low-income families, eligibility rule…

Domestic violence survivors

Car and transportation help for domestic violence survivors: priority …

Foster youth

Transportation help for current and former foster youth: independent l…

College students

Car and transportation help for college students: emergency aid funds,…

Nurses and teachers

Car help for nurses, teachers and essential workers: credit union auto…

Formerly incarcerated people

Transportation help for people returning from incarceration: reentry p…

Donating a car

Donate a car

Tax rules and choosing a charity

Car donation tax deduction

The $500 rule, Form 1098-C and more

Staying safe

Scam alerts

Warning signs and how to report

"You won a car" texts

How it works and what to do

Government car voucher scam

What is real and what is not

More help for low-income families

Free government phone

Lifeline phone and smartphone help

Free government iPhone

The honest answer about free iPhones

Free tablets & laptops

Government and nonprofit device help

Directories

Programs

All verified programs in one place

By state

Local programs and help in your state

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.