Apply for a free car with Free Car Foundation
Michigan residents can apply to the Free Car Foundation program online. Our application is free, takes about 5 minutes and never asks for your Social Security number or bank details.
The short answer
In the Detroit area, Vehicles for Change operates a program that provides repaired donated cars to working families. Elsewhere in Michigan, start with national charities and local Community Action Agencies.
Local and state programs in Michigan
| Program | Who it helps | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicles for Change | Low-income working families referred by a partner agency, who need a car to keep or get a job. | Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C. area and Detroit, Michigan |
National programs that accept Michigan applicants
| Program | Who it helps | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1-800-Charity Cars | Working poor families, domestic violence survivors, veterans and military families, people with medical needs, disaster victims and transitional shelter residents. | All 50 states |
| Cars 4 Heroes | Veterans, active-duty military members, first responders and their families — and in some cases civilians in need. | Nationwide |
| NABC Recycled Rides | Families and individuals nominated by a local nonprofit — often veterans, single parents and people overcoming hardship. | Nationwide, through participating collision repair shops |
| Salvation Army | Mainly domestic violence survivors, families in serious financial crisis and people experiencing homelessness. | Varies by local branch |
| Working Cars network | Anyone looking for a nonprofit car-ownership program near them. | Nationwide directory |
| Ways to Work loans | Working parents with low income or poor credit who need a car for work. | Selected communities through local partner agencies |
Government help in Michigan
The federal government does not give away cars, but Michigan's cash assistance program, Family Independence Program (FIP), can sometimes pay for work-related transportation such as repairs, gas or a vehicle for people in work programs. Ask your caseworker directly. Workforce (WIOA) offices can also help with transportation while you are in job training. Learn more in our government car help guide.
Car repair assistance in Michigan
If you already own a car that needs work, repair help is usually faster than waiting for a free car. In Michigan, start with:
- Your Family Independence Program (FIP) caseworker — ask about work-related transportation and repair funds
- Local Community Action Agencies, the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and churches
- Workforce (WIOA) offices if you are in job training
- Community college automotive programs for low-cost repairs
Car broke down today? See emergency car repair assistance. More: car repair assistance guide · gas assistance · car payment help.
Title transfer and registration in Michigan
Titles and registration in Michigan are handled by Michigan Secretary of State. If you receive a donated car, you will usually need the signed title, a bill of sale or donation receipt, proof of insurance and your ID. Ask whether Michigan exempts donated or gifted vehicles from sales tax — some states do. Step-by-step help: how to transfer a donated car's title and the real cost of a donated car.
Car insurance requirements in Michigan
Michigan requires at least $50,000 bodily injury liability per person, $100,000 per accident and $10,000 property damage liability (often written 50/100/10). Michigan is a no-fault state, so personal injury protection (PIP) is also required.
See low-income car insurance in Michigan for ways to pay less.
Driver's license help
Need to get or reinstate a license before you can receive a car? Read driver's license help for low-income drivers.
Call 211
Dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Michigan to reach a free, confidential helpline that can point you to local transportation, gas and repair programs.
Nearby state guides
Free car programs in Ohio · Free car programs in Indiana · Free car programs in Wisconsin · All states