- Do make sure you have the title to your vehicle. A charity should not accept your donation without a title. To obtain a duplicate title visit your local Registry of Motor Vehicles branch or visit them on the web at www.massrmv.com.

- Do take responsibility for transferring the title at the time of donation. On the back side of your title, you should assign the title to the charity, enter the correct mileage from the odometer, and sign and date the form. Be sure to make and keep a copy of both sides of your title.

- Do contact the Public Charities Division of the Attorney General's Office if you think an organization is illegally posing as a charity or using deceptive advertising to solicit donations.

- Do not donate to organizations that avoid talking about their charitable purpose or refuse to send you information about their organization.

- Do not donate to charitable organizations that are not registered with the Public Charities Division of the Attorney General's Office. (Note: Religious organizations, the American Red Cross, and some veterans organizations are not required to register with the Attorney General.)

- Do not be fooled by ads that promise "Full Blue Book Value" if your car is in a poor or inoperable condition. Since most "Blue Books" only value cars that are in running condition, the Blue Book figure may not accurately reflect your car's fair market value.

- Do not assign your title to the towing company or the commercial company that picks up or receives your car. An assignment of title should be made only to the charity.

Charities accepting car donations:

www.specialkidsfund.org
Donate your car and benefit children


www.carprogram.com
One of America's largest car donation center

www.texascarsforkids.org
Promotes second chance education for at-risk youth

www.lifecars.com
Support the kidney and urology foundation

www.donateacar2charity.com
Free nationwide pickup

www.donate-car-for-charity.com
Donate your car, boat, truck or motor home

Now for those of you buying another car, whether it is new or used, be sure to check the automobile lemon laws in your state.