Donating a motorcycle is one of the simplest ways to support U.S. veterans while clearing a bike out of your garage. Whether you have a running touring bike, a sport bike gathering dust, or a project cruiser that never quite came together, motorcycle donations to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit are tax-deductible and pickup is free anywhere in the country.
This guide walks through what to expect from first contact through the tax receipt.
What Kind of Motorcycle Can I Donate?
Almost every type of street-legal motorcycle is accepted:
- Cruisers, touring bikes, and baggers
- Sport bikes and standards
- Adventure bikes and dual-sports
- Choppers and custom builds
- Vintage and classic motorcycles
- Trikes and reverse trikes
- Scooters and mopeds (larger displacement)
Condition is rarely a disqualifier. Non-running bikes, project bikes, bikes with cosmetic damage, and bikes that have sat in storage for years are accepted alongside clean, running motorcycles. The two things that matter most are that you have the title (or a workable path to obtain one) and that the bike is at a location where a pickup crew can reach it.
The Donation Process
The process usually breaks into four steps:
- Start the donation. Complete the short donation form with the motorcycle's year, make, model, and location. You'll describe the condition briefly — running, not running, missing parts, cosmetic issues.
- Confirmation. You'll receive confirmation that the donation is accepted, along with instructions for the title transfer.
- Free pickup. A pickup crew arranges a time with you. Motorcycles are typically loaded onto a trailer — you don't need a truck or any equipment on your end. Pickup is free in all 50 states.
- Tax receipt. After the motorcycle is sold, you'll receive an IRS-compliant tax receipt showing the sale price. This document supports your charitable deduction when you file your federal taxes.
Do I Need the Motorcycle to Run?
No. Bikes that have been parked for years, bikes with mechanical problems, and bikes missing parts are all accepted. The auction market for donated motorcycles absorbs vehicles across the full condition spectrum — running bikes go to riders, project bikes go to builders and restorers.
If your motorcycle is missing critical documentation or the title is lost, that can sometimes be worked around depending on your state's DMV rules. Mention it when you start the donation and you'll be pointed toward the right paperwork path.
Tax Considerations
Motorcycles are motor vehicles under IRS rules. That means for any donated motorcycle sold for more than $500, you'll receive IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes (About Form 1098-C), which shows the gross sale price. Your deduction is generally the gross sale price the charity receives.
If the motorcycle sells for $500 or less, you can deduct the lesser of fair market value or $500 without needing Form 1098-C.
You must itemize deductions on Schedule A to claim the charitable deduction. See our overview of Are Veteran Donations Tax-Deductible? for the itemization threshold and the general rules, and consult a tax professional for advice on your specific situation.
Where the Proceeds Go
Proceeds from vehicle donations support Salute Veterans Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 84-2016237) that funds programs and resources serving U.S. veterans. Veterans looking for help in their local area can find services through our sister site, .
Ready to Donate Your Motorcycle?
Motorcycle donation is fast, free, and supports veterans. If you're ready to move forward, start your motorcycle donation here and a coordinator will walk you through the next steps. You can also learn more about motorcycle donation at MotorcycleDonations.org.