If you’re in Indianapolis staring at a car with no keys and no title, you are not stuck with it—and you don’t have to pay to get rid of it. With Indy Car Connect, you can still donate that vehicle, get a legitimate tax receipt, and help support Heritage for the Blind. The keys are not a deal-breaker. The title is the piece that has to be solved first, and we’ll guide you through it step by step.
Here’s how it works in Indiana: you’ll request a duplicate or replacement title from the BMV, usually for a small fee and a short wait. While that’s processing, we’ll help you make sure a tow truck can reach your car—whether it’s in a driveway in Broad Ripple, behind an apartment complex in Speedway, or tucked in a garage in Lawrence. Once the duplicate title is in your hands, you sign it over, we schedule free pickup anywhere in the Indy Metro, and our flatbed partner loads your keyless vehicle without you ever turning an ignition. You still receive a proper IRS-ready donation receipt.
How to get your free pickup scheduled
1. Confirm your car’s location and access in the Indy Metro
First, make sure a tow truck can physically reach the vehicle. Is it in a driveway in Irvington, a parking lot downtown, or a backyard in Warren Township? Note tight alleys, low garages, or HOA gates. When you contact Indy Car Connect, tell us exactly where it is and that you have no keys so we can plan for flatbed access from the start.
2. Apply for a duplicate Indiana title with the BMV
Next, start the paperwork that really matters: your duplicate title. In Indiana, you request a replacement title through the BMV—online, by mail, or at a local branch in places like Castleton or Southport. There’s usually a small fee and a 1–4 week processing time. Begin this step right away; the donation can’t be completed until you have that title in hand.
3. Keep us posted while the BMV processes your title
: While you’re waiting on the duplicate title, reach out to Indy Car Connect so we can open your donation file. We’ll note that the car has no keys and no title yet, and we’ll answer any Indiana-specific questions. As soon as your BMV paperwork updates or the new title arrives in the mail, you let us know and we move to scheduling pickup.
4. Schedule free keyless tow pickup anywhere in Indianapolis
Once your duplicate title arrives, we schedule your free pickup. This is where the missing keys are handled: we send a flatbed or suitable truck that can winch and load a non-running, locked, or keyless vehicle. Tell the dispatcher again that the car has no keys and describe the parking situation so we send the right truck the first time.
5. Sign over the title at pickup and hand off the vehicle
At pickup, you’ll sign the duplicate title over to complete the donation. Our towing partner verifies the VIN against the title, loads your car, and you’re done. You don’t need keys and the vehicle doesn’t have to start. After the tow, Indy Car Connect processes the donation on behalf of Heritage for the Blind and issues your donation acknowledgment and tax documentation.
6. Receive your tax receipt and finish any IRS forms
After your vehicle is sold, Indy Car Connect sends you a written tax receipt. You can generally claim at least up to $500; for values over $500, you’ll use IRS Form 1098-C with your taxes. Keep your title copy, tow confirmation, and our receipt together so your accountant—or tax software—has everything needed at filing time.
Potential complications to watch for
You must be the legal owner to get a duplicate title
Tip: The Indiana BMV will only issue a duplicate title to the legal owner on record. If the car is in a spouse’s, parent’s, or an estate’s name, you may need extra paperwork (like a power of attorney or estate documents). Check the BMV’s requirements before you go so you don’t make multiple trips.
Tight parking or blocked access can delay towing
Tip: A keyless car in a narrow Fountain Square alley, underground garage, or behind other vehicles may require special equipment or coordination. When you schedule with Indy Car Connect, be very specific about gates, clearance, and obstacles. Clear what you can ahead of time so the tow truck can reach and safely load your car on the first visit.
Out-of-state titles or moves can add a step
Tip: If the last title was issued in another state but the car is now in Indianapolis, you may need to work with that state’s DMV for a duplicate before donating. Tell us where the vehicle was last titled, and we’ll outline the right order: out-of-state duplicate first, then donation pickup in the Indy Metro.
Liens or loans on the vehicle must be released
Tip: If there’s still a lien listed on the vehicle record, the BMV may not issue a clean duplicate title until the lender releases it. Check any old loan paperwork or contact the lender. Getting a lien release letter now will prevent surprises later and keep your donation moving forward without last-minute delays.