CAN'T AFFORD TO RENEW YOUR LICENSE PLATE?
Department of State Information Center
Phone: 888-767-6424
30-DAY & 60-DAY TEMPORARY VEHICLE REGISTRATION PERMITS
The Secretary of State doesn't like people knowing this is an option, but it IS an option! If you can't afford to renew
your annual license plate tabs (vehicle registration), visit any Secretary of State branch and get a temporary (paper)
plate until you can afford it. You don't need a reason to get a temp plate; you just need valid proof of insurance.
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It's $30 for a 30-day temp plate; $50 for a 60-day temp plate. It's not economical long-term, but it sure beats the con-
sequences of getting pulled over on expired plates! You can continue to get temp plates every 30 or 60 days (depend-
ing on which you get) until you can afford to renew your regular plate. Just be sure to do it before each temp plate expires! Once you have enough to pay for your regular plate renewal, visit any Secretary of State branch, give them
the temp registration (so they can cancel it) and renew your regular plates as you normally would. Be sure to bring
your previous registration, renewal form, or provide them with your plate number. AND bring valid ID and payment.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING AT REPOSSESSION:
To the person facing car repossession. See if a dealership will buy your vehicle for the cost of paying off your loan.
A dealer may be able to negotiate a better price with your lender than you can, such as reversing late fees. They will
also pay you if your vehicle is worth more than you owe. If you sit around waiting for repo, your vehicle will be auc-tioned off for next to nothing, and you’ll still owe the remainder of the debt plus the cost of the repo, tow fees and so
on.
A NEW WAY TO RENT A CAR......OR USE YOUR CAR AS A MONEY MAKER
GETAROUND
A new peer-to-peer marketplace for renting cars from private citizens that is 100% digital. Getaround® is an app-
based car sharing platform that enables guests to find, book, and unlock nearby vehicles.
NEED HELP OBTAINING A VEHICLE?
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
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PROGRAM RULES:
- Auto Purchase up to $5000 (new, higher limit!)
- Auto Repairs up to $900 per 12 months
Apply at the Department of Human Services that serves your community. Tell your worker you would like to apply for DIRECT SUPPORT SERVICES.
- Public transportation must NOT be reasonably available
- You must have the ability to afford any payments and car insurance
- You must have a valid driver's license
- You currently do NOT own a unusable car
- A car inspection by a LICENSED mechanic will be needed
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AUTO REPAIRS: The repair is expected to make the vehicle road worthy and safe and the vehicle is needed to
retain / obtain employment or for activities to prepare for employment (cannot be disabled). Total cost of repairs
is $900 or less (or difference is paid by customer) including repairs covered in the last 12 months and cost of
repairs does not exceed the value of the vehicle.
- You must own your own vehicle (lease cars qualify if you have more than 12 months left in the lease).
- You must have a valid driver's license.
- The repairs will make the vehicle safe & roadworthy including new tires or headlamps.
- An ESTIMATE of the car repairs will be needed before application is put in.
NOTE:
DHHS may assist with the License and Registration Fees Through the ESS program:
Include, but are not limited to, transportation, special clothing, tools, physical exams, vehicle purchases, vehicle
insurance and vehicle repair. ESS may be authorized by MDHHS or PATH program. When needed to obtain, main-
tain, or enhance a person’s employment when it has been verified that funds are not available from other sources.
Examples:
One-time work-related expenses such as:
- Payment for license fees (vehicle, trade certification)
- Purchase of professional tools
- Vehicle inspection, sales tax on vehicle purchases, estimate or towing
CARS 4 VETS
8716 Fisher
Yale, MI
Phone: 810-304-0100
Cars 4 Vets is an amazing non-profit that provides fixed up or donated vehicles to Veterans in need.
LORI'S VOICE (handicap accessible van giveaway)
PO Box 66
Coopersville, MI 49404
Website:
A Michigan nonprofit organization that has been helping children with limited mobility for a decade has launched
a handicap accessible van giveaway. Lori’s Voice, based in Ottawa County, will be giving away a brand-new wheel-
chair accessible van every three months to families in Michigan. Those eligible must have a child under the age of
21 who has a neurological or degenerative disease that has caused mobility challenges. The program is only open
to Michigan residents.
WMUZ Radio
12300 Radio Dr.
Detroit, MI 48228
Phone: Main Line: 313-272-3434 Phone: Studio Line: 313-838-1035
WMUZ Radio does a Pay It Forward segment in the morning and they often have folks help out with transportation,
as well as other issues.
Mother Waddles Car Donation Program
1700 W. Hamlin Suite #203
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
Phone: 313-WADDLES (313-923-3537)
Facebook:
Please be aware that there is a "copy-cat" organization that uses Mother Waddles name and organization info....
this is the original organization!
Charity Motors
Administrative Office:
407 Wekiva Springs #201
Longwood, FL 43779
Phone: 800-242-7489
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10431 Grand River Ave.(between Livernois & Oakman)
Detroit, MI 48219
Phone: 313-255-1000
Email: info@800charitycars.org
Used car auction held Saturdays at noon. Register the week before, M-S from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Need to bring
proof of income and valid driver's license. Charity Motors accepts vehicles for donation and sells them AS IS
to low-income individuals and others in need of transportation. Vehicles are available for sale to qualifying in-
dividuals at cost ranging from $100 to $1000. Individuals who qualify may also be eligible for a further reduction
in cost, depending on income..... families can get a 50% price reduction!
St. Vincent dePaul
3000 Gratiot
Detroit, MI 48207
Phone: 313-393-2930 877-788-4623
Has car auctions....call for more information!
FRIENDS IN DEED
1196 Ecorse
Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Phone: 734-485-7658
Transportation Services:
Is lack of reliable transportation preventing you from getting to work or medical appointments? We offer car
repair assistance, gas, tags, registration, bus rides, and more for county residents who qualify. All requests
for car repair will require you to provide a valid drivers license, proof of insurance, and current registration.
Document drop offs must be arranged by appointment.
We Pass On Used Cars for Free:
Need a car? Contact our Helpline to discuss the program and your potential eligibility.
How to Apply:
For more information and to apply, call our Help Line at 734-484-4357. It’s open Monday through Friday, from
9:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Document drop-offs must be arranged by appointment.
Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan
1921 W. Michigan Ave.
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Phone: 734-544-0015 800-482-3041
The Emergency Financial Assistance Program is available to consumers who find themselves in a temporary
financial emergency. The funds can be accessed for such items as food, utility bills, rent, and car repair for
individuals whose bleeding disorder impacts their income. For those affected by hemophilia, von Willebrand,
other coagulation disorders, hepatitis, HIV or AIDS & whose bleeding disorder impacts their income.
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Grant Assistance is dependent on:
1. Severity of the need
2. Ability of applicant to change his/her financial standing
3. Status of the Financial Aid Fund
4. Applicant must not have received financial aid from HFM in the past 12 months
5. Requests may come directly from the applicant or from the applicant's hemophilia treatment center
Chaldean Community Foundation
30095 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 101
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Phone: 248-851-1200
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3601 15 Mile
Sterling Heights, MI 48310
Phone: 586-722-7253
Chaldean Loan Fund:
Provides low-interest loans to help refugees purchase a car (funded through community donations).
Vehicles for Change
4111 Washington Blvd.
Halethorpe, MD 21227
Phone: 410-242-9677
Keys to Progress
Since 2013, Progressive has been honoring veterans with vehicle donations through the Keys To Progress
program. So far, we’ve donated more than 600 vehicles to veterans and veteran organizations. The one-day vehicle giveaway event happens every November and is a strong source of pride for everyone who works
here. Employees across the country of military men and women facing tough circumstances—from difficult
personal and family health needs to excessive rent burdens, unemployment and homelessness.
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Every November, we host a one-day vehicle giveaway event for veterans at various Progressive offices and
authorized vehicle repair facility locations across the United States. Counting this year, we will have donated
more than 600 vehicles to veterans and veteran organizations since 2013. Applications are reviewed starting
in May of each program year and recipients are typically selected and contacted by September 30th per year.
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If you are a veteran and have interest in being a Keys to Progress program vehicle recipient you need to apply
through a non-profit organization (e.g., charity, military association like a Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post,
Veterans Administration (VA) hospital, etc.) and meet specific criteria. (Visit the website for more detailed infor-
mation.)
Veterans In Crisis
PO Box 2028
Traverse City, MI 49685
Phone: 231-493-6717
Military Warriors Support Foundation
211 N. Loop 1604 E #25
San Antonio, TX 78232
Phone: 210-615-8973
Who Can Apply:
1. Must be a combat wounded veteran (Purple Heart recipient given priority) from any American conflict
2. Must be honorably retired or separated from the military. (Those with compelling situations, whom are
less than 90 days from retirement or separation may be considered)
3. Must be able to obtain vehicle insurance
4. Must not have more than 1 vehicle loan
Vets Returning Home
17955 E Eleven Mile
Roseville, MI 48066 |
Phone: 586-285-5606
Serves Michigan veterans with a car donation program.
for possible more programs to help!
BUSINESSES OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT MAY HELP REPAIR YOUR VEHICLE!
If you are a D.H.S. client OR qualify to receive help from them, see the information at the top of this webpage!
There is an auto repair program for those that qualify!
Check for car recalls regularly!!
Low-Income Auto Repair
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Revive Auto Repair
2888 E. Maple
Troy, MI 48083
Phone; 248-817-5370
We are a proud service provider of Michigan's First Low-Income Auto Repair Program. The Low-Income Auto
Repair Program is here to help individuals & families with low-income, maintain the mobility they need to stay
Auto Zone Loan-A-Tool Program
One of the best ways to save money on car repairs is by borrowing tools. That’s right: You don’t have to sink
a few hundred bucks into Home Depot. Do your research and find a spot that lends you those tools for free.
Remember, the keyword is lend. If you want car tools around forever, you’ll have to buy your own. But if you’re
doing some quick maintenance, AutoZone loans out over 100 specialty tools through its Loan-A-Tool Program.
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Our Loan-A-Tool® program is loaded with specialty tools for all automotive jobs.
Choose from more than 100 tools to get the job done right. Any AutoZoner in our stores can help you choose
the right tool and grab it for you from behind the counter. We ask for the purchase price of the tool as a dep-
osit, and once you're done with its use, bring the tool back for a full refund- keep it as long as you like!
Auto Zone
Phone: 248-960-4212 OR your local store
Auto Zone provides the use of tools needed to make your own auto repairs as well as instructions. A returnable
deposit is required to check out tools. Check it out on their website under "Repair Help".
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If the "Check engine light" is ON, AutoZone employees will do a free scan of the diagnostic port and give you
a printout of the fault codes. They will also check batteries, starters and alternators for you.
AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Firestone Complete Auto Care also offer free battery checks. It’s especially
easy to get this done at AutoZone. To find the nearest location, head to AutoZone’s website and enter your ZIP
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Oh, and AutoZone will also charge your battery for free! This process also works for free starter and alternator
tests.
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AutoZone also looks for signs that your car’s inner components are failing. To test the alternator, head to a
nearby AutoZone for a free check. If you want your starter tested, remove it and bring it to AutoZone. The team
will quickly check it — and you don’t have to pay a dime for the service.
Brightmoor Free Store / Redford Brightmoor Iniative / Outer Drive United Methodist Church
Brightmoor Campus:
12065 Outer Dr. W.
Detroit, MI 48223
Phone: 313-326-4947
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Redford Campus:
10000 Beech Daly
Redford Charter Twp., MI 48239
Phone: 313-326-4947
We now have a VOLUNTEER MECHANIC at our Brightmoor location on 2 Saturday mornings each month!
The mechanic tops up fluids, inspects cars as needed, answer questions and provides support needed to
ensure that our clients have safe and reliable transportation. We are hoping to expand this program over
the next few years –to include small repairs, oil changes, and providing assistance for our clients when
they are looking to lease or purchase a vehicle.
Open Door Outreach Center
Admin. Building
7170 Cooley Lake Road
Waterford, MI 48327
Phone: 248-360-2931
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Open Door provides financial assistance, referrals to other collaborative nonprofits and emotional support
to families experiencing emergency utility or housing needs, as funding permits. We meet with people and
learn they are often facing evictions, utility shutoffs, car breakdowns or medical problems. When funding is
available, we provide people with support-and we also collaborate with many other church partners to secure
additional funding to prevent a crisis. In addition, we help with referrals to other area services.
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We service families in Waterford, White Lake, West Bloomfield, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake,
Commerce, Walled Lake, Wolverine Lake and parts of Wixom. Referrals from other agencies are also accepted.
Hospitality House Food Pantry
2075 E. West Maple Suite B204
Commerce Twp., MI 48390
Phone: 248-960-9975
What is Pit Stop?
Pit Stop is a grant-based car repair program with limited funding. Please note that funding may not be available
at the time of your application. Interested persons may call the pantry to inquire if funds are available.
Am I eligible to receive help?
HHFP may authorize vehicle repairs for existing eligible clients for a vehicle that is the primary means of trans-
portation, even if public transit is available. An existing eligible client is someone who has received HHFP food distribution or housing services within the last 90 days AND has been a recipient of pantry services for longer
than 30 days. Please note that prior approval is required before assistance is authorized.
The following conditions must be met:
1. The person must be an Oakland County resident
2. An eligible client owns the vehicle
3. The client requesting the service has a valid driver’s license
4. The repair is expected to make the vehicle safe and roadworthy including new tires, headlamps,
batteries, etc.
A lease vehicle may be repaired for a client when there is at least 12 months left in the lease agreement.
Authorizations for any vehicle purchased within the last 60 calendar days is prohibited. HHFP only provides
assistance for car repairs. Towing or other related auto expenses such as gas, license plate tags, auto insur-
ance are ineligible.
Macomb Charitable Foundation
18215 24 Mile
Macomb, MI 48042
Phone: 586-232-3473
The Macomb Charitable Foundation exists to help children living at or below poverty level in Macomb Co.
Our goal is to alleviate the suffering of children and their families by providing financial assistance for items
such as but not limited to; food, clothing, personal care items, rent / utility assistance, vehicle repair, educa-
tional assistance and when available personal & spiritual mentoring.
Mott Community College Auto Service Repair Center
Automotive office in the Regional Technology Center
401 E. Court
Flint, MI
Phone: 810-762-0575
Drivers who need some auto repairs again have a low-cost option available at Mott Community College. Mott's
Automotive Department is reopening its student service garage to the public beginning Feb. 13. The garage
closed to the public in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mott students gain on-the-job skills by working on
vehicles under guidance from instructors, who all are ASE Certified mechanics. They can work on most vehicles
from the 2013 to 2023 model years. The student garage charges $10 per vehicle per day for inspection, diagnosis
and repairs. Drivers only pay for the cost of parts being installed.
Neighborhood House
1720 S. Livernois
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Phone: 248-651-5836 #0 Ask for a Case Manager
The Neighborhood House has received funds from the United Way to assist with car repair for those who have
been impacted by the COVID-19 shutdown.
Saline Area Social Services
1259 Industrial Dr.
Saline, MI 48176
Phone: 734-429-4570
Our mission is to help our struggling neighbors within the Saline Area School District by providing them
the extra aid, tools and resources to help improve their lives. Limited emergency assistance with car repairs.
Tone Up for Tune Ups
Covenant Presbyterian Church
21575 W. Ten Mile
Southfield, MI 48075
Southfield Residents Only - One time assistance with car repairs
Requirements:
1. Official letter from employer giving proof you are working at least 20 hours per week
2. 2 quotes from licensed auto mechanics
3. Letter explaining your circumstances and why you need help with your car repairs
For more information contact:
Rhonda Terry
Southfield Human Services
Phone: 248-796-4542
Southeast MI Pull Over Prevention Clinic
We are a group of community members that organizes regular free auto repair events to help folks avoid
unnecessary and dangerous interactions with police and immigration. Watch for these events on the above
Facebook page OR on the Julie's List Facebook page!
Utica United Methodist Church
8650 Canal
Sterling Heights, MI 48134
Phone: 586-731-4490 #230 to schedule a time
The Free Oil Change Opportunity is available for those individuals without any requirement for them other
than to respond by scheduling and keeping an appointment on the day the Free Oil Changes are available,
typically on the last Saturday in September, each year. Check this websites Facebook page for the flyer!
If you live in Washtenaw County, please see Friends Indeed above!
FREE PLACES TO GET AIR IN YOUR TIRES & OTHER MAINTENANCE FREEBIES
Most gas stations charge anywhere from $1.50 to $2.50 for five minutes of compressed air, usually payable
by credit card or the random spare change hiding under your floor mats. But wouldn’t free air be even better?
Luckily, a handful of gas station chains, tire shops and other locations offer free air pumps as a way to draw in customers.
Discount Tire:
With over 1,000 locations in 35 states, Discount Tire is one of the largest independent tire shops in the country.
Any driver can pull up to a Discount Tire to check their tire pressure and top it up with free air at no cost.
Warehouse Clubs:
Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club offer free tire pressure checks and air for your tires — if you’re
a member. Both of these chains have numerous locations across the country, many of which are equipped with
tire shops. Members get to enjoy other car maintenance perks too, including free tire balance and rotation at
Sam’s Club:
Firestone Complete Auto Care:
Firestone Complete Auto Care — with more than 1,700 locations nationwide — will give you a free tire inspection,
check your tire pressure and refill your tires at no cost. They’re hoping you’ll opt for a tire rotation or a new set
of spark plugs while you’re there — but there’s absolutely no obligation to buy anything.
Goodyear Auto Services:
Like Firestone, Goodyear is a tire manufacturer with hundreds of service stations across the country. These
competitors share another similarity: Free air for your tires. Pull in to any Goodyear Auto Service shop, and a
technician will check your PSI and bring your tires to the right pressure. They’ll even look for leaks and other
tire damage while they’re at it.
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Some oil change companies also offer free air for tires, including Pep Boys. Others, like Jiffy Lube, may air up
your tires for free when you get your oil changed.
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Welcome to FreeAirPump.com, an ever-growing list of places that provide free air for tires.
Are you fed up with paying $0.75 to $2.00 just to fill up one of your tires? Think it’s ridiculous to have to swipe
your credit card to get access to something that should be free? FreeAirPump.com provides a crowd-sourced
For bicyclists, you can also find numerous bike repair stations or stand-alone bike pumps listed.
WAYS TO SAVE ON AUTO REPAIRS!
Many local Colleges, High-School and Technical Schools / Consortiums have programs where the students
work on cars to get the experience they need! Call around to your local schools and you may very well find
a FREE or very low-cost program to take advantage of & provide needed learning experiences for students!
Not sure if your mechanic is giving you a fair estimate? Head to https://repairpal.com where you can com-
pare the quote to industry standards. Just enter the make and model of your car, as well as your location,
and the free site gives you a reasonable fee range, breaking it down by parts and labor. That way you can
sure you're getting the best deal!
mechanic. Response time varies but for a small donation (any amount you choose), your question will be
the advice and you're get a response, often within minutes, from a certified mechanic.
There are car problems that only the pros should repair BUT many others such as replacing oil, headlights,
air filters and hoses, can be done in your own driveway without any prior auto-repair knowledge. For easy-
instantly get full details describing how to do it yourself!
WAYS TO SAVE ON PARTS FOR DO-IT-YOURSELFERS!
See if your area has a business like this!
Parts Galore
East Side:
11360 E. 8 Mile
Detroit, MI 48205
Phone: 313-245-2944
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West Side:
5970 W. Warren
Detroit, MI 48210
Phone: 313-361-6764
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Downriver:
14533 Telegraph
Flat Rock, MI 48134
Phone: 734-782-3347
Bring your own tools and remove the parts from a selection of 2,500 vehicles. Must be 16 or over! Also
has a "Big Truck" Section featuring commercial trucks, one-ton and larger, including stake trucks, dump
trucks, cube vans, RV's and semi-trucks.
WHEN YOU NEED INEXPENSIVE TIRES!
TIRE EXPRESS (New and Used Tires)
Main Administrative Number: 734-799-2884
5 Locations!
24599 Gibraltar
Flat Rock, MI 48134
Phone: 734-783-0100
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27375 Eureka
Taylor, MI 48180
Phone: 734-799-1283
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15915 Woodward Ave.
Highland Park, MI 48203
Phone: 313-305-3522
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Ecorse, MI
Phone:
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8022 Livernois
Detroit, MI 48204
Discount Tires
30720 W. 12 Mile (Orchard Lake and 12 Mile)
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Phone: 248- 737-7812
A good place to take cars for service and they might give clients used tires for free.
