Abandoned and Stolen Vehicle Impounds

Abandoned Vehicles Reported Stolen

After recovery by a law enforcement agency, the legal owner of a stolen vehicle will be notified where his/her vehicle is being stored and will be instructed to obtain a Letter of Release from a DMV Office in order for the vehicle to be released from impound. The vehicle owner should follow the applicable procedures regarding proof of ownership, proper registration, etc.; however no impound or fee should be charged. If the registration has expired, a 15-day temporary permit will be needed to complete the required safety and emission inspections.

Note: Before a stolen vehicle is released, the owner must present legal picture ID, along with ownership papers. If the vehicle has changed ownership, all title registration requirements must be met.

Abandoned Vehicles/Possible Theft

Some impounds do not require an impound release fee, such as abandoned vehicles considered to be possibly stolen.