Impounds
The proper storage, accounting, release or sale of impounded vehicles/vessels is an important DMV function.
Customers with an impounded vehicle can be serviced without a scheduled appointment at any DMV office location.
Law enforcement officers may impound vehicles or vessels for:
- Abandonment;
- Driving under the influence (DUI);
- Improper, expired or no Utah registration;
- Exhibition driving; or
- Revoked registration due to lack of insurance and for other offenses such as drug-related crimes.
The proper storage, accounting, release or sale of impounded vehicles/vessels is an important DMV function. The DMV helps ensure:
- Stolen vehicles are recovered;
- Vehicles necessary as evidence for criminal prosecution are not released prematurely;
- Impounded vehicles are released to their proper owners, only after proper registration and payment of fees;
- Released vehicles are not subsequently advertised for auction.
Customers with an impounded vehicle can be serviced without a scheduled appointment at any DMV office location.
When a Vehicle May Be Held In Impound
An impounding agency (such as law enforcement) may request that a vehicle held as evidence in a criminal case not be released without the impounding agency first giving written authorization for the release.
Who Can Retrieve Impounded Vehicles?
Impounded vehicles and/or boats may only be released to:
The registered owner: The registered owner must provide valid ID in order to obtain a release.
Person representing registered owner: The owner’s representative must have a statement signed by the owner authorizing release to the named representative.
Registered lienholder: The lienholder must provide a copy of the title or security agreement that shows the lien. The representative for the lienholder must provide verification indicating that they are an employee of the lienholder and are authorized to obtain the release for that vehicle.
Leasing companies: The representative of the leasing company must have a letter of verification indicating that they are an employee of that leasing company and are authorized to obtain the release for that vehicle.
Dealers: The dealer must show evidence of ownership (title, MSO, certified copy of title, etc.) along with proof that they represent that dealership.
Look Up Impound Yard
We have an online database to look up what impound yard is holding your vehicle.
Steps for Releasing a Vehicle
To obtain a vehicle release:
Step One
The vehicle owner must go to the local DMV office, we recommend you
have an appointment and:
-
- Present proper evidence of ownership (e.g. title, registration certificate, bill of sale);
- Present legal picture ID;
- Pay all fees and penalties due for titling or registration functions; and
- Obtain a “Letter of Impound Release” from DMV.
Step Two
-
- Contact the impound or tow yard;
- Present the “Letter of Impound Release”;
- Present legal picture ID to the impound or tow yard; and
- Pay the towing and storage fees.
The Tax Commission/DMV does not have regulatory authority or jurisdiction over towing or storage fees.
Impounded Vehicle Service
Impounded Vehicles FAQ
My vehicle was impounded by law enforcement. How do I get an impound release?
In order to retrieve your vehicle from the impound yard, you will first need to visit a DMV office and obtain an impound release. You will need the impound report or the report information. This information can be found on the Impounded Vehicle Service. All applicable fees, depending on the nature of the impound, will need to be paid prior to obtaining the release.