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DMV

Retrieving Impounded Vehicles

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.

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:

  1. Present proper evidence of ownership (e.g. title, registration certificate, bill of sale);
  2. Present legal picture ID;
  3. Pay all fees and penalties due for titling or registration functions; and
  4. Obtain a “Letter of Impound Release” from DMV.

Step Two

  1. Contact the impound or tow yard;
  2. Present the “Letter of Impound Release”;
  3. Present legal picture ID to the impound or tow yard; and
  4. Pay the towing and storage fees.

The Tax Commission/DMV does not have regulatory authority or jurisdiction over towing or storage fees.

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.

Look Up Impound Yard

We have an online database to look up what impound yard is holding your vehicle.