Retrieve an Impounded Vehicle

Step 1.A valid driver's license

We cannot release a vehicle to a person whose driver's license does not show as valid when run through an Arizona Motor Vehicle Division database.

Step 2.Current vehicle registration

If the vehicle was sold or title was transferred after impound, the vehicle will only be released after the full 20-day mandatory storage period.

Step 3.*Title

*Only needed if you are using a temporary registration permit or are repossessing the vehicle.

If you are repossessing the vehicle, you will also need:

• An original notarized Hold Harmless Letter
• An original notarized Repossession Affidavit from the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division
• An original notarized Authorization Letter (a letter from the vehicle owner to the Tucson Police Department authorizing a specific individual [agent] to obtain the release for a specific vehicle). The letter must include:

1. The complete legal name and date of birth of the agent
2. A complete description of the vehicle, including year, make, model, body style, color, and VIN.
3. The letter must be an original and must be notarized. Copies will not be accepted.

Step 4.Proof of insurance

Must be current, valid, and vehicle specific.

Step 5.Means to pay an administrative fee of $150

We accept cash in the exact amount (no coins or split types of payment), cashier’s checks, credit and debit cards (card holder must be present), and money orders. Cashier's checks and money orders should be made out to City of Tucson.

Step 6.Next, see the Release and fees tab

Step 1.Release form

• You will be given a release form.
• You must present your release form, proof of identity, and proof of ownership at the tow company.

Step 2.Storage, Towing and Mileage Fees

The tow company will not release your vehicle until all fees are paid and appropriate paperwork from the Tucson Police Department is received.

If you have difficulty paying the storage, towing and mileage fees, but wish to retain ownership of your vehicle, you should contact the tow company and discuss the matter with them directly.

The amounts charged for the administrative fee and daily storage are set and mandated by state law. Fees for towing and mileage are set through a contract with the City of Tucson and the current towing vendor. Refer to the Notice of Impound (given to the driver at time of impound and/or sent via mail) for the current towing vendor and their contact information.

• Administrative Fee $150 payable to the City of Tucson
• Storage Fee $25 per day – per calendar day and any portion of a calendar day
• Towing and mileage fee Contact the contracted vendor. This fee is paid directly to the tow company.

Step 3.Release timeframes

State law dictates specific conditions under which a vehicle may be released prior to the mandatory 20 days – personal hardships cannot be considered. In addition to a valid driver’s license, registration, and vehicle-specific insurance, the following criteria must be met:

• You must have been listed as an owner on the title in the MVD database at the time of the impound. If you sell the vehicle or change the name on the title after the vehicle was impounded, the new owner will not qualify for an early release.

• If you own the vehicle, but have not yet transferred the title into your name, you will have to prove to our satisfaction that you owned the vehicle at the time it was impounded. This can be accomplished by an original notarized bill of sale or an original notarized title. If the title is changed while the vehicle is impounded, this will result in your vehicle remaining impounded for the entire mandatory 20-day period.