Impounded Vehicles

Find an Impounded Vehicle

The following documentation is required to release an impounded vehicle to a licensed driver OR to tow an impounded vehicle from the lot:*

• Proof of vehicle ownership. This may include one of the following:

• Current vehicle registration (provided from the BMV Records Access or paper copy);
• The vehicle title (or an e-title) that reflects the owner’s name on the front of the title;
• For vehicles impounded for a parking infraction, other than a Fail to Register or Display, a current insurance card that displays the name of the person wishing to obtain the vehicle is acceptable, as long as the insurance card includes the make, model and VIN of the vehicle to be released and the name on the card matches the name on the ID of the person wanting to remove the vehicle from the lot; or
• Purchase documentation, Bill of Sale or Floor Plan may be accepted from a Verified Car Dealership. Documentation must include at a minimum, the buyer and seller name, the make/model, VIN and the total purchase price.  All items must be current within the last 45 days.

• Proof of identification: This may include one of the following:
• • Government Issued Photo ID (no more than 30 days after expiration);
  • Employee Photo ID if they work for a government entity (no more than 30 days after expiration); or
  • Pink or white copy of the CPD issued moving violation ticket that coincides with the impounded vehicle.

* Owners that present proof of ownership but have an expired registration are required to tow the vehicle from the lot. Owners that present a state issued ID (not a driver license) must have a licensed driver to drive the vehicle off the lot or the vehicle must be towed from the lot.    

Applicable Fees

• Towing fee: $125*
• Administrative fee: $30 (only applicable if certified notification has been sent)
• Storage fee: $18 (only applicable if certified notification has been sent)
• Any outstanding parking tickets
• Any other associated towing fee

*This applies to vehicles less than 7,000 pounds (most vehicles). Additional fees will be charged for vehicles weighing more than 7,000 pounds.

*Parking Services accepts cash, credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex and Discover), and money orders payable to Columbus City Treasurer. Please note: We do not accept personal checks for impound related fees unless from an approved agency.

Vehicle Owners

A vehicle may be released to the vehicle owner with proof of ownership. Owners who wish to authorize another person to obtain the vehicle must complete a Notarized Authorization of Release form(PDF, 421KB) and provide proof of ownership documentation.

Vehicle Repossessions

Banks and Lienholders must complete a Hold Harmless Letter(PDF, 513KB) listing the company or authorized person who can obtain a vehicle release. Company agents, employees or authorized individuals must present a driver’s license and proof of employment from their employer to obtain a vehicle release.

Insurance Companies / Salvage Companies

Vehicle owners must complete a Notarized Authorization of Release form(PDF, 421KB) authorizing their insurance company to obtain a vehicle release. Proof of ownership must be presented by the insurance company or agent at the time of vehicle release. Salvage or towing companies must have a notarized letter of authorization to pick up a vehicle on behalf of an insurance company. Insurance agents, salvage or towing companies must show proof of employment from their employer to obtain a vehicle release.

Payment of all impoundment fees and all current and outstanding parking tickets is required before a vehicle release is authorized. Payment can be made with cash or credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex and Discover).