Impounded Vehicles

Find an Impounded Vehicle

In order to retrieve your impounded vehicle, you will be required to provide proof of vehicle ownership, proper identification and pay all applicable fees. Must have physical documents, copies are not permitted. 

Proof of Vehicle Ownership includes:

  • Current vehicle registration
  • Vehicle title
  • Current insurance card or policy that displays the name of the person retrieving the vehicle and includes the vehicle make, model and VIN of the vehicle to be released. This is only applicable for vehicles impounded for parking infractions other than Failure to Register or Display.

Proper Identification includes:

  • Valid driver’s license*
  • Government issued photo ID””

*Owners who present a vehicle title without providing a current vehicle registration will be required to have the vehicle towed from the impound lot.
**Owners who present a government issued photo ID must have a licensed driver to drive the vehicle out of the impound lot or the vehicle must be towed.

Applicable Fees
Towing fee: $125*
Administrative fee: $30**
Storage fee: $18**
Any outstanding parking tickets
Any other associated towing fee

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

* Additional charges may apply to vehicles weighing more than 7,000 pounds.
**Only applicable if certified notification has been sent.

Additional Information

Designee of the Vehicle Owner

Vehicle owners who wish to authorize a person to obtain a vehicle must provide the following:

 

Rental Vehicles

If the rental vehicle was impounded ONLY for a parking infraction, the customer must provide a current rental agreement from the rental car agency displaying the same name as the identified customer.

If the vehicle was impounded for any other reason than a parking infraction, the owner (rental agency) must provide BOTH of the following:

  • Vehicle title or current vehicle registration; AND
  • Notarized Authorization of Release form(PDF, 421KB) from the rental agency giving permission to the designee to retrieve the impounded vehicle. The rental agency’s name on this form must be the same name listed on the vehicle title or current vehicle registration. The designee on this form must be the same name as the identified customer.

 

Vehicle Repossessions

Banks and lienholders must complete a Hold Harmless Letter(PDF, 513KB) listing the company or person authorized to 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/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. 

 

Out of State Vehicle Owner

The customer must provide a signed vehicle title that includes the date of purchase, previous vehicle owner's signature and the signature of the identified customer. The purchase of the impounded vehicle must have occurred within the last 45 days for the title to be accepted. The VIN on the title must match the VIN on the impounded vehicle.