Start with the tow yard that impounded your vehicle

When your car is towed, the towing company or police department that removed it holds it at a specific lot. The fastest way to locate your car is to call the tow yard directly — but you need to know which one has it first.

If police towed your car (usually for parking violations, expired registration, or being parked illegally), call the police non-emergency line for your city or county and give them your license plate number. They will tell you which tow yard has your vehicle and provide the lot's phone number. If a private company towed it (from a parking lot, apartment complex, or private property), the property owner or manager should have that information.

When you call the tow yard, have your license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), or driver's license ready. The lot attendant will confirm your car is there, tell you the towing and storage fees, and explain what documents you need to retrieve it.

Key Takeaways

  • Police tows are tracked through your city or county police non-emergency line, which will direct you to the specific tow yard holding your vehicle.
  • Private tows from parking lots or apartment complexes are handled by the property manager or owner, who can give you the tow yard's contact information.
  • Tow yards charge daily storage fees in addition to the initial towing charge, so retrieving your car quickly saves money.
  • You will need proof of ownership (title, registration, or insurance card) and a valid ID to pick up your car, though requirements vary by yard.
  • If you cannot locate the tow yard, the police department's records division or your city's parking enforcement office can search by license plate.

Contact your city or county police records division

If the non-emergency line does not have the information or you cannot reach them quickly, the police records division keeps a searchable database of all vehicles towed by police in your jurisdiction. Call the main police station and ask for records, or visit your city or county government website — many now let you search for towed vehicles online by entering your license plate.

Some cities maintain a centralized tow database that covers multiple tow yards. This is especially common in larger cities where police use several different lots. The records division can tell you not only which yard has your car, but also why it was towed and what fees have accumulated.

Search online if your city has a tow database

Many cities and counties publish searchable databases on their government websites. Look for links labeled "towed vehicles," "vehicle impound search," or "parking enforcement." You will enter your license plate number and the database returns the tow yard location, the date towed, and sometimes the reason.

Cities that commonly offer this include Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and most mid-sized cities. If your city's main website does not have a link, try searching "[your city name] towed vehicle search" in a search engine. County sheriff's offices sometimes maintain these databases for unincorporated areas.

If no online database exists for your area, the police records division or parking enforcement office can do the search for you by phone, usually within a few minutes.

Understand towing and storage fees before you retrieve your car

Tow yards charge two separate fees: the towing charge (typically $150 to $300, depending on your vehicle size and distance) and daily storage fees (usually $20 to $50 per day). These fees begin accumulating the day your car arrives and continue until you retrieve it. The longer your car sits, the higher the total bill.

When you call the tow yard, ask for the exact total amount owed, including all storage charges to date. Some yards offer payment plans if the bill is very high, though this varies. A few cities cap storage fees or waive them after a certain number of days, so ask the tow yard if your city has such a policy.

Payment methods vary by yard — some accept cash only, others take credit cards or checks. Confirm what they accept before you go, because you cannot retrieve your car without paying in full.

Gather the documents you need to pick up your car

Tow yards require proof that you own or have the right to take the vehicle. Bring your driver's license or state ID, plus one of the following: your vehicle title, current registration, or proof of insurance with your name on it. If someone else is picking up the car on your behalf, bring a signed letter authorizing them and their ID as well.

If you have lost your title or registration, call your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before going to the tow yard — they can issue a replacement quickly, sometimes the same day. Some tow yards will release the car with just an ID and proof of insurance if your registration is current, but policies differ, so confirm when you call.

Bring the exact payment amount or a payment method the yard accepts. Do not assume they can make change or process cards on the spot.

What to do if you cannot find your car

If the police records division says your car was not towed by police, it may have been towed by a private company. Call the property owner or manager where your car was parked — they will have the tow company's name and number. If you do not know who owns the property, try calling the non-emergency police line again and asking them to check private tow records for your area.

If your car truly cannot be located after checking both police and private tow yards, file a report with the police department. It is possible your car was stolen rather than towed, and a police report creates an official record. The police can also check with local tow yards on your behalf if you are having trouble reaching them.

Some cities have a central tow hotline that covers all yards in the area. Search "[your city] tow hotline" or call your city's non-emergency line and ask if one exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a tow yard hold my car?

Tow yards can hold your car indefinitely as long as storage fees keep accumulating. However, if fees go unpaid for 30 to 90 days (the exact period varies by state and yard), the yard may sell your car to cover the debt. Retrieve your car as soon as possible to avoid this.

Can I get my belongings out of my car before I pay the tow fee?

Most tow yards will let you remove personal items from your car without paying the full tow and storage fee, though some require you to pay a smaller "access fee" first. Call ahead and ask — policies vary widely. Do not assume you can access the car without asking.

What if I cannot pay the tow and storage fees right now?

Some tow yards offer payment plans or will negotiate a reduced fee, especially if you explain financial hardship. Call the yard directly and ask. A few cities have programs that cover tow fees for low-income residents, though these are uncommon — ask your city's social services office if one exists.

Do I need the car keys to pick it up?

No. The tow yard has your car and will release it to you once you prove ownership and pay the fees. You do not need the keys. If you have lost your keys, you can have them made after you retrieve the car.

Can someone else pick up my car for me?

Yes, if you provide written authorization and they bring their ID plus your ID or proof of ownership. Some tow yards require your signature on the authorization letter, so call ahead to confirm what they need. The person picking up the car will still need to pay the full fee.