Getting a title for an abandoned car means going through your state's unclaimed or abandoned vehicle process

You cannot straightforward claim an abandoned car and drive it away. Every state has a legal process to transfer ownership of a vehicle with no clear owner, and it involves the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent state agency), local law enforcement, and often a waiting period. The exact steps depend on where the car is located and whether you own the property it sits on.

If the car is on your property, you have more options than if it is on public land or someone else's property. In either case, you will need to document that the vehicle has been abandoned — usually by filing a report with local police or your county sheriff — and then follow your state's procedure to claim it. This process typically takes several months, not weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • You must file an abandonment report with local law enforcement before you can pursue a title, and the car must sit unclaimed for a state-mandated period (usually 30 to 90 days) before you can proceed.
  • If the car is on your property, contact your local police non-emergency line to file the report; if it is on public land, contact the city or county public works department.
  • After the waiting period, you will request a title search through your state's DMV to confirm no registered owner can be located, then file for an abandoned vehicle title in your county.
  • You will need to pay filing fees (typically $50 to $200) and may need to post a public notice in a local newspaper, depending on your state's rules.
  • Once the court or DMV approves your claim, you receive a new title in your name, but the car may need repairs to pass inspection before you can register and drive it.

File an abandonment report with local law enforcement

The first step is to report the vehicle to the police or sheriff's office in the jurisdiction where it sits. If the car is on your property, call your local police non-emergency line (not 911) and explain that an abandoned vehicle has been on your land for a specific amount of time. The officer will document the vehicle's location, license plate number, and condition. If you do not know the plate number, describe the car's make, model, color, and any visible damage.

If the car is on public property — a street, parking lot, or abandoned lot you do not own — contact your city or county code enforcement or public works department instead. They handle abandoned vehicles on public land and will initiate the removal process. In either case, ask for a report number or case reference so you can track the process.

The police report creates an official record that the vehicle was abandoned on a specific date. This date matters because your state requires the car to sit unclaimed for a set period — usually 30 to 90 days — before you can move forward. Some states count from the date of the report; others count from the date the vehicle was first observed abandoned. Ask the officer which applies in your state.

Wait out your state's abandonment period

After you file the report, the vehicle must remain unclaimed for the time your state requires. During this period, law enforcement will attempt to locate the registered owner by running the license plate through the DMV database. If an owner is found, they will be notified and given a chance to reclaim the vehicle. If no owner is found or the owner does not respond, the abandonment period expires and you can proceed.

You cannot speed up this waiting period. It exists to protect legitimate owners whose vehicles may have been stolen, lost, or left behind due to emergency. Some states allow you to request a title search before the period ends to confirm no owner exists, which can save time. Contact your state's DMV to ask whether you can do a preliminary search while you wait.

Request a title search through your state's DMV

Once the waiting period is over, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and request a title search for the vehicle. Provide the license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN) if visible, and the make and model. The DMV will search their records to confirm that no registered owner can be located or that the owner cannot be contacted.

Some states perform this search automatically after the abandonment period; others require you to request it. Ask your DMV whether they will mail you a letter confirming the search results, or whether you need to pick up documentation in person. You will need this confirmation to file for the abandoned vehicle title.

File for an abandoned vehicle title in your county court or DMV

The next step depends on your state's process. Some states handle abandoned vehicle titles through the DMV; others require you to file a petition in county court. Contact your county clerk's office or your state's DMV to learn which applies where you are.

If you file in court, you will submit a petition for title to an abandoned vehicle, along with the police report, the DMV title search confirmation, and proof that you own the property (if the car is on your land) or proof of your right to claim it. The court will review your petition and may require you to post a public notice in a local newspaper for a set period — often 30 days — to give any potential owner a final chance to claim the vehicle.

If your state's DMV handles this directly, you will submit the same documents to the DMV instead of the court. Either way, you will pay a filing fee, which ranges from $50 to $200 depending on your state and county. Some states also charge a title fee once the title is issued.

Obtain the new title once approved

After the court or DMV approves your claim, you will receive a new title in your name. This title will likely be marked as issued for an abandoned vehicle, which is normal and does not affect your ownership. You can now legally own and register the car.

Before you register the vehicle with your state, you may need to have it inspected. Many states require an abandoned vehicle to pass a safety inspection before it can be registered and driven on public roads. If the car has been sitting for months or years, it may need mechanical work, new tires, or repairs to pass inspection. Budget for these costs before you assume the car is ready to drive.

Register and insure the vehicle

Once you have the title and the car passes inspection (if required), take the title to your state's DMV to register the vehicle in your name. You will pay registration fees, which vary by state and the vehicle's age and value. You will also need to obtain insurance before you can legally drive the car on public roads.

When you explore for insurance, be honest about the vehicle's condition and history. Some insurers may charge higher premiums for a vehicle with an unknown maintenance history, or they may require a pre-purchase inspection. Shop around, as rates vary widely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the whole process take?

The process typically takes four to six months from the time you file the abandonment report. The waiting period alone is usually 30 to 90 days, and the court or DMV review can take another 30 to 60 days. If a public notice is required, add another 30 days. Delays happen if paperwork is incomplete or if the court is backlogged.

What if I find the VIN but the license plate is missing or unreadable?

The VIN is actually more useful than the plate number. You can run a VIN search through your state's DMV or through a commercial VIN decoder to find the vehicle's make, model, and year. Bring the VIN to the police when you file the abandonment report, and use it when you request the title search from the DMV.

Can I claim an abandoned car if it is on someone else's property?

Not directly. The property owner must file the abandonment report or give you written permission to file it on their behalf. If the car is on public land, the city or county will handle the process, and you may not be able to claim it — the vehicle may be auctioned or scrapped instead. Check with your local code enforcement to learn what happens to vehicles abandoned on public property in your area.

What if the car needs major repairs to pass inspection?

You are not required to repair it. If the cost of repairs exceeds the car's value, you can choose not to pursue the title. However, once you own the title, you are responsible for the vehicle — you cannot straightforward abandon it again. Some people sell abandoned vehicles they have titled to salvage yards or mechanics who restore them.

Do I need a lawyer to file for an abandoned vehicle title?

Not usually. The process is straightforward enough that most people handle it themselves. However, if the property owner disputes your claim or if there are complications with the title search, a lawyer familiar with your state's property and motor vehicle laws can help. Many offer free initial consultations.