Abandoned Vehicles

You may be affected by the abandoned vehicle process if any of the following apply to you:

1. A vehicle was left on your property and you would like to apply for ownership.
2. You received a notice regarding an abandoned vehicle, which may result in a fee.
3. A vehicle was left at your towing company and you would like to apply for ownership.

Abandoned Vehicle Definition

By law, an "abandoned vehicle" is a vehicle, trailer or semitrailer that is subject to registration and has been abandoned on public or private property. This includes vehicles that are lost,  stolen, abandoned or otherwise unclaimed.

Note: The Abandoned Vehicle Unit does not tow vehicles or arrange for towing. Please contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.

1. A vehicle was left on your property and you would like to apply for ownership.

   Are You Eligible To Apply For Ownership of an Abandoned Vehicle?

   You must have knowledge and custody of a vehicle that is either lost, stolen, abandoned or otherwise unclaimed that has been seized or removed from a highway or public property by order of a law enforcement officer.

   The owner/operator of a commercial repair facility, public garage or parking lot may use the abandoned vehicle process when the vehicle was left without a verbal or written contract.

   When a Vehicle Would NOT Qualify

   In these cases a vehicle would not qualify for the abandoned vehicle process:

   • A vehicle is bought but there is not proper documentation to complete the title transfer.
   • A vehicle is a mobile home that is 8' x 40' or larger.
   • A vehicle is left in a public garage or parking lot under a written or verbal contract.
   • A vehicle is left in a self-service storage facility.
   • A historic vehicle is being stored on the owner's private property, or the owner is making financial investments in the vehicle.

   Think You Qualify? Here’s How the Process Works

   Example:

   1. MVD receives a request from an applicant to file a vehicle as abandoned.
   2. MVD sends notice to the owner, lien holder and other interested parties that they have 30 days to reclaim the vehicle.
   3. If the vehicle is not claimed, ownership may be transferred free and clear to the applicant.

   Requirements before beginning the process

   1. The vehicle must be abandoned on the property for more than 10 days.
   2. It has not been left under a written/verbal contract for storage.
   3. It has not been removed during that time from the person who left it.

   Steps to complete the process

   1. Fill out an Abandoned Vehicle Application  (Form #46-4402)
      • If the vehicle was abandoned on your property, file under your name.
      • If abandoned on company/business property, file under the company/business name.
   2. An inspection is required and can be completed by:
      • Towing or hauling the vehicle to an MVD location for an inspection.
      • Contacting a Third Party to arrange for an inspection.
      • Contacting a local law enforcement agency to arrange for an inspection.
   3. Mail the completed Abandoned Vehicle Application along with a $10.00 non-refundable check or money order payable to MVD.

   Note: If the vehicle is no longer in your possession and has been released to the rightful owner, a Reclaimed Vehicle Notice (Form #96-0527) must be submitted by email within 24 hours.

2. You received a notice regarding an abandoned vehicle, which may result in a fee.

   Abandoned Vehicle Fees

   Fee amounts

   If a vehicle is reported abandoned and goes through the abandoned vehicle process, the registered owner may be assessed a $500 fee if it is abandoned on private property or on or within the right-of-way of a street or highway. The fee is $600 if abandoned on federal, state/local parks and state land.

   The vehicle's registered owner must claim (recover/remove) the vehicle or submit proper documentation to avoid an abandoned vehicle fee.

   How to avoid or waive fees

   To help avoid a potential abandoned vehicle fee:

   • File a sold notice immediately if you sell, trade-in, donate, or otherwise transfer ownership or end a vehicle lease. This service is free.
     • If the vehicle has been towed/abandoned prior to the sold notice being recorded then further action will be required.
   • Follow-up with the tow company if your vehicle is towed for any reason

   One of the following documents may be used to potentially avoid or waive the fee: They can be reviewed at an MVD or Third Party office or by emailing: [email protected] 

   • Proof of bill of sale prior to the vehicle being abandoned
   • Trade-in agreement or proof of sale to a dealer
   • If the vehicle is reported stolen, a copy of the police report or stolen vehicle affidavit
   • Total Loss Settlement statement, which must include the following:
     • Payout for the loss of the vehicle, vehicle VIN, make and year, date of loss, indicator of who "retained" the vehicle
   • Incarceration:
     • Time Served documentation which includes incarceration date and release date
     • Letter from a probation officer or parole officer on official letterhead indicating the incarceration date and release date

   How to pay fees

   Fees must be paid in full and are non-refundable.

   • Pay fee online at AZMVDNow.gov
   • Visit an MVD or Third Party office

   Note: If fees aren’t paid, you will be prohibited from completing many MVD services.

   If you receive a towed vehicle notice

   If you receive this notification and you have the vehicle in your possession, your vehicle will not be filed as an abandoned vehicle or be assessed any fees. You may disregard this notice. 

   AZMVDNOW Towed Vehicle FAQs

3. A vehicle was left at your towing company, repair facility or storage facility and you would like to apply for ownership.

   Towing Company

   Towing companies in Arizona are required to file their Abandoned Vehicle Reports electronically.

   Register as a Towing Company to file electronically.

   Vehicles Left At Repair Facilities

   More Information for the repair facility.

   Vehicles Left At Storage Facilities

   A vehicle that is left in a public garage or parking lot for storage or parking more than ten days, that has not been left under a written contract of storage and that has not during that period been removed by the person leaving it is an abandoned vehicle.

Additional Resources

You may request a copy of the Abandoned Vehicle Records and any related documents that were submitted to MVD to file an Abandoned Vehicle.

Abandoned Vehicle Record Request (Form #46-4401)