How To Claim an Abandoned Vehicle in Utah

Claiming an abandoned vehicle in Utah involves compliance with statutory notice, waiting, and auction procedures established under Utah Code Title 41 and Title 72, which regulate motor vehicle disposition, impoundment, and towing operations. The process differs based on the vehicle's age, ownership traceability, and whether it is held by law enforcement or a private impound facility.

What Qualifies as an Abandoned Vehicle in Utah

Under Utah Code Section 41-6a-1408, a motor vehicle meets the definition of abandoned when it remains unattended for specific time periods under particular circumstances. An abandoned vehicle is defined as a vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor that is left unattended under either of the following conditions:

On a highway or in the waters of the state for a period exceeding 48 hours
On public or private property for a period exceeding 7 days without the express or implied consent of the owner or person in lawful possession or control of the property

A peace officer who has reasonable grounds to believe a vehicle has been abandoned may take it into custody or cause it to be removed in accordance with Utah Code Section 41-6a-1406 or other applicable law. If the vehicle's motor number, identification mark, or manufacturer's number has been defaced, altered, or obliterated, the vehicle may not be released or sold until the original identification number has been replaced or a new number assigned by the Motor Vehicle Division, as required under Section 41-6a-1408.

Process to Claim an Abandoned Vehicle in Utah

Understanding the Abandoned Vehicle Process

Utah law, codified in Chapter 41-1a, Part 11, distinguishes between vehicles 8 years old or older and vehicles 7 years old or newer, with different procedures and timelines for each category. For vehicles 8 years old or older that remain unclaimed within 30 days of the initial notice, a certificate of sale may be issued directly to the tow truck motor carrier in possession of the vehicle. For vehicles 7 years old or newer, the state conducts a public auction under Utah Code Section 41-1a-1103. In either case, legal ownership can be transferred only through the applicable process established by law; mere possession of an abandoned vehicle does not convey ownership rights.

Report the Impoundment

When a peace officer removes or causes to be removed an abandoned vehicle, both the peace officer's agency and the tow truck motor carrier must report the removal to the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles before noon on the next business day, as required by Section 41-6a-1406. The report must include the operator's name if known, vehicle description, vehicle identification number, case or agency number, license or identification number, date, time and place of impoundment, reason for removal, and the towing company name and storage location. A tow truck motor carrier may not collect removal fees or begin charging storage fees until this report is submitted.

Additionally, for certain private property removals not initiated by law enforcement, the tow truck motor carrier must report the information to the impound vehicle service database administered by the Motor Vehicle Division and contact the relevant law enforcement agency with removal details as specified in Utah Code Section 72-9-603.

Receive Initial Notice from the Motor Vehicle Division

Upon receipt of an impoundment report, the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles issues a notice of impound to the registered owner, all lienholders, or any dealer holding a temporary permit on the vehicle. The notice informs these parties of the removal date, time, location, reason, storage location, responsibility for towing and storage fees, conditions for vehicle release, and the division's intent to sell the vehicle if no claim is made within a specified period.

For vehicles titled in Utah, this notice of impound is provided by the Motor Vehicle Division. For vehicles titled outside Utah, the division makes reasonable efforts to notify identified parties of the removal and storage location. If the impounded vehicle has been previously sold, the former owner must provide documentation of the sale to the Motor Vehicle Division so the new owner can be properly notified.

Determine Vehicle Age and Recovery Timeline

The applicable waiting period depends on the model year of the impounded vehicle as determined by the Motor Vehicle Division under Utah Code Section 41-1a-1103. For vehicles 8 years old or older, if the owner or lienholder does not recover the vehicle within 30 days from the date of the original notice, the division issues a certificate of sale to the tow truck motor carrier upon request. For vehicles 7 years old or newer, if the owner or lienholder does not recover the vehicle within 60 days from the date of the original notice, the division proceeds with a public sale of the vehicle.

For vehicles previously released by the division to the owner but for which the owner fails to take possession and pay storage charges, the timelines are measured from the date of release: 30 days for vehicles 8 years or older, and 60 days for vehicles 7 years or newer.

Obtain a Certificate of Sale (Vehicles 8 Years Old or Older)

For vehicles 8 years old or older, a tow truck motor carrier in possession of an impounded vehicle may request a certificate of sale from the Motor Vehicle Division after the 30-day recovery period has expired, as prescribed by Section 41-1a-1103. The Motor Vehicle Division issues this certificate, which conveys all rights, title, and interest in the vehicle to the tow truck motor carrier. If the tow truck motor carrier subsequently sells or transfers the vehicle, a new owner may apply for title through the county tax assessor-collector's office.

Prepare for Public Auction (Vehicles 7 Years Old or Newer)

For vehicles 7 years old or newer, the division must conduct a public auction at the storage location under Section 41-1a-1103. The sale may be conducted by an authorized representative of the division or by an authorized public garage, impound lot, or impound yard that complies with state requirements, including those specified in Section 41-1a-1102. At least 5 days prior to the sale, the division publishes a notice of sale on its website and through other public notification methods, setting forth the date, time, and place of sale and a description of the vehicle or vehicles to be sold.

Conduct the Public Auction

The public auction must be held at the storage location on the scheduled date and time. At the time of sale, the division or other authorized person conducting the auction tenders to the highest bidder a certificate of sale conveying all rights, title, and interest in the vehicle. The purchaser becomes the new owner and receives documentation of the sale.

Complete the Bill of Sale and Apply for Title

The successful purchaser of a vehicle at auction (vehicles 7 years old or newer) or the holder of a certificate of sale (vehicles 8 years old or older) must apply for title through the county tax assessor-collector's office. The application must include the certificate of sale and proof of purchase. The purchaser also has the option to pursue an insufficient evidence of ownership process if certain circumstances apply.

Title Application Process

The purchaser must apply for a Utah certificate of title through a designated county tax assessor-collector's office. The Application for Utah Title and Registration (Form TC-656) must be completed and submitted along with the certificate of sale and any required supporting documentation. If the vehicle was previously titled in Utah, existing title records are available through the Motor Vehicle Division. If the original title is not available or the vehicle was titled outside Utah, the purchaser may apply through the insufficient evidence of ownership process.

Insufficient Evidence of Ownership Process

If a certificate of title cannot be located, the purchaser of an abandoned vehicle may use the Insufficient Evidence of Ownership process. A towing company claiming an abandoned vehicle or purchasing one may complete the Tower Insufficient Evidence of Ownership Check Sheet and submit required forms, including the Application for Utah Title and Registration (Form TC-656), the Ownership Statement (Form TC-569A), and, if the vehicle value exceeds $3,000, a Motor Vehicle Defective Title or Insufficient Evidence of Ownership Bond (Form TC-824). The surety bond is typically set at approximately twice the vehicle's fair market value. An inspection certificate completed by a DMV employee, peace officer, licensed dealer, or certified safety inspector may also be required.

Dismantling Permit Option

If the purchaser or claimant intends to dismantle the vehicle rather than retain it for operation, the individual or business may apply for a dismantling permit through the Motor Vehicle Division. Before dismantling, the applicant must submit the vehicle's certificate of title and an application for the dismantling permit. Only licensed dismantlers may legally dismantle a motor vehicle.

Special Rules for Salvage Vehicles

If a vehicle has sustained damage exceeding the reasonable repair cost or bears a salvage brand or nonrepairable designation, the subsequent title issued to the new owner must also bear that brand or designation. A salvage vehicle may not be registered or operated on Utah highways unless it has been restored, inspected by the Motor Vehicle Division, and issued a rebuilt title.

Maintain Records

All records related to the impoundment, notice, sale, and title transfer must be retained. These records should include copies of impound notices, evidence of notice delivery, storage receipts, auction documentation, certificates of sale, and title application records.

Utah Storage Fees and Financial Considerations

Storage Fee Assessment Rules

Under Utah Code Section 41-1a-1102, owners of impounded vehicles may have their vehicles stored in a public or private garage, state impound lot, or other approved storage facility. Owners of vehicles at state impound yards are not charged storage fees by the state. However, tow truck operators and impound yards may charge reasonable towing and storage fees when vehicles are removed to private impound facilities. These fees must be clearly and conspicuously posted and disclosed by the towing service as required by Utah Code Section 72-9-603. Towing and storage fees are a possessory lien on the vehicle and may be recovered from sale proceeds.

Importantly, a tow truck operator or impound yard may not collect removal or storage fees until the impoundment has been properly reported to the Motor Vehicle Division. Storage fees begin accruing only after the required reporting to the division is complete.

Towing and Recovery Service Rates

Tow truck operators and impound yards must post all current fees, rates, and acceptable forms of payment as specified in Utah Code Section 72-9-603 and the Utah Administrative Rules for Tow Trucks (R909-19). The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) establishes maximum rates for towing services to prevent excessive charges. Under Rule R909-19-15, daily storage fees for non-consent police-generated towing may not exceed $40 for light-duty vehicles in outdoor storage, $60 for medium-duty vehicles, and $60 for heavy-duty vehicles. Fees vary based on vehicle type and weight classification. A tow truck motor carrier or impound yard that fails to provide the required notice as described in state law renders its possessory lien unenforceable against the owner or lienholder under Section 72-9-603.

Disputes Over Charges

If a dispute arises concerning towing or storage charges, the vehicle owner or authorized representative may contact the towing company directly or file a complaint with the Utah Department of Transportation. During a dispute investigation, the towing service is required to cease accruing storage charges.

Auction Proceeds and Charge Deductions

Under Utah Code Section 41-1a-1104, the proceeds from the sale of a vehicle at public auction are applied first to satisfy fees for registration or transfer, penalties, and costs. If the owner or lienholder cannot be determined, the excess proceeds are deposited with the state treasurer in a suspense account. The owner or heirs may file a claim for these proceeds within 1 year of the sale date. If no claim is filed, the funds are deposited in the General Fund.

Administrative Fees

If an impounded vehicle was seized for specific violations, the registered owner must pay an administrative impound fee and an administrative testing fee before the vehicle is released, as specified in Section 41-6a-1406. These fees may be waived or refunded if written evidence is presented showing the driver's license should not have been suspended or revoked, or if the vehicle was stolen at the time of impoundment. Specific fee amounts are established by statute and may be subject to updates; current amounts should be verified directly with the Motor Vehicle Division.

Contact Information

Utah Division of Motor Vehicles
210 North 1950 West, Salt Lake City, Utah 84134
Phone: (801) 297-7780 or 1-800-DMV-UTAH (1-800-368-8824)
Official Website: Utah Division of Motor Vehicles