Getting an abandoned vehicle title requires filing paperwork with your state DMV, attempting to notify the original owner, and waiting a mandatory period before claiming ownership. The process takes 30 to 90 days in most states. Once complete, you receive a title in your name and can sell or scrap the vehicle legally.
Standard process for claiming an abandoned vehicle:
- Record the VIN, make, model, year, and condition
- Report the abandoned vehicle to local police
- Request a VIN check or lien search from the DMV
- Send certified mail to the last known owner (address from DMV records)
- File an abandoned vehicle claim with your state
- Post required notices (some states require newspaper publication)
- Wait the mandatory period for owner response
- Apply for title if no valid claim is made
Requirements vary by state:
- Waiting periods range from 30 to 120 days
- Some states require the vehicle be on your private property
- Fees range from $20 to $100+
- Some states have simplified processes for low-value vehicles
If the vehicle has an active lien, the process becomes more complicated. Lienholders have rights to the vehicle and must be notified. They may claim the car even if the owner doesn’t respond.
For vehicles abandoned at repair shops, mechanics have a separate lien process. Storage facilities also have specific abandoned vehicle procedures.
Contact your local DMV for exact requirements in your state. The process requires patience but gives you clean legal ownership when complete.
