How Do I Take Possession of a Vehicle Someone Abandoned in My Driveway?

Finding an abandoned vehicle in your driveway can be a real nuisance, especially if you dont know whom the vehicle belongs to. Once the car has sat in your driveway long enough, you may wish to take possession. However, just because the car appears to have no known owner and is on your property, the proper legal channels must be followed before possession can occur. Each states has their own laws and regulations regarding abandoned vehicles. Contact your state's department of motor vehicles or police department to inquire about abandoned vehicle and title transfer laws.

Instructions

1

Write down the vehicle's license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number, also known as the VIN number. Most VINs can be found on a car's windshield or the inside of the driver's door. If the car is unlocked, locate the insurance or registration. The VIN should be printed on both documents.

2

Contact your state's department of motor vehicles to inquire about the owner of the abandoned vehicle if you don't know who it is. Supply the clerk with the license plate number or VIN.

3

Inquire with the DMV about car title transfer laws and lien holder regulations. If the owner of the abandoned vehicle agrees to sell or gift you the car, there may be specific-state required documentation that must be submitted to the DMV before the sale or gift can occur.

4

Contact the owner about taking possession of the vehicle. Ask whether the owner wants to sell the car to you or send you the title. If he wishes to do neither, call your local police department or towing company to have the vehicle removed. If the owner agrees to sell you the car, you must first inquire about any liens against the vehicle. In most states, the liens must be removed before a title transfer can occur. Liens can be removed by anyone who pays them off. Contact your local DMV for your state's laws.

5

Attend the police, city or tow company's auction where the car will be sold if the vehicle was towed from your property. In most states, the party towing the vehicle will contact the owner of the abandoned vehicle. If the owner does not respond, or simply gives up his rights to the vehicle, the towing party will auction the car. Ordinary citizens may bid on the car and other seized property. Check with the auctioning party about payment options. Most auctions require that you pay the full bid amount at the time you take possession.