FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What do I do if my vehicle is towed?
A. If the police towed your car for a Traffic Offense or Expired Registration, you will need to get a release from the Sheriff's Office. (See the "How do I obtain a Vehicle Release?" section below.)
If the police towed your car for Abandoned, Hazard, or as a Recovered Stolen Vehicle, you can go directly to the tow company and obtain your vehicle. You WILL NOT need to obtain a vehicle release, pending any special circumstances.
If your vehicle was towed as a Private Party Impound, you can go directly to the tow company to obtain your vehicle.
Q. What if I don't know what my vehicle was towed for?
A. You can call the Records Unit at 503-785-5200. You will need to have your license plate number or entire VIN number.
Q. What tow company does Clackamas County use?
A. There are several tow companies which Clackamas County contracts to tow vehicles. They are called on a rotational basis. You can obtain the name of the tow company and their phone number from the Records Unit. You will need to have your license plate number or the entire VIN number.
Q. Is there any way to make a payment or get a release over the phone or over the Internet?
A. No. All releases must be obtained in person at the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office at 9101 SE Sunnybrook Blvd, Clackamas. [ map ]
We accept cash and credit cards. We do NOT accept checks.
Q. I am the lien holder of the vehicle. Do I still need to obtain a vehicle release?
A. Yes. You will need to provide your repossession paperwork, as well as all the other requirements listed in the "How do I obtain a Vehicle Release?" section.
Q. What hours does the Sheriff's Office issue releases?
A. Releases are issued between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., seven days a week.
How to I obtain a Vehicle Release?
PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR A VEHICLE RELEASE:
- The owner, verified through DMV title or registration. A bill of sale must be notarized or have DMV transaction paperwork.
- Driver of the vehicle at the time of the tow, unless it was towed as a Recovered Stolen Vehicle or other unusual circumstances.
- A person who is physically present with either of the above at the time of release and has proper endorsements and licenses.
- A person who has a notarized statement from the owner authorizing that person to take control of the vehicle.
WHAT DOCUMENTATION IS NEEDED TO OBTAIN A RELEASE?
If vehicle was towed for Elude, Hit and Run, Driving Under Influence of Intoxicant, Speed Racing, Driving while Revoked, or Driving while Suspended - Felony or Misdemeanor:
- Valid Driver's License
- Proof of insurance on the vehicle being released
- $150.00 administrative fee
If the vehicle was towed for Driving while Suspended - Violation, No Operator's License, or No Insurance:
- Valid Driver's License
- Proof of Insurance on the vehicle being released
- $75.00 administrative fee
If the vehicle was towed for Expired Registration:
- Valid Driver's License
- Trip Permit or renewed registration
- Proof of insurance of the vehicle being released
- $75.00 administrative fee
If the vehicle was towed for Possible Stolen:
- Valid Driver's License
- Proof of insurance
- There is no administrative fee
Other considerations:
- The administrative fees above DO NOT include fees due to the Tow Company.
- All outstanding parking and/or park citations must be paid prior to a release being issued.
- Proof of insurance MUST include the VIN number for the vehicle being released and the issued and expiration date of the policy.
- If the towed vehicle is a Motorcycle or Commercial Vehicle, the person claiming the vehicle MUST have the proper endorsement. (Motorcycle endorsement or CDL)
- DUII Implied Consent temporary license paperwork is accepted, as long as the 12 hour waiting time period is up. The effective time of the Implied Consent is listed on the Implied Consent Form.
If you have any additional questions about obtaining a Vehicle Release, call our Records Unit at 503-785-5200. The Records Unit is available by phone 24 hours a day/7 days a week.