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Vehicles

ABANDONED VEHICLES

What is an abandoned vehicle?

Per Iowa Code, an abandoned vehicle is defined as one of the following:

  • A vehicle that has been unlawfully parked on private property, or placed on private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property for more than 24 hours. What do I do if I have an abandoned vehicle on my property?
  • A vehicle left unattended on public property for more than 24 hours and lacks:
    • Current registration plates or
    • Two or more wheels or other parts which renders the vehicle totally inoperable.
  • A vehicle that has remained parked illegally on public property for more than 24 hours.
  • A vehicle that has been legally impounded by order of a police authority and has not been reclaimed for 10 days. (However, a police authority may declare the vehicle abandoned within 10 days by commencing the notification process).
  • Any vehicle parked on the highway determined by a police authority to create a hazard to other vehicle traffic.
  • A vehicle that has been impounded under section 321J.4B (OWI sections) by court order and whose owner has not paid the impoundment fees after notification by the person or agency responsible for carrying out the impoundment order.

To report an abandoned vehicle on public roadways, contact your local law enforcement agency.

For property
owners

A vehicle that has been unlawfully parked on private property or placed on private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property for more than 24 hours is an abandoned vehicle.

For police
authority

Policy authority is defined as the Iowa State Patrol or any law enforcement agency of a county, city, or special security officer employed by the state board of regents under Iowa Code Section 262.13.

For private
entities

A private entity is a tow company, parking place, motor vehicle storage facility, or auto service shop according to Iowa’s abandoned vehicle law.

For garagekeepers

Vehicle disposal to a demolisher

Frequently asked questions

If I have an abandoned vehicle on my property, can I get an “Abandoned” title for it?

No, Iowa code does not provide for an “abandoned” title. Additionally, Iowa Code does not provide for property owners to take ownership of a vehicle abandoned on their property. Find out more information on options for private property owners with an abandoned vehicle on their property.

Can I title and register an abandoned vehicle?

No, if you have an abandoned vehicle on your property, you will need to follow the options for disposal of an abandoned vehicle from private property.

Can I get a bonded title for a vehicle abandoned on my property?

No, you cannot get a bonded title for an abandoned vehicle. Get more information about bonded titles.

How do I report an abandoned vehicle?

To report an abandoned vehicle on public roadways, contact your local law enforcement agency. Find out more information if the abandoned vehicle is on your property.

Where can I find Form 411163-Certificate of Disposal of an Abandoned Vehicle when Initiated by a Police Authority?

Only a police authority may request a copy of the form.  A request for the form can be sent to Central Programs Bureau at central.vehicle@iowadot.us or call 515-237-3156.

How can I get a title for a car that has been left in my possession?

The answer is dependent on the situation:

  • If the owner signed over the title to you, you would be able to apply for a title at your county treasurer’s office.
  • If the owner provided a bill of sale to you, but did not provide a title, then you could apply for a bonded title. Get more information about bonded titles.
  • If the owner left the vehicle on your property, but did not provide a bill of sale or sign over the title, it would be considered an abandoned vehicle and you would not be able to get a title for it. What to do if there is an abandoned vehicle on your property

How can a private entity (tow companies/garagekeepers) obtain owner/lienholder information?

For vehicles registered in Iowa, you can apply for a one-time vehicle records request or if you are a business that makes multiple requests, you can establish an escrow account. Find out how to access records and/or set up an account.

For vehicles registered outside of Iowa, you will need to contact that state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

Can I get in trouble for abandoning a car?

Iowa Code 321.91 states a person who abandons a vehicle is guilty of a simple misdemeanor punishable as a scheduled violation under section 805.8A, subsection 14, paragraph “b”. As of Jan. 1, 2023, it's a $260 fine.

FORMS USED IN PROCESSING ABANDONED VEHICLES

  • Form 411163 - Certificate of Disposal of an Abandoned Vehicle
    • This form is a three-part form to be used by the police authority for the disposal of abandoned vehicles. These forms are only made available to a police authority and may be obtained by calling the Central Programs Bureau at 515-237-3156 or email county.vehicle@iowadot.us. The forms are available electronically in a fillable format at the election of the requesting police authority.
  • Form 411185 - Certificate of Disposal of an Abandoned Vehicle by Private Entity When Employed by a Private Property Owner
  • Form 411090 - Abandoned Vehicle Report
    • This form includes claims for reimbursement of the towing expense when a police authority employs a private entity. Also, used for turn-in of excess proceeds. The form can be printed, completed by hand, and mailed to the Central Programs Bureau or completed online, printed, and mailed to the Central Program Bureau.
  • Form 411104 - Application for Authority to Transfer a Vehicle to a Demolisher
    • Front side of the form is completed by an individual to apply for authority to transfer a vehicle to a demolisher.
    • Back side of the form is completed by a demolisher to apply for a certificate of authority to demolish a vehicle.
  • Form 411077 - Odometer Disclosure Statement
    • This form is required when a vehicle, model year 2011 or newer, is sold at public auction by police authority or private entity.

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