How Do I Get an Abandoned Car Title in Arizona?

Contacting the Department of Transportation is the starting point for getting a title on an abandoned vehicle.

If you find a vehicle on your property, and time passes, and the owner does not turn up, it gradually becomes obvious that you are now stuck with it. As per Arizona law, any vehicle that has been abandoned on a highway, public or private property is classified as an abandoned vehicle if it has been unclaimed for more than 72 hours. Rather than allowing the car to simply lie there, it is worth finding out if you can put it to some use. To do this in Arizona, you will need to coordinate with the Department of Transportation and follow the procedure involved in having the car certified as abandoned.

Instructions

1. Collect vehicle details. Note the car's make, model and color. Write out an exact description of its present condition. Recollect details of when you first found it on your property. Note the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the license plate number.

2. Contact the Arizona Department of Transportation. Speak to officials in the Abandoned Vehicle Department about the abandoned vehicle and fill out the Abandoned Vehicle Form they provide. Set up an inspection with the department's vehicle inspector.

3. File for abandoned car title. On completion of the physical inspection of the car, the authorized inspector will provide you with an inspection report. Take this report and approach the department for further processing. Fill out an abandoned title report, attach the inspection report and write out a check for the prescribed fee. Submit all these at the department office and wait for notification from the department.

4. Pick up your title. The department will conduct a search on the car to determine if it has been stolen. If this possibility is ruled out, the department will try to locate the owner of the vehicle and tell him about its intent to transfer the car to the person who is in possession of it. After 30 days, if no response is received from the owner, you'll be notified by the department. Complete filling out the necessary paperwork to obtain the abandoned car title in your name.

Tips & Warnings

• To speed up the process of vehicle inspection, ask the department for permission to have the abandoned vehicle inspected by a local law enforcement officer.

References

• Arizona Professional Towing and Recovery Association: Arizona Abandoned Vehicle Statutes
• Justia Laws and Regulations: 2005 Arizona Code
• DMV Answers: What is required to obtain an Abandoned Vehicle Title?