How to Claim Ownership on an Abandoned Vehicle

So you've noticed a car sitting on the wayside, and you can't recall ever seeing someone driving it. You start to think that you'd like to get your hands on that car, if indeed there is no owner. Claiming ownership on an abandoned vehicle has been done before, and you can do it as long as you abide by the law. There are two common ways you can claim ownership of an abandoned vehicle, and a few traps to avoid as you seek ownership of the vehicle.

Instructions

Claiming Ownership by Contacting the Owner

1

Go to your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and report the abandoned car. Tell the DMV officer the vehicle's license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which you can find on the lower portion of the windshield.

2

Contact the owner of the abandoned car, once the DMV can find out who holds the title to the car. Ask the owner if you can purchase the car or if the she can send you the title. Give the owner your address for him to send you the title. When speaking to the owner of the car, tell him that the car will be towed at his expense. That will motivate her to send you the title so you can take charge of the car.

3

Sign the title to the car. Once you've done that, it's yours.

Claiming Ownership by Bidding

4

Go to your local DMV and report the abandoned vehicle. Tell the DMV officer the vehicle's license plate number and VIN. Ask the officer if he can track down the owner of the car so you can take ownership of it.

5

Keep tabs on the car, if the DMV can't track down the owner. Chances are, the car will be impounded and the towing company will auction it off to the highest bidder.

6

Take your checkbook and purchase the car at the auction. Once you've signed the title to the car, it's yours.