How do I get a release for my vehicle if it was towed by the Police Department?
All impounded vehicles and recovered stolen vehicles require a vehicle release form. Vehicles towed by the police department will only be released to the registered owner. If you are not the registered owner, you will need to obtain a notarized letter authorizing release of the vehicle to you. The registered owner will need to identify you and the vehicle in the notarized letter. The letter must include your driver's license number, description of the car (make, model, year) and either the vehicle license plate number or vehicle identification (VIN) number.


The registered owner or authorized person picking up the car must have a valid driver's license or identification card issued by a State Department of Motor Vehicles. If you only have an identification card you must be accompanied by a person with a valid driver's license.


The Clearlake Police Department will not charge a fee to those persons retrieving a vehicle that has been stolen and recovered. There is a $100 release fee required for all stored and impounded vehicles due at the time of release in cash, exact change only. All towing and storage fees are payable to the towing company storing your vehicle. All registration fees on impounded and stored vehicles must be current prior to release.
The owner of a vehicle has the right to a post storage hearing at the Police Department.

Show All Answers

1. How much do police reports cost?
2. How can I obtain a copy of a police report?
3. What should I do if I encounter some type of explosive device?
4. My property was vandalized / my car was broken into; how do I make a report?
5. I was involved in an accident, what do I do?
6. How do I obtain a restraining order?
7. How do I evict someone?
8. How do I find out if someone is in custody?
9. Is juvenile (under 18 years old) arrest information public and can I obtain a copy?
10. The insurance company says it is my responsibility to obtain a copy of my accident report. Is this correct?
11. Why must I make an appointment to claim my property?
12. How do I obtain a police clearance letter for immigration or visa purposes?
13. How do I get a copy of my arrest history?
14. How do I obtain copies of crime statistics?
15. How do I get fingerprinted?
16. How do I retrieve my property from the Police Department?
17. How do I get a release for my vehicle if it was towed by the Police Department?
18. Can I get my impounded vehicle out prior to the 30 day impound period?
19. What is a post storage hearing?
20. How do i get a release for my vehicle repossession?
21. Why do you charge for a vehicle release form?