For information relevant to you, click the appropriate response below.

I was notified that my vehicle has been impounded for the following reason:

• Parking Patrol Tows – Call 503-823-0044

• Abandoned Vehicle – Call 503-823-7309

• Vehicle towed from private property (like a parking lot) – Call 503-823-0044

• Tag Warrants – Multiple unpaid parking tickets – Call 503-988-3235

• My reason is not on this list – Call 503-823-0044

Obtaining Your Towed Vehicle

Please Read Carefully.  If you do not follow these steps, you will be refused service.  You must: 

• Provide valid, current identification with signature and photo (such as a valid driver’s license).

• Provide proof of insurance.   Valid insurance papers must include effective dates listing the impounded vehicle and the registered owner’s name.      

• Proof of ownership. Towed vehicles will only be released to the person whose name currently appears on the DMV records.

• Proof of operator’s license. You must present a VALID operator’s license. (If you live in another state but have had your Oregon driving privileges suspended or revoked, SEE NEXT)

• If you do not have a valid operator’s license, you must bring a companion with a valid operator’s license with you to the Portland Police Bureau. This companion will need to be present at the tow lot to drive the vehicle, or you must bring a tow truck driver operator with a VALID operator’s license with you to obtain the vehicle release. The tow truck operator will tow the vehicle from the tow lot.

If your vehicle was towed because you didn’t have liability insurance, you must present the following:

• A motor vehicle liability insurance policy on the impounded vehicle; or

• A bond approved by a judge of a court of record in this state; or

• A deposit with the State Treasurer; or

• A self-insurance certificate issued by Oregon DMV.

Proof of insurance must include:

• Register owner’s name;

• Name of Insurance company;

• Effective dates of the policy; and

• The vehicle identification number (VIN) of the impounded vehicle.

Payment options: Money orders and cashier checks must be for the exact amount of the transaction. PERSONAL CHECKS and TRAVELER’S CHECKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.

You may request a hearing to contest the validity of this tow.  To request a hearing you must submit a Tow Hearing Request Form.  You may obtain this form in-person at the Hearings Office or online at:  http://www.portlandonline.com/auditor/index.cfm?c=26645&a=204931 The hearing request must be received by the Tow Hearings Officer no later than 10 days after the vehicle was towed. Send your hearing request to:

Tow Hearings Office

1900 SW 4th, Avenue, Room 3100

Portland, OR 97201

Phone 503-823-7307

Fax 503-823-4347

Recovering Your Towed Vehicle

Please Read Carefully.  If you do not follow these steps, you will be refused service.  You must:      

• Provide valid, current identification with signature and photo (such as a valid driver’s license).

• Provide proof of insurance.   Valid insurance papers must include effective dates listing the impounded vehicle and the registered owner’s name .   

• Proof of ownership. Towed vehicles will only be released to the person whose name currently appears on the DMV records.

• Proof of operator’s license. You must present a VALID operator’s license. (If you live in another state but have had your Oregon driver’s license suspended or revoked, SEE NEXT)

• If you do not have a valid operator’s license, you must bring a companion with a valid operator’s license with you to the Portland Police Bureau. This companion will need to be present at the tow lot to drive the vehicle, or you must bring a tow truck driver operator with a VALID operator’s license with you to obtain the vehicle release. The tow truck operator will tow the vehicle from the tow lot.

If your vehicle was towed because you didn’t have liability insurance, you must present the following:

• A motor vehicle liability insurance policy on the impounded vehicle; or

• A bond approved by a judge of a court of record in this state; or

• A deposit with the State Treasurer; or

• A self-insurance certificate issued by Oregon DMV.

Proof of insurance must include:

• Register owner’s name;

• Name of Insurance company;

• Effective dates of the policy; and

• The vehicle identification number (VIN) of the impounded vehicle.

Portland Police Bureau

1111 SW 2nd Avenue

Portland, OR 97204

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday 7AM-7PM Saturday 8AM-4PM

Closed Sundays and City of Portland Holidays

FEES: If vehicle is towed to a PRIVATE CONTRACTED TOW LOT, the owner must pay the administrative fees to the Portland Police Bureau and the towing and storage fee to the PRIVATE CONTRACTED TOW LOT.

Possible Stolen & Vin Inspection towed vehiciles do not incur an administrative fee

In order to obtain a release for your vehicle, you must APPEAR IN PERSON at the Portland Police Bureau Records Division.