Abandoned Vehicle Help VA
How It Works
Three simple steps to remove an abandoned vehicle legally in Virginia.
Step 1
Collect the Vehicle and Contact Information to Request the Vehicle Transcript
We begin by requesting the official DMV transcript for the vehicle. Once the transcript is processed, the abandoned vehicle process officially begins, and the first legal notification will automatically be sent to the owner and any lien holders. Please be sure you are ready to proceed when requesting the transcript, even if the service fee has not yet been submitted.
Important
We do not provide services to for towing companies, storage facilities, or junkyards.
Step 2
Required Notices Are Sent and Waiting Times Begin
By law, all current owners and lien holders must be notified of the vehicle's location and your intention to claim it. These notices are sent to the addresses on record with DMV. Once the notice is delivered, the owner or lien holder has 15 days to claim the vehicle. During the 15-day period, the vehicle can still be claimed by the legal owner.
Important
Accurate name, address and contact information from you is important at this stage to ensure all required notices are completed correctly and on time.
Step 3
Receive Your Completed DMV Packet
Once all required notices and waiting periods are complete, we prepare the full packet of documents needed to obtain your title. Your completed package will be sent to you by certified mail, and you will take it to the Virginia DMV to submit the paperwork and pay all title fees, taxes and any additional DMV charges.
Important
Please remember that the DMV requires you to submit your completed packet within 30 days of receiving it.
Services
We assist with abandoned units last titled in Virginia, including:
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Vehicles
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Trailers
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Motorcycles
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Mobile Homes
We help you complete the required steps to establish legal ownership through Virginia’s Abandoned Vehicle Process.
Before You Begin
“What qualifies as an abandoned vehicle in Virginia"
These are some of the Most Common reasons we deal with.
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A vehicle left on your property with or without prior consent for a period of 48 hours.
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A vehicle left in your possession and the owner cannot be located.
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A vehicle left for repair or storage and never picked up.
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A vehicle left on private property for an extended period with no contact from the owner.
What counts as an abandoned Vehicle
“What you need to provide”
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The address where the vehicle is located. (Applicant must own the property)
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The Complete VIN#
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Make, Model, Year
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A brief explanation of how the vehicle came into your possession.
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Your contact information so we can verify eligibility.
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$45 Transcript Fee
Processing Times & Waiting Periods
Abandoned vehicle cases require a mandatory waiting period while notices are sent and the DMV completes verification.
• Vehicles, trailers, and motorcycles: typically about 60 days
• Mobile homes: typically, about 150 days due to extended notice requirements and additional verification steps
Once the waiting period is complete, you will receive a full packet of documents to take to the Virginia DMV. You will pay all DMV title fees, taxes, and any additional state‑required charges at that time. These DMV fees are not included in our service fee.
What We Need from You
To begin the abandoned vehicle or mobile home process, please have the following information ready:
• Your full name and contact information
• The address where the vehicle or mobile home is located
• The VIN or serial number
• Any paperwork you already have (optional)
• A brief description of how the property became abandoned
Having this information ready helps us start your case quickly and avoid delays.
Fees & What's Included
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The official Virginia DMV record search for the vehicle (Non-Refundable Fee)
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Verification of the last registered owner and last state titled in.
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Confirmation of any existing liens.
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Documentation needed to begin the abandoned vehicle process.
What the $45 Transcript Fee Covers
What Happens After the Transcript
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If the DMV returns owner information, and VA is the last known titling state, we can move forward to the next step. (Flat Service Fee Due)
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If no owner is found, we can move forward to the next step in obtaining the title. (Flat Service Fee Due)
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If the transcript comes back and VA is not the last titling state, we can not move forward. (No additional Fees Due)
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You’ll know exactly what to expect at each stage.
Service Fee
$149 Flat Rate (Non-Refunable)
Service Fee
A flat service fee applies once the transcript confirms the vehicle qualifies for the abandoned vehicle process and you agree to proceed. This fee covers preparing all required forms, guiding you through each step, and ensuring everything is submitted correctly.
We do not charge this fee unless we can proceed with the process.
Important
Once this fee is submitted, the process has started.
What the Service Fee Covers
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Preparing all required Virginia abandoned vehicle forms
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Posting all legal notices
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Ensuring all documents meet DMV requirements
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Support through the entire process until completion
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Final preparation of all documents to be delivered to you to ensure a smooth transaction with DMV
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Document package shipping fees (if applicable)