What Counts as an Abandoned Vehicle in Virginia?

Under Virginia Code § 46.2-1200, a vehicle is considered abandoned when it's left on public property for more than 48 hours without being moved, or left on private property without the owner's permission. It also includes vehicles that appear inoperable, are missing major parts, or have expired registration for more than 60 days while sitting in public view.

Common examples include a car left in an apartment parking lot for weeks, a truck dumped on the shoulder of a rural road, or a junked vehicle parked in someone's driveway by a former tenant who never returned.

Who Can Apply for an Abandoned Vehicle Title in VA?

Virginia allows several parties to pursue title on an abandoned vehicle:

  • Private property owners — homeowners, landlords, or business owners with a vehicle abandoned on their land.
  • Tow operators and storage facilities — companies holding a vehicle that was towed and never claimed.
  • Repair shops and garages — mechanics stuck with a vehicle after work was completed and the owner never returned to pay or pick it up.
  • Localities — cities and counties that impound abandoned vehicles from public roadways.

If you're a private citizen who simply found a vehicle you like on the side of the road, you cannot just claim it. It must go through a licensed tow or the local jurisdiction first.

The Step-by-Step Process for an Abandoned Vehicle Title in VA

Step 1: Report and Document the Vehicle

Contact your local police or sheriff's department first. They'll run the plate and VIN to check whether the vehicle is stolen. This step is essential — you cannot title a vehicle that hasn't been officially cleared. Take dated photos showing the vehicle's condition and location.

Step 2: Locate the Owner

Virginia requires a documented good-faith effort to notify the last known owner and any lienholders. The DMV will typically provide this information after you submit form VSA 10 (Request for Vehicle Information). Notification is usually sent via certified mail with return receipt.

Before going the formal route, some people also try a Virginia license plate lookup to reach the vehicle owner directly. A quick message can sometimes resolve the situation without paperwork — the owner may have simply forgotten the vehicle was there.

Step 3: Wait the Required Holding Period

Virginia generally requires a 15-day waiting period after proper notification. If the owner or lienholder doesn't respond or reclaim the vehicle within that window, you can move to the next step.

Step 4: File with the Virginia DMV

Submit the following to the DMV:

  • Form VSA 12 (Application for Title to an Abandoned Vehicle) or VSA 14 for tow/storage operators
  • Proof of certified mail notification
  • Photos and location documentation
  • Police report or law enforcement clearance
  • Applicable fees (title fee is currently $15, plus any taxes if you plan to register)

Step 5: Receive Your Title

Once the DMV verifies everything, you'll receive an abandoned vehicle title in your name. From there, you can register the vehicle, sell it, or send it to a salvage yard.

Special Case: Vehicles on Private Property

If someone abandoned a vehicle in your driveway, apartment lot, or business parking area, Virginia law lets you initiate a tow through a licensed operator. The tow company typically handles the title process from there, and you're relieved of the vehicle without paying for storage yourself. Just make sure signage requirements are met if you're a landlord or business.

Salvage vs. Regular Title

If the abandoned vehicle is inoperable or the estimated repair costs exceed its value, the DMV may issue a salvage title instead of a regular one. You'd then need a rebuilt inspection before the vehicle can return to the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an abandoned vehicle title in VA?

Most cases take 30 to 60 days from reporting the vehicle to receiving the title, depending on how quickly the DMV processes owner information and whether certified mail is returned.

Can I skip the notification step if I can't find the owner?

No. Even if the owner is unreachable, Virginia requires documented proof that you tried. The DMV will not issue title without it.

What if the vehicle has a lien?

Lienholders must also be notified and given the chance to reclaim the vehicle. If they don't respond within the waiting period, the lien may be extinguished through the abandoned vehicle process.

Does Virginia charge sales tax on an abandoned vehicle title?

Generally no title tax applies since there's no purchase, but you'll pay standard registration taxes if you plan to drive it.

How PlateQuery Can Help

Before starting the full abandoned vehicle title process, it's often worth trying to reach the owner directly. PlateQuery lets you leave a message tied to a license plate — so if a car has been sitting in your lot or blocking your driveway, the owner can be notified without you having to escalate to towing or DMV paperwork. It's a faster, friendlier first step, and it may save you weeks of legal process. If the owner never responds, you'll still have documentation of your outreach attempt to support your VSA 12 filing.