If your vehicle was taken into custody by the City of Salem, you will need to request an authorization for release of the vehicle in person at the Salem Police Department. Bring the following:

1. Proof of ownership or right to possess the vehicle
   • Photo identification, if you are the registered owner of the vehicle with DMV.
   • DMV title transfer form, stamped by the DMV. A bill of sale or signed-off titles will not be accepted without DMV title transfer documentation.
   • If the owner of the vehicle can’t come in person, they can fill out an Authorization for Release form to give permission to another to get the vehicle release. The form must be notarized.
     • Authorization for Release Form (English)
     • Authorization for Release Form (Spanish)
2. A valid driver license
   • If you do not have a current driver license, bring someone with you who has a valid license to drive the car.
3. Proof of insurance
   • Insurance card or policy paperwork showing the towed vehicle as covered on the policy. The dates listed on the paperwork must cover the date you're picking up the vehicle.
   • You can use your smart phone or tablet to show proof of insurance at the police station.
   • A bill or invoice from your insurance company will not be accepted as proof of insurance.
4. Pay the $150 administrative fee. The fee may be waived for the following reasons:
   • Forfeiture, meaning surrender of the title/ownership
   • Traffic hazard
   • Recovered stolen
   • VIN check
   • Criminal investigation
   • Left on private property after an arrest

Once you have the release form, you can retrieve your vehicle from the tow company. You will need to pay the tow bill and complete the tow company's additional paperwork to get your vehicle. Additional fees maybe charged by the tow company if it is after their normal business hours.

Tow hearing

You can request a tow hearing if you feel your vehicle was wrongly towed. You must request a hearing within five days of the impound. To request a hearing:

1. Get a Request for Hearing form from the Salem Police Department or Salem Municipal Court.
2. Complete the form.
3. Return the form to:
   Salem Municipal Court
   555 Liberty St. SE •  Room 215 • 97301

Forms

• Authorization for release form Give permission for someone other than the owner to pick up the vehicle. Download and complete the form which is available in English or Spanish.
• DMV title transfer form The form is only available from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and you must present it at the police station to show proof of ownership if your vehicle isn't yet registered in your name with the DMV. 
• Vehicle release form The form is only available at the Salem Police Department, and must be completed to withdraw your vehicle from the tow company.
• Tow hearing form Use this form to request a hearing if you feel your vehicle was wrongly towed. The form is available at the police station or the Salem Municipal Court.