Colorado Abandoned Vehicle Title Procedures

Abandoned vehicles are a common concern, often prompting individuals to seek ways to obtain a title for a vehicle they’ve acquired. However, the term “abandoned” doesn’t necessarily mean a vehicle has magically appeared on your property without explanation. In most cases, people claiming a vehicle is abandoned have acquired it through various means, such as purchasing it on Craigslist, acquiring it from a towing company, or receiving it for sale without a title.

Here, we’ll examine an example from the state of Colorado, using their Department of Revenue’s “Abandonment of Motor Vehicles Private Tow Requirements Checklist” to illustrate why the term “abandoned” doesn’t equate to a straightforward process for obtaining a title.

Abandoned Vehicle Process Overview:

1. Tow Operator Notification to Law Enforcement:
   • Within 30 minutes of picking up an abandoned vehicle on private property, the tow operator must contact law enforcement.
2. Record Search Submission to DMV:
   • Between two and ten calendar days of towing, the tow operator must submit a record search request to the DMV to identify the vehicle’s owner.
3. Notice to Owner:
   • The tow operator sends a notice to the owner, stating that the vehicle has been towed and impounded. The owner typically has 30 days to pay outstanding fees and retrieve the vehicle.
4. Vehicle Sale or Disposal:
   • If the owner doesn’t retrieve the vehicle within the specified time frame, it can be sold or disposed of. The sale must occur within 30 to 60 days from the postmark of the notice.
5. Forms and Documentation for Title Application:
   • Depending on the vehicle’s value, specific forms and documents are required to obtain a title. For vehicles valued at $350 or less, it may receive a junk or parts-only title.

Challenges and Additional Requirements:

• Bond Requirement for Vehicles Valued Over $350:
  • If the vehicle’s value exceeds $350, the buyer must purchase a surety bond for a minimum of $700.
• Additional Documentation Needed for Title Application:
  • Various documents such as an original private tow information request, bill of sale and appraisal to the buyer, VIN verification, application for title event inspection, and a no-record printout are necessary.
• Salvage Designation Disclosure:
  • The tow operator is required to disclose if the vehicle has a salvage title. If indicated during VIN inspection, the buyer may apply for a salvage title.
• Commercially Reasonable Sale:
  • The vehicle must be sold in a commercially reasonable manner, often through public auctions.

Abandoned Vehicles Are Not Finders Keepers

The outlined process in Colorado demonstrates that abandoned vehicles are not simply finders keepers situations. For civilians without tow operator licenses, the ability to declare a vehicle abandoned and initiate this process is limited. Even when allowed, it involves a complex series of steps and requirements.

Alternative Methods for Obtaining a Title: If you’re seeking a title for a vehicle you’ve acquired, there are alternative methods that don’t involve labeling it as abandoned. Options such as surety bond titles, prior owner contact, magistrate titles, and court order titles provide more controlled and legally sound avenues.

Consulting Title Professionals: For assistance in navigating the complexities of obtaining a title, reaching out to title professionals, whether in the title division or the surety bond division, can provide valuable guidance. They can offer insights into the most suitable methods for your specific situation, helping you secure a legitimate title without resorting to the abandoned vehicle process.

In summary, understanding the limitations and complexities of abandoned vehicle procedures highlights the importance of exploring alternative avenues to secure a title legally and effectively.

Abandoned Vehicle Title Document Requirements

Hello, this is Dave, and in this video, we’re going to delve into the intricacies of the unclaimed vehicle titling process. It’s a topic that generates numerous inquiries – approximately 7 to 900 calls a day – and we want to shed light on the process using a specific example from Franklin County in Ohio. While the details are jurisdiction-specific, the fundamental steps are similar across various regions. So, whether you’re dealing with vehicles in Ohio or elsewhere, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of what to expect and whether it’s a process worth pursuing.

Understanding the Unclaimed Vehicle Titling Process:

1. Verification of Vehicle Value:
   • Before diving into the process, it’s crucial to verify that the vehicle’s value aligns with the specified guidelines. In Franklin County, Ohio, this applies to vehicles with a value less than $3,500.
2. File BMV Form 1173:
   • The first official step is filing a BMV Form 1173 (or its equivalent in other states), requesting information on the lien holder and owner’s last known address. This form is submitted to the DMV to notify them of your intent to claim the vehicle.
   • Note: This is often considered Step 2, but it’s imperative to complete it before proceeding with other steps.
3. Mail Certified Notices:
   • Once armed with official information from the DMV, the next step involves sending certified notices, return receipt requested, to the owner and lien holders. This notice includes details about the vehicle’s location, value, and your intention to claim it.
   • A waiting period of 15 to 60 days (depending on state statutes) is crucial before advancing to the next step.
4. Unclaimed Motor Vehicle Affidavit Form:
   • The claimant needs to complete an Unclaimed Motor Vehicle Affidavit form, which essentially serves as the application for title. This includes providing evidence such as repair agreements, valuation printouts, and certified mail documentation.
5. Apply for Title:
   • The final step is applying for the title. This involves visiting a clerk of court or title office, presenting all evidence from Step 4, and completing the application process.

Additional Considerations:

• Protection Against Fraud:
  • The unclaimed vehicle process is designed to prevent fraud, and as such, it undergoes thorough scrutiny. Any attempt to abuse the process may result in rejection and legal consequences.
• Auditing by DMV:
  • Government agencies often audit these applications due to their susceptibility to abuse. This meticulous review ensures the legitimacy of claims and prevents fraudulent activities.

Closing Thoughts:

Navigating the unclaimed vehicle titling process requires attention to detail, adherence to timelines, and compliance with official procedures. It’s a process frequently sought after, but one that should be approached with caution and transparency.

For more detailed information, including forms and documents for every state, feel free to visit our website at CarTitles.com. We provide resources for a DIY approach, or you can explore our services if you prefer assistance. Remember, while the process can be time-consuming, it offers a legal solution to excess vehicle storage or abandonment issues.

If you have further questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of unclaimed vehicle titling.