Free Authorization Letter to Release Vehicle
Need someone to pick up your car from a tow yard or impound lot? Download a ready-to-use, notary-ready authorization letter, then notarize it online in minutes. Enter your email to get it.
An authorization letter to release a vehicle is a notarized letter that lets someone you name pick up your car on your behalf, from a tow yard, impound lot, dealership, or repair shop. Because it gives another person authority over your vehicle, these facilities almost always require it to be notarized before they will release the car.
When you need one
- Your car was towed or impounded and you cannot get there yourself
- You are out of town, traveling, or unavailable and need a friend or family member to retrieve it
- A facility asks for written, notarized authorization before releasing the vehicle to anyone but the owner
- You are sending someone to pay the fees and sign for the release on your behalf
What the template includes
- Your details as the vehicle owner
- Full vehicle description (year, make, model, color, VIN, plate)
- The name of the person you authorize and the facility to release from
- Permission for them to sign documents and pay fees
- Your signature line and a ready notary acknowledgment block
How it works
- 1. Enter your email above and download the free template instantly.
- 2. Fill in your vehicle and the person you authorize, but do not sign yet.
- 3. Notarize it online over secure video, in minutes, from any state. We connect you the moment you download.
Frequently asked questions
Does this letter need to be notarized?
Almost always, yes. Tow yards and impound lots require notarized authorization before releasing a vehicle to someone other than the owner. That is why we route you to notarize it online after you download.
What should the person bring to pick up the car?
The notarized letter, their own valid photo ID, and usually a copy of your ID. Confirm the facility’s exact requirements first.
Should I sign before meeting the notary?
No. Wait and sign during your online notary session.
More free notarizable templates
Towed car guides
This template is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. After you download, you will be connected with our online notary partner to complete your notarization; NotarEase NYC may earn a referral credit at no extra cost to you.