If your car is gone in New York City, do not panic, it was very likely towed, not stolen. Here is how to find your towed vehicle in NYC, which borough pound it is in, and exactly what you need to get it back.
Step 1: Look it up on the NYC Towed Vehicle Locator
The fastest way to find a towed car in NYC is the city’s official Towed Vehicle Locator on nyc.gov. Enter your license plate number and state, and it tells you whether the car was towed, which pound it is in, and what to do next. You can also call 311 for the same information.
Why cars get towed in NYC
- Illegal parking – towed to the NYPD pound in the same borough
- NYPD action – for investigations, arrests, or safety
- Private towing – if parked on private property (a different lot, not a city pound)
Which borough pound has your car
NYC operates NYPD tow pounds in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. A car towed for illegal parking usually goes to the pound in the borough it was towed from. The locator will confirm the exact pound and current address, always check it there, since pound locations and hours can change.
The rule that surprises people: outstanding judgments
Here is what many New Yorkers do not know: if your car was illegally parked and your unpaid parking tickets in judgment total more than $101, you must pay the NYC Department of Finance all of that judgment debt and penalties before the pound will release your car, on top of the towing and storage fees.
What to bring to get it back
- Proof of ownership (title or registration in your name)
- A valid, unexpired photo ID
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for towing, storage, and any judgment debt
For the full breakdown, see what to bring to pick up a towed car.
Cannot get there yourself? Send someone with a notarized letter
If you cannot get to the pound, you can send someone, but they will need a notarized authorization letter from you naming them and describing the vehicle, plus a copy of your ID. Without it, the pound will not release the car to anyone but the owner.
Sending someone to the pound? Get a free, notary-ready authorization letter.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my car was towed or stolen in NYC?
Check the NYC Towed Vehicle Locator with your plate first. If it does not show as towed, report it to the NYPD as possibly stolen.
Can someone else pick it up for me?
Yes, with a notarized letter, see can someone else pick up my towed car?
How fast should I retrieve it?
Quickly, storage fees add up daily. See the full impound retrieval steps.
Towed car guides
- Bronx Tow Pound: How to Find & Retrieve Your Car
- How to Get Your Car Out of Impound
- Free Vehicle Release Authorization Letter
This article is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current pound locations, hours, and fees on the official NYC Department of Finance and NYPD websites or by calling 311.
More: Car got towed? The full guide · What it costs to get it out of impound
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