If an abandoned vehicle in Arizona has been left on your property, you may be able to begin the Arizona MVD abandoned vehicle process and eventually apply for ownership. Arizona has specific requirements for abandoned vehicles, including how long the vehicle must remain on the property, an abandoned vehicle application, a vehicle inspection and notification of the existing owner and other interested parties. Understanding the process before you begin can help determine whether the vehicle qualifies and what steps you need to take.
What Is Considered an Abandoned Vehicle in Arizona?
Arizona defines an abandoned vehicle as a vehicle, trailer or semitrailer subject to registration that has been abandoned on public or private property.
This can include vehicles that are lost, stolen, abandoned or otherwise unclaimed.
However, simply having a vehicle sitting on your property does not automatically mean it qualifies for the abandoned vehicle process.
If you purchased or received a vehicle but have a title problem, the appropriate process may be different. For information about regular ownership transfers, see our How to Title and Register a Vehicle in Arizona guide.
When Can I Apply for Ownership of an Abandoned Vehicle?
For the standard abandoned vehicle process, the vehicle generally must have been abandoned on the property for more than 10 days.
It also must not have been left under a written or verbal storage agreement and must meet Arizona’s other abandoned vehicle requirements.
Certain businesses, including commercial repair facilities, public garages and parking lots, may have additional requirements depending on why the vehicle was left on the property.
Arizona Abandoned Vehicle Application
What Vehicles Do Not Qualify as Abandoned?
Not every unwanted or unclaimed vehicle qualifies.
For example, Arizona’s abandoned vehicle process generally should not be used simply because:
- You purchased a vehicle but don’t have the proper documents to transfer the title
- A vehicle was left under a written or verbal storage agreement
- A vehicle is being stored at a self-service storage facility
- Certain qualifying historic vehicles are being stored by their owners
- A vehicle does not otherwise meet Arizona’s abandoned vehicle requirements
If you purchased or received a vehicle but have a title problem, the appropriate process may be different.
For information about regular ownership transfers, see our How to Title and Register a Vehicle in Arizona guide.
How Do I Apply for an Abandoned Vehicle in Arizona?
If the vehicle qualifies, the process generally begins by completing an Arizona Abandoned Vehicle Application.
The process includes several steps:
- Complete the Abandoned Vehicle Application.
- Have the vehicle inspected.
- Submit the application and required fee to Arizona MVD.
- MVD reviews the application and identifies the vehicle’s owner, lienholder and other interested parties.
- Those parties are given an opportunity to reclaim the vehicle.
- If the vehicle remains unclaimed and all requirements are satisfied, ownership may eventually be transferred to the applicant.
The process is designed to give the legal owner and other interested parties an opportunity to recover the vehicle before ownership changes.
Does an Abandoned Vehicle Need an Inspection?
Yes. A vehicle must be inspected as part of the abandoned vehicle process.
Depending on the circumstances, the inspection may be completed by bringing or towing the vehicle to an appropriate location, arranging an inspection through an Authorized Third Party provider or contacting an appropriate law enforcement agency.
An abandoned vehicle inspection helps verify the vehicle and its identifying information before the ownership process moves forward.
How Long Does the Owner Have to Reclaim an Abandoned Vehicle?
After MVD receives and processes an eligible abandoned vehicle application, notice is sent to the registered owner, lienholder and other interested parties.
They are generally given 30 days to reclaim the vehicle.
If nobody with a legal interest in the vehicle claims it and the other requirements have been satisfied, ownership may then be transferred to the applicant.
Can I Claim an Abandoned Vehicle Just Because It’s on My Property?
Not automatically.
Having a vehicle on your property is only one part of the process. The vehicle must meet Arizona’s abandoned vehicle requirements, and you cannot simply take ownership or begin using the vehicle because it has been left there.
MVD must process the application, notify interested parties and complete the required ownership-transfer procedure.
What If an Abandoned Vehicle Was Left at a Repair Shop or Business?
The rules can be more complicated for repair facilities, towing companies, parking facilities and other businesses.
For example, a vehicle left at a repair facility under a written or verbal repair agreement may not qualify for the standard abandoned vehicle process. Depending on the circumstances, another process such as a lien or judicial remedy may apply instead.
Businesses should determine which process applies before submitting an abandoned vehicle application.
What If I Received an Abandoned Vehicle Notice?
If you receive an abandoned vehicle notice for a vehicle registered in your name, don’t ignore it.
Arizona can assess an abandoned vehicle fee against the registered owner. The current fee can be $500, with a higher fee applying when a vehicle is abandoned on certain government lands.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to avoid or have the fee waived by providing documentation showing that you sold or transferred the vehicle before it was abandoned, the vehicle was stolen or another qualifying situation applies.
Why Is a Sold Notice Important?
If you sell, trade, donate or otherwise transfer a vehicle, filing a Sold Notice with Arizona MVD can help protect you after the vehicle leaves your possession.
Without a Sold Notice, MVD records may continue showing you as the vehicle’s owner. That can create problems if the vehicle is later ticketed, involved in an accident, used improperly or abandoned.
A Sold Notice should be completed promptly whenever ownership of your vehicle changes.
This is also a great internal-link opportunity once we create a dedicated Arizona Sold Notice guide.
Does Arizona MVD Tow Abandoned Vehicles?
No. The Arizona MVD Abandoned Vehicle Unit does not tow vehicles or arrange towing.
If you need an abandoned vehicle removed or have a vehicle creating an immediate problem on public property, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency or other responsible local authority.
Can a Third Party MVD Help With an Abandoned Vehicle?
Authorized Third Party providers can assist with certain services related to the abandoned vehicle process, including eligible vehicle inspections and MVD transactions.
At participating 1 Stop Motor Vehicle locations, we can assist with eligible motor vehicle services and help customers determine the appropriate next step for their transaction.
Because abandoned vehicle cases can vary significantly, it’s a good idea to confirm what service you need and whether it is available at your location before visiting.
Get Help With Arizona MVD Vehicle Services
An abandoned vehicle can create a confusing situation, especially when ownership documents, inspections or previous owners are involved. Arizona has a formal process for determining whether a vehicle qualifies as abandoned and whether ownership can eventually be transferred.
If you need assistance with an eligible vehicle inspection or another MVD transaction, participating 1 Stop Motor Vehicle locations can help you take the next step.
Need help with an Arizona MVD vehicle service? Find a participating 1 Stop Motor Vehicle location near you and get started.