Notarizing a Vehicle Release Form

Getting your vehicle towed can be a frustrating experience, but the process of retrieving it doesn't have to be complicated. Vehicle release forms play a crucial role in repossessing your towed car, ensuring a smooth and legal handover.‍

What Is a Vehicle Release Form?

A vehicle release form, also known as a tow release form, is an essential document required to retrieve your towed vehicle from impound. This form serves as proof that you are the rightful owner or authorized representative of the vehicle, giving the towing company or impound lot the authorization to release the car into your custody.

Purpose: A vehicle release form is necessary to reclaim your towed car from the impound lot.

Ownership Verification: The form confirms your ownership or legal right to the vehicle.

Authorization: The release form grants permission to the tow company or impound lot to release the vehicle to you.

What do I need to fill out on a vehicle release form?

Here are the typical fields that you'll find on a form provided by the towing company, or in one of our templates:

1. Full name of the vehicle owner
2. Year, make, model of the vehicle
3. License plate of the vehicle
4. VIN (vehicle identification number)
5. Name of authorized representative of the vehicle
6. Signature of the vehicle owner (signed in front of the notary)
7. Notary name, acknowledgement, and seal (completed by the notary)

Obtaining and Notarizing Your Vehicle Release Form

Through the Notarize network, there are convenient options to get and complete your vehicle release.

Upload your own document

1. Scan or upload your own form, or use our vehicle release form. Do not sign until you meet with the notary.
2. Fill out all the required information in the form.
3. Validate your identity.
4. You will then be connected to a commissioned notary via a live video call.
5. Sign using your computer as the notary public watches over live video.
6. Wait as the notary public notarizes your document online. The average wait time is about 60 seconds.
7. You’re done! Download your vehicle release.

Use a vehicle release template

Notarize has a vehicle release form template for you. Fill out this template on the Notarize platform and connect with a notary online. You will need a valid form of identification to complete this process, as well as a computer or smartphone with audio visual capabilities.

Navigating the process of retrieving a towed vehicle can be overwhelming. Understanding the process of notarizing a vehicle release form, however, can make the journey smoother.