What if I'm towed?

Call our Records Unit at 503-785-5200. You will need to have your license plate number or entire VIN number.  

There are several tow companies which Clackamas County contracts to tow vehicles. They are called on a rotational basis. You can obtain the name of the tow company and their phone number from our Records Unit. You will need to have your license plate number or the entire VIN number. 

No. All releases must be obtained in person at the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office at 9101 SE Sunnybrook Blvd., Clackamas, OR 97015 [ map ].

We accept cash and credit cards. We do NOT accept checks.

Yes. You will need to provide your repossession paperwork, as well as all the other requirements listed below.

Releases are issued during the following hours:

• Monday-Friday: 7a.m. to 6 p.m.

The following parties may obtain Vehicle Releases:

1. The owner, verified through DMV title or registration.  A bill of sale must be notarized or have DMV transaction paperwork. 
2. Driver of the vehicle at the time of the tow, unless it was towed as a Recovered Stolen Vehicle or other unusual circumstances.
3. A person who is physically present with either of the above at the time of release and has proper endorsements and licenses.
4. A person who has a notarized statement from the owner authorizing that person to take control of the vehicle.

If the vehicle was towed for Elude, Hit and Run, Driving Under Influence of Intoxicant, Speed Racing, Driving while Revoked, or Driving while Suspended (Felony or Misdemeanor):

• Valid Driver's License
• Proof of insurance on the vehicle being released
• $150 administrative fee

If the vehicle was towed for Driving while Suspended (Violation), No Operator's License, or No Insurance:

• Valid Driver's License
• Proof of Insurance on the vehicle being released
• $75 administrative fee

If the vehicle was towed for Expired Registration:

• Valid Driver's License
• Trip Permit or renewed registration
• Proof of insurance of the vehicle being released
• $75 administrative fee

If the vehicle was towed for Possible Stolen:

• Valid Driver's License
• Proof of insurance
• There is no administrative fee

Other considerations:

• Administrative fees above DO NOT include fees due to the tow company. 
• All outstanding parking and/or park citations must be paid prior to a release being issued.
• Proof of insurance MUST include the VIN number for the vehicle being released and the issued and expiration date of the policy. 
• If the towed vehicle is a motorcycle or commercial vehicle: The person claiming the vehicle MUST have the proper endorsement (Motorcycle Endorsement or CDL).
• DUII Implied Consent temporary license paperwork is accepted, as long as the 12-hour waiting period is up. The effective time of the Implied Consent is listed on the Implied Consent Form. 

As noted in the previous question, the following parties may obtain Vehicle Releases:

1. The owner, verified through DMV title or registration.  A bill of sale must be notarized or have DMV transaction paperwork. 
2. Driver of the vehicle at the time of the tow, unless it was towed as a Recovered Stolen Vehicle or other unusual circumstances.
3. A person who is physically present with either of the above at the time of release and has proper endorsements and licenses.
4. A person who has a notarized statement from the owner authorizing that person to take control of the vehicle.