Abandoned/Mechanics & Storage Lien Vehicles

The Virginia DMV is now offering expanded online services for customers who must process abandoned vehicle or mechanics and storage lien transactions. View the options below to determine your next steps to begin the process. Beginning January 1, 2022, a DMV account is required to access the new streamlined abandoned vehicle and mechanics and storage lien vehicle process.

Abandoned Vehicle Process

An abandoned motor vehicle (§ 46.2-1200) can be defined as a motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer that:

is left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours, in violation of a state law or local ordinance, or
has remained more than 48 hours on private property without the consent of the property owner, regardless of whether it was brought onto the private property with the consent of the owner or person in control of the private property, or
is left unattended on the shoulder of a primary highway

Mechanics and Storage Lien Process

Eligible individuals having a lien under § 46.2-644.01 or 46.2-644.02 for unpaid towing, storage, recovery services 10 days after the invoice is due or those who would like to relinquish the lien under the provisions of § 46.2-644.04 may use this process. Abandoned vehicles cannot be sold under this process.