How To Claim an Abandoned Vehicle in Nevada

Abandoned vehicles in Nevada may be claimed by following the legal processes prescribed in Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 487 and administered through the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. The procedure requires strict compliance with statutory notification timelines, lien satisfaction procedures, and title application requirements. Persons removing abandoned vehicles must follow these established steps to perfect a lien and recover costs through lawful sale or obtain title to the vehicle.

What Qualifies as an Abandoned Vehicle in Nevada

Under NRS 487.210, an abandoned vehicle is defined according to location and circumstances. A vehicle qualifies as abandoned in the following circumstances:

• Vehicle on public lands: A vehicle discovered on public lands that the owner has discarded.
• Vehicle on public or private property other than public lands—discarded: A vehicle discovered on public or private property (other than public lands) that the owner has discarded.
• Vehicle on public or private property—not reclaimed after notice: A vehicle on public or private property other than public lands that has not been reclaimed by the registered owner or a person holding a security interest in the vehicle within 15 days after notification pursuant to NRS 487.250.

The classification affects the recovery process. Vehicles appraised at $500 or less follow a simplified procedure, while vehicles appraised at more than $500 require a lien sale process under Nevada's statutory lien law.

Process To Claim an Abandoned Vehicle in Nevada

Understanding the Abandoned Vehicle Process

Nevada permits recovery of abandoned vehicles through a statutory lien procedure established in NRS 487.270 and general lien sale provisions in NRS 108.310. A person removing the vehicle or taking it into possession obtains a statutory lien for towing and storage costs. The lienholder may satisfy this lien through retention and obtaining a certificate for vehicles $500 or less or through sale for vehicles exceeding $500 after statutory waiting periods expire.

Report the Unclaimed Vehicle

The person removing the vehicle or taking it into possession must notify the registered owner and any person holding a security interest in the vehicle by registered or certified mail that the vehicle has been removed. This notification must occur pursuant to NRS 487.250 and must advise the owner that the vehicle will be junked, dismantled, or otherwise disposed of unless the registered owner or lienholder responds and pays removal costs.

Verify Title Records and Identify Registered Owner

If the vehicle is registered in Nevada, the person must obtain owner and lienholder information from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. If the vehicle is registered in another state, contact that state's motor vehicle agency to locate the registered owner and any lienholder of record. Obtain certified or verified motor vehicle title records showing the registered owner and any legal owner or lienholder.

Send Required Notices

Send written notice by registered or certified mail to all registered owners and persons holding a security interest in the vehicle advising them that the vehicle has been removed and will be disposed of unless reclaimed and costs paid. The notice must indicate the appraised value of the vehicle and whether it will be junked, dismantled, or otherwise disposed of.

Allow the Statutory Waiting Period

For vehicles appraised at $500 or less: Failure to reclaim within 15 days after notification constitutes a waiver of interest in the vehicle by any person having an interest. All recorded interests may be waived by written disclaimer by any person having an interest in the vehicle, as described in NRS 487.250.

For vehicles appraised at more than $500: Allow 45 days to pass from the date notification was sent. During this period, the registered owner or lienholder may reclaim the vehicle by paying all accrued costs. If the vehicle is not reclaimed within 45 days, the lienholder may satisfy the lien in accordance with NRS 108.310.

File Notice of Lien Sale

Before selling the vehicle (for vehicles over $500), the lienholder must submit a Notice of Lien Sale to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles at least 7 business days before the intended sale date. The notice must describe the vehicle, state the owner's name, identify the lienholder, and provide the time and place of sale.

Publish Auction Notice

For vehicles appraised at more than $500, an advertisement of sale must be published once a week for 3 consecutive weeks in a newspaper published in the place where the sale is to be held. If no newspaper is published in that place, the notice must be published in a newspaper published in Nevada that has general circulation in that place. The sale must not be held less than 22 days after the first publication, in accordance with NRS 108.310.

For vehicles appraised at $500 or less: Publication is not required.

Conduct the Public Auction Or Other Authorized Sale

The sale by auction must be held at the place where the lien was acquired or, if that place is unsuitable, at the nearest suitable place. The vehicle is sold to the highest bidder. The sale must occur at least 22 days after the first publication notice (for vehicles over $500). Any person, including the lienholder, may bid on the vehicle.

Complete the Bill of Sale and Title Documents

Upon sale, complete the Lien Sale Affidavit (Form VP-147) which must be notarized. This form must be accompanied by a completed Vehicle Inspection Certificate (Form VP-15), or, when a lien claimant is actively licensed through the department, an Appraisal Report for Abandoned Vehicle (Form VP-161) may be acceptable in lieu of VP-15. If a lien has been transferred from one party to another (such as from a tow yard to an auction facility), use the Abandoned Vehicle Lien Transfer (Form VP-262). From the proceeds of the sale, the lienholder satisfies the lien, including reasonable charges for notice, advertisement, and sale. Any remaining balance of proceeds must be delivered on demand to the person to whom the lienholder would have been bound to deliver the vehicle.

Apply For Title

The purchaser must apply for title within 90 days. Submit a Lien Sale Registration Certification (Form VP-201) and the completed Lien Sale Affidavit (VP-147) to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. For vehicles valued at $500 or less that are not reclaimed, a salvage title may be issued pursuant to NRS 487.810, or a nonrepairable vehicle certificate (junk certificate) may be issued pursuant to NRS 487.810 or NRS 487.105 if applicable.

Bonded Title Or Surety Bond Requirements

If the vehicle title cannot be located or the vehicle has never been titled in Nevada, a bonded title may be available through application to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. State law does not mandate a surety bond for lien sale purchasers; however, the specific requirements depend on the vehicle's prior title status and history. Bonded titles require a surety bond that must remain active for 3 years, with bond amounts typically set at 1.5 times the vehicle's MSRP for standard vehicles or 25% of MSRP for salvage vehicles. The vehicle must be physically located in Nevada, and the applicant must be a Nevada resident. All bonded title applications are handled exclusively by the DMV's Title Research Section in Carson City. Consult the DMV directly regarding bonded title eligibility.

Special Rules For Salvage, Rebuilt, Or Inoperable Vehicles

If a vehicle bears a salvage title brand in Nevada or any other state, any subsequent title must also bear that brand. A salvage vehicle (orange-colored title) may not be operated on Nevada highways until it is restored by a licensed rebuilder, inspected by the Department, and reissued as a rebuilt vehicle. A nonrepairable vehicle certificate (junk certificate) is issued for vehicles with no resale value, stripped vehicles, or burned vehicles and cannot be rebuilt or titled for road use.

For vehicles appraised at $500 or less, the lienholder may retain the vehicle and obtain a salvage title pursuant to NRS 487.810, or a nonrepairable vehicle certificate may be obtained pursuant to NRS 487.810 or NRS 487.105 if the vehicle meets the criteria for processing as parts or scrap metal under the streamlined wrecker procedure, or the vehicle may be processed for parts or scrap metal if certain statutory conditions are met.

Maintain Records

All records related to the lien, sale, and title must be maintained for a period specified by the lienholder's business practices and Nevada law. Records should include proof of notification (certified mail receipts), the appraisal report, lien sale affidavits, proof of publication (if required), the bill of sale, and all title and registration documents.

Nevada Storage Fees And Financial Considerations

Storage Fee Rules

A lien created under NRS 487.270 covers towing and storage costs for a period not exceeding 90 days. Storage fees must be reasonable and charged at rates established by the operator. If the vehicle is removed from public property at the request of a constable, an additional constable fee of $100 may be assessed as specified in NRS 258.125.

Towing And Recovery Charges

Towing and removal costs are set by the tow operator or wrecker and must be reasonable. Nevada does not establish statewide rate schedules; however, charges must reflect fair market value. Operators must maintain and disclose itemized invoices showing all charges incurred.

Disputes Over Charges

State law does not establish a formal dispute resolution process specific to abandoned vehicle towing and storage charges. Persons may pursue civil remedies through the courts if charges are disputed. The registered owner or lienholder may challenge charges as unreasonable if evidence supports such a claim.

Sale Proceeds And Excess Funds

From the proceeds of the sale, costs for towing, storage, notice, advertisement, and sale expenses are satisfied first. Any remaining balance must be delivered on demand to the person lawfully entitled to receive it. If the vehicle was removed from public property at the request of a constable, the constable fee must be transmitted to the constable. Unclaimed proceeds may be held by the lienholder or remitted to the State Treasurer under Nevada's unclaimed property laws if not claimed within statutory periods.

Contact Information

Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
555 Wright Way, Carson City, NV 89711
Phone: (775) 684-4368 (Reno/Carson City) or (702) 486-4368 (Las Vegas)
Official Website: Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles