If your car is towed or impounded in California and someone else needs to pick it up, the tow yard or releasing agency may require a notarized authorization letter. Here’s what it is, what to include, and how to avoid delays.
If your vehicle is towed or impounded, many places will only release it to the registered owner.
But if you can’t be there in person, the tow yard or releasing agency may allow an authorized person to pick it up with a notarized authorization letter (and sometimes extra documents).
It’s a letter where the registered owner authorizes a specific person to pick up the vehicle, and the owner’s signature is notarized.
This does not remove a hold and it does not replace a vehicle release form if your city requires one. It’s simply proof that the owner is authorizing someone else to act for them.
This is the biggest mistake people make: they get a letter notarized first, then find out the tow yard wanted different wording or extra documents.
Call both:
The releasing agency (parking enforcement/police records office)
The tow yard
Ask:
Do you accept a notarized authorization letter for a third-party pickup?
Do you require a copy of the registered owner’s ID?
Do you require specific wording (or a specific form)?
Do you need the original notarized letter (not a scan)?
Some agencies publish exact statement wording they want included.
Before your notary appointment, ask the receiving party (tow yard / releasing agency / whoever is requiring the notarization):
“Do you need an acknowledgment or a jurat?”
This matters because the wrong certificate can cause delays and extra trips.
Acknowledgment: the signer confirms they signed the document (or will sign it) and acknowledges it’s their signature.
Jurat: the signer swears or affirms the contents are true and signs in front of the notary.
If they don’t know, ask them who does (a supervisor, records unit, or their written policy). In California, the notary can explain the difference, but the signer/receiving party decides which notarial certificate is needed.
Every agency/tow yard is different, but these details are commonly requested:
Registered owner:
Full legal name
Contact phone number
Authorized pickup person:
Full legal name
Driver license number (often requested)
Vehicle details:
Year, make, model
License plate
VIN (if requested)
Authorization statement:
Clear permission for the named person to pick up/redeem/release the vehicle
Attachments (sometimes required):
Copy of the registered owner’s photo ID (commonly requested in some cities)
Use this only as a starting point and match the tow yard/agency requirements if they provide their own wording. Also
NOTARIZED AUTHORIZATION LETTER – VEHICLE PICKUP
Date: ____________
I, [Registered Owner Full Name], am the registered owner of the vehicle listed below. I authorize [Authorized Person Full Name] to pick up and redeem my vehicle on my behalf.
Vehicle:
Year/Make/Model: __________________________________
License Plate: _______________________________________
VIN (if required): ____________________________________
Authorized Person:
Name: ______________________________________________
Driver License Number: ____________________________
Registered Owner Contact Phone: __________________
Registered Owner Signature: ______________________
(Sign in front of the notary)
Registered owner should have:
Acceptable ID for notarization
The exact spelling of the authorized person’s name (matching their ID)
Vehicle details (plate/VIN if needed)
Any required language from the tow yard/agency (if they gave it)
Confirmation of the certificate type needed: acknowledgment or jurat
If you need a notarized authorization letter so someone else can pick up your impounded vehicle, I offer mobile notarization in:
San Marino, Pasadena, San Gabriel, Arcadia, Monrovia, Alhambra, El Monte, Sierra Madre, Bradbury, and nearby cities within about 20 miles.
To schedule, message me with:
The city where the vehicle is located
The tow yard or releasing agency name
What they said they require (letter wording, ID copy, original vs scan)
Whether they need an acknowledgment or jurat
Your preferred time window
I am a notary, not an attorney. I can notarize your signature and help you avoid common formatting issues, but I can't tell you what a tow yard "must" accept. Always confirm requirements with the releasing agency/tow yard first.
As a commissioned California Notary Public, my role is limited to verifying identity, witnessing signatures, and completing the notarial certificate as required by law.