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Towing

Click Here to Enter the Towed Vehicle Search Database

The City of Milwaukee Towed Vehicle Search will return search results of vehicles towed to the City of Milwaukee Tow Lot.  If your vehicle was towed from private property or if your vehicle does not appear in the search results please call (414) 286-2700 for assistance with locating your vehicle.

Hours

Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Notices of Towing

  • For some special events and construction projects vehicles may be relocated to a nearby location. Look for signs in the area and contact the Tow Lot at 414-286-2700 to confirm vehicle location.
  • Abandoned vehicles parked in excess of 24 hours will be placarded.  A placard is an orange sticker placed on the windshield of a vehicle that serves as a towing warning.  After a vehicle is placarded, a notice is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle.  A vehicle that obtains a placard will be towed after 72 hours if the vehicle is not moved.
  • 1st Notice:  Once a vehicle is towed, a notice will be sent to the vehicle owner. If the owner does not retrieve the vehicle within 15 days from the notice, the vehicle may be recycled.
  • 2nd Notice:  A second notice is sent to the vehicle owner if the vehicle is of substantial value. If the owner does not retrieve the vehicle within 15 days of this second notice, it may be sold or recycled.

 How To Reclaim a Vehicle at the Tow Lot

  To reclaim a vehicle you must bring the following:

  • A valid driver's license (if you are driving the vehicle from the lot).  If you do not have a driver's license, you must have a valid state-issued photo ID and be accompanied by someone with a valid driver's license.
  • Proof of valid vehicle liability insurance.  A valid insurance card containing the name of the insurance carrier, insured and vehicle information (make, model, year and VIN) is required.  Uninsured vehicles are driven off the lot by City personnel, and owners are subject to a $25 relocation moving fee.
  • To retrieve a vehicle on behalf of an owner, you must have a valid driver's license and a properly notarized letter from the owner authorizing you to retrieve the vehicle.  Electronic documents may be accepted.  The notarized letter must identify the vehicle by color, make, model, VIN, license plate number, and tow number.  Storage fees still apply.  If you do not have a valid driver's license, you must have a valid state issued ID and be accompanied by someone with a valid driver's license.
  • Accumulated towing and storage fees must be paid in full before a vehicle may be released.
  • Acceptable forms of payment are:
    • cash
    • money order or cashier's check made payable for the exact amount due
    • MasterCard or Visa (credit cards must belong to the person using it)
    • PERSONAL CHECKS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Tow Fees

  • The towing fee is $150.00 (effective February 24, 2024)
  • The relocation moving fee is $25.00 for uninsured drivers
  • The outdoor vehicle storage fee is $20.00/calendar day
  • The indoor vehicle storage fee is $30.00/calendar day

Disputing Tow/Fees

  • To dispute the legality of your tow, you may obtain a review by contacting the Parking Citation Review Manager at 414-286-5085.

Private Property Parking Enforcement

Information about parking enforcement on private property

Frequently Asked Questions

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  How much does it cost to retrieve my vehicle?

Standard Tow: $150 (effective February 24, 2024)
Heavy Duty Tow: Price Varies
Uninsured Driver Fee: $25
Outdoor Vehicle Storage: $20/calendar day
Indoor Vehicle Storage: $30/calendar day

  My vehicle does not appear in the search results. What do I do now?

Call 414-286-2700 to determine if your vehicle was towed to a privately owned tow lot.

  Do I have to pay the towing and storage fees before I can pick up my vehicle?

Yes.  

  Can I pay my parking ticket(s) at the Tow Lot?

Yes or pay your parking ticket(s) online.

  Can I purchase a Night Parking Permit at the Tow Lot?

Yes or purchase your night parking permit online.

  What types of payments are accepted?

Cash/Money Orders/Cashier's Check
Visa/MasterCard/Discover

  Other than paying the towing and storage fees, what else do I need to retrieve my vehicle?

You must be the owner of record for the vehicle and have proper identification.

  What is proper identification?

A valid state-issued driver’s license or identification card, City of Milwaukee municipal ID card, military ID, or a passport. A driver’s license is required for the release of any vehicle. If the customer does not bring a driver’s license, then s/he must be accompanied by a licensed driver.

  Can I have someone else pick up my vehicle for me?

Yes.  That person must have a properly notarized letter from the registered owner stating the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the name of the person to whom the vehicle is being released. The person retrieving the vehicle must show a valid driver’s license.

Sample of Properly Notarized Letter

  How long do I have to retrieve my vehicle?

You have 15 days from the date of the tow or your vehicle may be sold or recycled.

  Can I remove personal items from my vehicle?

Yes.  However, if you remove personal items without making payment arrangements, your vehicle may be immediately sold or recycled.  Only one person per day may go to the vehicle; this may be the vehicle owner or a person authorized by the owner.

  What if my vehicle is inoperable?

The owner must arrange for a private tow to have the vehicle towed off the lot.

  What if I need a private tow?

The owner must formally release the vehicle to a specific tow company by notifying the cashier and signing the appropriate paper work.

  Are there requirements for a private tow contractor?

Yes, private tow contractors must be properly licensed, insured, and have safe, appropriate equipment.

  Can I perform work on the Tow Lot?

No, mechanical work of any kind is not allowed on the Tow Lot.

  What if I need a locksmith?

The locksmith must use a vehicle with their business name clearly displayed, possess a valid driver’s license, and provide proof of insurance.

  What if my vehicle is in evidence?

If a vehicle is in evidence, it may not be viewed, photographed, or have its contents disturbed.  Please contact the Milwaukee Police Department at (414) 935-7547.

  If there is damage to my vehicle, how do I file a complaint?

See a customer representative at the Tow Lot when retrieving your vehicle or call (414) 286-2700

City of Milwaukee Tow Lot
3811 West Lincoln Avenue
Milwaukee, WI  53215

Phone:(414) 286-2700
FAX:  (414) 286-5093

Holiday Hours:

  • New Year's Day 2024 (closed)
  • MLK Jr. Day (open 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
  • Good Friday (open 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
  • Easter (closed)
  • Memorial Day (closed)
  • Juneteenth (open 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
  • Independence Day 
    • Thursday, July 4th: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Labor Day (closed) 
  • Thanksgiving (closed)
  • Day After Thanksgiving (open 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
  • Christmas Eve (open 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
  • Christmas Day (closed)
  • New Year's Eve (open 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
  • New Year's Day 2025 (closed)
  • MLK Jr. Day 2025 (open 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
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