How to find your towed car in the Twin Cities

Updated June 2026·Step-by-step

Do this first

Call the police non-emergency line for the city where you parked — towed vehicles are logged with that department, and they'll tell you which impound lot or towing company has it. Then bring a photo ID, proof of ownership and payment to release it, and claim it fast because storage is charged per day.

Step by step

  1. Confirm it was towed, not stolen

    Look for no-parking or private-property tow signs and any city tow notice. If your car vanished from a public street with no signage, file a stolen-vehicle report with police as well.

  2. Call the local police non-emergency line

    Vehicles are logged with the police department of the city they were towed from. Call Roseville, Maplewood, Minneapolis, St. Paul or the relevant suburb's non-emergency number with your plate and the location. They'll point you to the lot or company holding it.

  3. Contact the impound lot or towing company

    Confirm the address, hours, total release amount and accepted payment. Minneapolis and St. Paul run their own impound lots; north-metro suburbs typically use a contracted licensed towing company.

  4. Gather what you need

    Bring a valid photo ID, proof of ownership (registration or title) and payment. If the car isn't registered to you, expect to show written authorization from the owner.

  5. Claim it quickly

    Storage accrues daily. Even if you intend to dispute the tow, release the vehicle first and pursue the dispute afterward — letting it sit only grows the bill.

North-metro impound, in plain terms

There's no single Twin Cities impound — it's city by city. A car towed off a Roseville street is logged with Roseville police; one towed from a private Maplewood lot is held by that lot's contracted towing operator. That's why the police non-emergency line is always the fastest first call: they have the tow record even when a private company did the work.

Avoiding the fees

Towing plus a few days of storage adds up quickly — see the Minnesota towing cost guide for typical figures, and the towing laws guide for your rights on notice and charges.

Need a tow to a shop instead of an impound?

If your car is disabled but not yet towed, we'll take it to the repair shop of your choice across the north metro. Tell dispatch where you are.

Call (651) 465-8009

Frequently asked questions

Who do I call to find my towed car?

The police non-emergency line for the city you parked in — they hold the tow record and will name the lot or company.

What do I need to get it back?

A photo ID, proof of ownership, and payment for the towing and storage fees.

How do I keep the bill down?

Claim it as fast as possible — storage is charged per day. Dispute afterward if needed.

About this guide

Based on how Twin Cities municipalities and licensed towing operators log and release impounded vehicles, and Minnesota's impound notice rules under Statute 168B. General information — confirm specifics with the police department for the city you parked in.

Call now · 24/7 dispatch (651) 465-8009