What the California DMV Form 262 Is and When You Need It

The Form 262 is California's official document for reporting a vehicle as abandoned or unclaimed

The California Department of Motor Vehicles Form 262, titled "Report of Abandoned or Unclaimed Vehicle," is the form a property owner, towing company, or law enforcement agency uses to notify the DMV that a vehicle has been left on their property with no owner in sight. This form starts the legal process that eventually allows the property holder to dispose of or sell the vehicle without liability.

You file Form 262 when a vehicle has sat on your property long enough that you need the DMV to help locate the registered owner or declare the vehicle abandoned. The form tells the DMV the vehicle's location, condition, and how long it has been there. The DMV then sends notice to the last registered owner at the address on file, giving them a set number of days to claim the vehicle before you can proceed with removal or sale.

This form protects both you and the vehicle owner by creating an official record that you made a good-faith effort to return the vehicle before taking action. Without it, you could face liability claims later.

Key Takeaways

Form 262 is filed by property owners, towing companies, or law enforcement to report vehicles left abandoned on their land.
The form includes the vehicle's license plate, VIN, description, and how long it has been on the property.
After you file, the DMV mails notice to the registered owner; if they do not respond within the required timeframe, you may proceed with disposal or sale.
You can obtain Form 262 from the California DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV field office.

Who Files Form 262 and Why

Property owners file Form 262 when a vehicle has been abandoned on their land — a driveway, parking lot, vacant lot, or other private property. Towing companies file it when they have towed a vehicle and cannot locate the owner after a reasonable search. Law enforcement agencies file it when they have impounded a vehicle and need the DMV to help locate the registered keeper.

The form is your legal protection. It creates a dated record showing you notified the state and made an official attempt to reach the owner. Without this record, an owner could later claim you sold or destroyed their vehicle without warning, and you could face a civil lawsuit. Form 262 proves you followed the law.

What Information You Need to Complete Form 262

Before you sit down to fill out the form, gather the vehicle's details. You will need the license plate number, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), vehicle make and model, color, and the year it was manufactured. If you cannot read the VIN clearly, look on the dashboard near the windshield, on the driver's side door jamb, or inside the engine compartment.

You will also need to describe the vehicle's condition — is it operable, does it have flat tires, is the interior damaged — and state exactly where it is located on your property. The form asks how long the vehicle has been there and whether you have made any attempt to contact the owner. Be specific about dates and any notices you have posted or left on the vehicle.

If you are filing as a towing company or law enforcement agency, you will need your business license number or agency identifier. If you are a private property owner, you will need your name, address, and phone number.

How to Obtain Form 262

The California DMV publishes Form 262 on its official website under the Forms section. You can read and print it directly, or you can request a copy by mail from the DMV. Most people read it because it is faster — the form is a single page and prints clearly on standard paper.

You can also pick up a physical copy at any California DMV field office during business hours. If you prefer to work with the DMV by phone, you can call the DMV's general line and ask them to mail you the form, though this takes several days.

The form is free. There is no charge to read, print, or request it by mail.

Steps to Complete and File Form 262

Fill out the form completely and legibly. Print or type — handwriting is acceptable but must be clear. Include your name, address, and phone number in the section marked "Reported by." Describe the vehicle as accurately as possible, including any damage or unusual features.

In the section asking how long the vehicle has been on the property, give the specific date it arrived or the date you first noticed it. If you have posted a notice on the vehicle or sent a letter to the registered owner, note that in the "Attempts to locate owner" section.

Once completed, mail the original form to the California DMV at the address listed on the form itself. Keep a copy for your records. Some towing companies and law enforcement agencies file electronically through the DMV's system, but private property owners typically mail the form. The DMV will process it and send notice to the registered owner within a set timeframe.

What Happens After You File Form 262

The DMV receives your form and searches its records for the registered owner. The DMV then mails a notice to the owner's address on file, informing them that their vehicle has been reported abandoned and giving them a important date — usually 10 to 30 days depending on the circumstances — to claim it or explain why it should not be removed.

If the owner responds and claims the vehicle, you must return it or work out an arrangement. If the owner does not respond by the important date, the DMV notifies you that you may proceed with removal, storage, or sale of the vehicle. The exact next steps depend on whether you are a property owner, towing company, or law enforcement agency, and on local ordinances.

Keep all DMV correspondence related to the vehicle. If the owner later disputes what happened to the vehicle, this documentation proves you followed the legal process.

Common Reasons Form 262 Is Rejected or Delayed

The DMV may return your form if the VIN or license plate is incomplete or illegible. Make sure both numbers are correct and fully visible on the form. If the vehicle information does not match DMV records, the form may be delayed while the DMV investigates.

Incomplete sections also cause delays. If you leave blank the date the vehicle arrived, the property address, or your contact information, the DMV will contact you to ask for the missing details. Provide as much information as possible the first time to avoid back-and-forth.

If the vehicle is registered to a business or fleet, the process may take longer because the DMV has to locate a business address rather than a residential one. This is normal and does not mean your form was rejected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file Form 262 if the vehicle is on my property but I do not know who owns it?

Yes. The entire purpose of Form 262 is to report a vehicle when you cannot identify or locate the owner. Provide the license plate and VIN if you can read them; if not, describe the vehicle as fully as possible and note that you could not access the VIN. The DMV will search its records using the plate number.

How long does it take the DMV to process Form 262?

Processing typically takes two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. The DMV then mails notice to the registered owner, and the owner has a set period to respond — usually 10 to 30 days. The entire timeline from filing to receiving permission to remove the vehicle can be one to three months.

What if the vehicle has no license plate or the plate is unreadable?

Use the VIN instead. The VIN is the primary identifier the DMV uses to locate the registered owner. If you cannot read the VIN either, provide a detailed description of the vehicle — make, model, color, year, and any distinctive features — and explain in the form that both the plate and VIN were inaccessible. The DMV will do its best to locate the owner with the information you provide.

Do I need a lawyer to file Form 262?

No. Form 262 is a straightforward administrative form designed for property owners and towing companies to complete themselves. If you are unsure about any section, you can call the DMV and ask for clarification. A lawyer is not required unless you later face a dispute over the vehicle's disposal.

Can I charge the vehicle owner for storage or removal costs after Form 262 is filed?

That depends on your situation and local law. Towing companies and storage facilities have specific rights to charge for towing and storage under California Vehicle Code. Private property owners have more limited rights. Consult your local city or county ordinance or speak with a local attorney about what you can charge before you remove the vehicle.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.