State guide
Virginia
Virginia DMV runs an online Abandoned Vehicle Process (AVP) for people in possession of an abandoned vehicle, trailer, or manufactured home. Virginia’s core state-law threshold is 48 hours on public property in violation of law or ordinance, 48 hours on private property without consent, or any unattended vehicle on the shoulder of a primary highway.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
Try a ZIP like 30303, “Travis County” or “Columbus, OH”
- When a vehicle counts as abandoned
- Virginia law defines an abandoned motor vehicle as one weighing at least 75 pounds that is left unattended on public property more than 48 hours in violation of law or ordinance, remains on private property more than 48 hours without consent, or is left unattended on the shoulder of a primary highway.
- Removing one from private property
- A private property owner or other person in possession may use DMV’s online AVP once the vehicle has remained on private property more than 48 hours without consent.
- Getting title to an abandoned vehicle
- Virginia’s title path is through AVP: the possessor initiates a DMV record request and notice process, may post intent to auction if unclaimed, and then applies for title with VSA 17A or 17B, VSA 40, the AVP receipt, proof of address, and fees.
- State agency
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Official forms or instructions
- Official page →
Official resources in Virginia
Virginia DMV - Abandoned Vehicles / Mechanic's & Storage Lien Vehicles
DMV’s main service page for abandoned vehicle transactions and the online AVP entry point.
Virginia DMV - Abandoned Vehicle Frequently Asked Questions
DMV FAQ covering when a vehicle is abandoned, who may use AVP, required notices, auction timing, and titling documents.
Code of Virginia - § 46.2-1200
Official statute page defining abandoned motor vehicles in Virginia.
Code of Virginia - § 46.2-1202
Official statute page requiring the possessor to initiate a DMV search for the owner and lienholder.
Vehicle Removal Certificate (VSA 40)
DMV form and instructions used after compliance with Virginia’s abandoned vehicle law.
Key facts for Virginia
- Virginia defines an abandoned motor vehicle as one left on public property more than 48 hours in violation of law or ordinance.
- A vehicle also qualifies if it remains more than 48 hours on private property without the property owner’s consent.
- Any person in possession of an abandoned vehicle must initiate a DMV search for the owner and secured party.
- If DMV finds a Virginia owner or lienholder, DMV sends a certified letter advising them to remove the vehicle.
- Owners notified through AVP generally have 15 days to reclaim a vehicle; if unclaimed, it may be auctioned, re-titled, or demolished after an additional 21 days.
- To title the vehicle for yourself after AVP, DMV says to submit VSA 17A or 17B, VSA 40, the AVP receipt, proof of address, and required fees.
City abandoned-vehicle reporting in Virginia
| City | city | phone | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach Police Department - Filing & Requesting Police Reports Virginia Beach | Virginia Beach | 757-385-4141 | City page says to report abandoned vehicles on public property to the non-emergency line and inoperable vehicles on private property to Housing Code Enforcement. |
| VB311 Neighborhood Conditions - Abandoned Vehicles Virginia Beach | Virginia Beach | 757-385-3111 | VB311 page routes abandoned vehicles on private property through neighborhood conditions and says street reports should call 757-385-5000. |
| City of Norfolk Towing & Recovery Norfolk | Norfolk | (757) 664-6510 | Norfolk says nuisance or abandoned vehicles on the street can be reported through MyNorfolk, the app, or Norfolk Cares. |
| Chesapeake Police - Citizen's Online Reporting Chesapeake | Chesapeake | 757-382-6161 | Chesapeake’s online police reporting system includes Abandoned Vehicle among incidents residents may report online. |
| Arlington County - Request Service / Report a Problem Arlington | Not published* | Not published* | County reporting hub lists Abandoned Vehicles/Parking Enforcement and Towing as service categories. |
| RVA311 Contact / Service Request Richmond | Richmond | Not published* | Richmond’s contact page directs residents to RVA311 to enter service requests for city review and remedy. |
* Not published: the official page doesn't list it. Call the office to confirm before you rely on it.
What to do next
- Start with DMV’s online AVP if the vehicle meets the abandonment definition and is in your possession; Virginia says the process begins with a DMV record request.
- Keep the VIN, exact location, dates, and copies of notices; you will need that information for the AVP and title paperwork.
- If your goal is title in your own name, do not stop after notice; Virginia DMV says you must apply for title within 30 days after successfully completing AVP.
Not seeing your city or county?
Not every city publishes its rules online. Try these, in order:
- General Start with the statewide information above.
- Closest verified Nearest places where we have verified local data outside this state (distance from Virginia's population center, for comparison only):
- PEMA Customer Service Department, District of Columbia · about 84 miles
- 311 - Abandoned/Dangerous Vehicle on Private Property, District of Columbia · about 84 miles
- 311 - Abandoned/Dangerous Vehicle on Public Property, District of Columbia · about 84 miles
- Call to confirm Ask the official office.Virginia DMV - Abandoned Vehicle Frequently Asked Questions
Website →Phone: (804) 497-7100 (as listed on that page, checked Oct 4, 2026)Your city or county office: Local governments →Not sure who handles it locally? USAGov's free help line, 1-844-872-4681, or the Virginia page on USA.gov can point you to the right office. - Know the current info? Tell us with a link to the official page.